Summer travel – what’s in my suitcase?
This year it is all a bit different. With Covid-19 still around it is all quite unpredictable. As uncomfortable as it is, we need to realise that this situation is largely beyond our control.
Will we be able to travel to our destination? Will we be able to come back safely home without the need of quarantine? How safe is it to travel in the first place in these circumstances?
We are all asking ourselves the same questions.
Truth to be told, the answer may differ depending on your personal situation and risk tolerance threshold. It is all very uncertain... But, hopefully, if this is important for you, some travel will go ahead.
This is the case for myself – fingers crossed – after other travel plans got cancelled.
So, this got me thinking – what are some of the things health/wellness-wise I always pack with me. So, here it goes – my highly subjective list of summer travel essentials in the era of Covid-19. You may also read my previous blog on travel non-negotiables.
First off, these are the things I carry with (in a hand luggage) me during the travel itself:
Large, light scarf – this helps for example with particularly strong air conditioning but can also double as a pillow, blanket, etc. When I arrive at the location, this is also very handy to have for some cooler nights.
Essential oils to reduce tension headaches, motion sickness, and to relax:
Peppermint - you can use to combat nausea, sea sickness or motion sickness. Applied topically, helps to fight headache. It can also increase mood and energy.
Mandarin for lowering stress, alleviating nausea uplifting your mood.
Disinfectant spray or wipes – to clean the surfaces near my seat (i.e. table if using) – even more important these days.
Large bottle of water – I like to use a stainless steel one that is also the cold/hot thermos. I refill it just before the flight and use a stick of charcoal inside the bottle to filter it.
And these days – of course a good quality face mask – you should use one that withstands the candle test – with the mask on, try to blow out the candle – if you succeed, the mask is no good.
And now, a list of few essential items that I pack in my suitcase to have on hand when I arrive.
In any case, depending on where you travel to, I would highly recommend stocking up on some healthy essentials when you arrive. This may include some healthy snacks (fruit, nuts, nut butters, protein bars, etc.), oats and chia seeds in case breakfast is not provided (you can easily mix it with a milk of your choice or yoghurt for a healthy breakfast), suntan lotions and other larger size cosmetics you may need, etc.
However, what I do bring with me, at least to get me through the first few days before I can stock up are:
Herbal teas (something to calm the stomach, sleepy tea)
1 -2 lemons – for my morning elixir where I drink it with warm water
Yoga mat or at least packable yoga towel for my morning/evening stretches
Essential oils (on top of the ones recommended above, I bring:
Lavender (it is good for just about anything, from soothing skin after sun exposure, to sleep and relaxation, first aid on minor cuts and bruises, bug repellent)
Teatree (bug bites or infections from scrapes or cuts; great remedy for acne, pimples and blackheads; also supports a healthy immune system)
Supplements – I generally take a break for 2 weeks or so from the supplements I am taking and vacation seems like a good opportunity to do that. However, I always pack magnesium citrate for occasional constipation (take at night before going to bed). I also bring some electrolytes to dissolve in water if travelling to hot places where one sweats a lot (it also helps the morning after if you had a few drinks). Another favourite is the activated charcoal for food or alcohol poisoning. Depending on your gut health, it may also be a good idea to pack some probiotics – in fact, I would recommend taking it a week or so before you travel. Same goes for immunity strengthening supplements – Vitamin C, zinc, and Vitamin D (see my blog post for more details).
Before you travel, and especially these days of Covid pandemic, it is a good idea to work on strengthening your immunity. My top recommendations apart from taking supplements as described above would be to get plenty of sleep and to eliminate sugar and white starches from your diet. You want to make sure that your immunity is in a tip top shape to fight off any potential bacteria and viruses that you will surely encounter.
And with that, safe travels!
I would be curious to know what are some of your travel essentials. Do share in comments or on my social media (FB, Instagram).
Hello! I am Magda and I work with people that are ready to transform their health and wellbeing. What are your health goals that you have not been able to reach? Read more about me and my services.
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