Travel can be stressful, especially around the holidays. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train or automobile, there are bound to be some detours, delays and stress-inducing dilemmas.
This morning, I woke up at 4am and battled airport traffic, a check-in line that ran the length of the entire terminal, and a plane jam packed with screaming kids, barking dogs (I sat in front of two very opinionated Chihauhuas), and coughing that sounded contagious. Luckily, I came prepared with all the tools that I’ve found keep me healthy and sane while traveling.
Here’s what’s in my travel kit:
Hand Sanitizer - To me, airplanes are like petri dishes: the perfect, contained environment for germs to thrive in. You never know who sneezed on your seatbelt or wiped their H1N1 all over that door handle, so I always keep a natural hand sanitizer on me while traveling. My favorite brands are EO (they make a lovely, lavender-scented spray, as well as hand wipes) and The Honest Company, which makes a sanitizing spray that smells like creamsicles. Trust me, no one will complain if you spray down your tray table or seat with one of these.
Immune Enhancing Elixirs – Today, I brought a homemade Elderberry Ginger Tincture, since Elderberry is a powerful herb that boosts the immune system and can help ward off colds or flu. Oil of Oregano is my other favorite companion on trips. All it takes is a few drops to give your immune system a mega boost and kill off any germs your body is trying to fight.
Tummy-Taming Teas – I always carry a few packets of ginger or peppermint tea with me, in case I need to soothe a nervous tummy or settle a case of nausea or indigestion.
Green Superfood Supplements – I’m addicted to Amazing Grass’ powerful line of supplements, which are jam-packed with nourishing ingredients like spirulina, spinach and wheatgrass, as well as probiotics. At home, I always start my day with a scoop (my favorite is the Detox & Digest blend), which keeps my digestive system healthy and balanced, and when I’m traveling, I like to bring small packets with me that I can mix in a water bottle.
Essential Oils – I always take a bottle or two of my favorite essential oils with me. Luckily, they are small enough to make it through security. When I’m feeling stressed or in need of a dose of calm, I rub a few drops between my palms and inhale the soothing scent. The people next to me almost always ask for some too. My current obsession is the Indulge blend by Aura Cacia, which has the soothing properties of lavender and vanilla, as well as the grounding properties of bergamot and cedar. Other favorite scents to travel with include Lavender, Rose, and Peppermint. Just make sure that you don’t rub them into your eyes or ears or ingest them.
Nourishing Noshes – I always pack some healthy snacks to take on the plane, like fresh fruit, trail mix, or veggies and hummus (keep in mind that hummus is considered a liquid, so make sure to keep it under 4 ounces so you can make it through security). Since I was eating breakfast on the plane today, I also packed a healthy oatmeal cup (this one, by Vigilant Eats, contains cacao, which is loaded with antioxidants, and maca, which is an adaptogen that energizes the body and supports the nervous system). All I had to do was add hot water and stir.
Wishing you safe and healthy travels!!