After many years of domestic and international travel I have established a list of essential travel items to make sure:

A - the bowels remain clean and unclogged. Constipation is a huge problem when travelling. Learn why in How To Avoid Planet No Poop When Traveling;

B - my skin retains its freshness and vibrancy and;

C - my energy levels are top notch so that I am open and receptive to new activities and every experience.

Put simply I want to feel great while I am away with little or no disruption to digestive function, energy levels and mood.

 

My Tried and Trusted Travel Formula (TTTF)

BetterMe tea - helps to keep my bowel movements regular while away. I pack a tea infuser  or better still my BPA free travel friendly tea flask and buy lemon at my destination. I simply pop around two tablespoons of BetterMe tea into a small resealable sandwich bag for the plane and ask for boiling water and a cup. Most airlines accommodate this request. The remainder of BetterMe tea lives in my suitcase until I arrive, and enjoyed every night after dinner.

 

WOTNOT biodegradable wipes – I pack a handful of WOTNOT wipes into a small sandwich bag for the plane and use it for a quick arm pit, hands and private bits wipe. It’s an easy way to feel fresher and cleaner instantly. I pack the remainder in my main suitcase and use this as needed, when hiking, post ocean swim or partaking in other outdoor activities.

 

Replenishing day and night face cream by Ecology - I take the small size (35ml) with me when I travel. A small amount of this cream goes a long way and saves space . It goes straight in my carry on and then it lives in my toiletries bag when I arrive. There are 3 types to choose from depending on your skin type. I use replenishing because it is great for sensitive skin. You may want to use Rejuvenating day and night cream if you tend toward dry and damaged skin, Revitalising day and night cream for all skin types or Soothing Baby Moisturising Cream with Sunflower & Calendula if your skin reacts easily. I have found the smaller size to be sufficient, even for trips up to 5 weeks. 

 

Face cream update - if you haven't noticed I am a ginormous fan of the Ecology range of natural skincare. Lately I've become a devoted fan of their Pete Evans Daily Moisturiser with Ylang Ylang & Lime . Mostly for how youthful, smooth and healthy it makes my skin look and feel but truth be known I simply love the scent. I love catching wafts of the delicious essential oils during the day. This cream is special and has my highest recommendation.

Eco Logical face suncream 30+ - I like to protect the skin on my face from sun damage with a natural, non greasy sunscreen. This cream is by far the best that I have found. I like to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities while away so having quality sunscreen that protects my skin from the earth’s, sometimes harsh elements is a must. Besides if I can avoid premature ageing due to sun damage then It’s a non negotiable.

 

Microfibre Baby Wash Cloths  - You can easily and effectively remove all your makeup and cleanse your face with a damp Microfibre Cloth while on the plane. They gently remove makeup, eyeliner and even mascara without having to use soap, make-up removers, oils or cleansers. Just add water to cleanse. It’s lightweight, portable and dries fast. I take one on the plane with me to gently cleanse the face from the day and plane grime. I also find these cloths valuable when staying in hotels. I like using my own cloths so that my skin does not react to any cleaning agents that have been used on those found in many hotels. I also decant a small amount of chemical free cleanser - Mukti Hydrating Cleansing Lotion and keep this in my toiletries bag to gently cleanse the face, morning and night.

 

The Natural Deodorant Sensitive Formula- I have tried many natural deodorants, only to be disappointed with its coverage, smell and reaction to my skin.  After a solid month of using the Natural Deodorant Sensitive Formula I can honestly say that it's by far my favourite. It does not irritate the skin and has a neutral scent. I love wiping the underarms with a WOTNOT wipe then reapply with this natural deodorant so that I feel a little fresher. 

 

Deodorant update Aug 2017 - I have recently stumbled across an even better natural deodorant formula which has amazing coverage and a delicious scent. It is none other than Schmidt's Sensitive Skin Formula - Geranium (Also available in a tea tree scent or fragrance free)

 

 

Mega Magnesium (Magnesium bisglycinate) by Ethical Nutrients - I pack a few scoops into a small sandwich bag for my flight and pack the remaining container in my luggage. Magnesium helps to support sleep, daily bowel movements, reduce stress and helps reduce any muscle cramping or tension that may occur when seated for extended periods of time on the plane or when partaking in any strenuous activity.

 

180 Natural Protein Superfood - Starter Packs (Vegan) - or buy the larger size and decant into medium sized sandwich bags. This blend of natural pea protein, nuts, seeds and superfoods provide fibre, antioxidants, protein and magnesium which help maintain bowel regularity. It is also a great substitute for plane food. Simply add water for a quick meal replacement in a pinch.

 

Greens plus by 180 Nutrition - If I am away for more than a week I often bring a few doses of Greens plus in a sandwich bag. Greens Plus powder is a combination of vegetables, leafy greens, algae, superfoods and antioxidant rich berries. It supports the immune system, provides energy and gently cleanses the body. Travel is often laced with increased alcohol consumption, take away food and sometimes we fall victim to bacteria from the food and water we consume which may lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Greens plus helps remove toxins and replenish our energy and immune stores. For more on why I love Greens read Should You Bother With Greens Powders?

 

Instead of packing a bulky perfume I like to travel with my 10ml essential oil blend. I use the brand doTERRA and the blend I currently gravitate toward is Clary Calm. It is a mixture of cooling, soothing and calming herbs which help balance the emotions and soothe irritated, hot skin. It is typically used around menstruation but I use this blend most days because I enjoy the herbaceous, natural scent and who doesn’t want to accentuate more calm?

 

Suvana certified organic paw paw and honey lip balm - A 100% natural, moisturising and shiny lip gloss that helps prevent cracked lips from air conditioning and change in climate. You can also use this multipurpose balm for minor scratches, cuts, heels and cuticles.

 

Paw Paw Ointment update - I am in love with the new Suvana Vegan Certified Organic Lip Balm + Coconut. The smell is so divine and yes the coverage is spot on.

Grants fluoride free toothpaste - I always bring natural, fluoride free toothpaste to remove the day’s food remnants. I never like to sleep without brushing the chompers. Carry on size restrictions means I always grab a travel size. Grants of Australia does toothpaste travel sachets. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight toothbrush too.

 

Fresh pair of undies for your carry on - I often pack an extra pair just in case my luggage gets lost or delayed. There is nothing like freshening up with WOTNOT wipes and a slipping into a fresh pair of undies when waiting patiently for your creature comforts to arrive.

 

Now over to you, do you have an item I've not mentioned here that you simply do not travel without?

 

You may also like 5 Steps To Beautiful Skin Without The Nasty Chemicals