If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, you know I just wrapped up a (very busy, very crazy!) trip to my hometown of New York.
It was one.wild.trip. Full of family fun, desksides, meetings, scooting from NYC (work/events) to Long Island (family) each and every day. I also squeezed in a feature on the news, a trip to Martha Stewart Weddings to plan my wedding, and introducing T to my family (FINALLY!! And yes, my man asked me to marry him before he met my family. Talk about special.)
I almost forgot how much each of us NEEDS to have certain “stuff” with us whenever we leave home. Not long ago, I was packing and unpacking my suitcase every 3 weeks. The (sometimes brutal) flight across the country from Cali to NY has forced me to create a routine that works so I’m not stranded, starving or in pain – places I’ve found myself without preparation before. Over the years, I’ve learned to pack really smart and really, really healthy. No settling for Doritos or peanuts on the plane for me! I’ve got a book in my lap, my kale salad with flax seeds tucked under the seat in front of me, noise canceling headphones strapped to my dome, meditation tracks rocking on full blast and I’ll be sipping my alkaline water with a satisfied grin. Give me any cranky baby to sit next to and I’ll manage to figure it out. For real.
After all my trials and errors, there are definitely a few “MUSTS” that I know everyone could benefit from when they travel!
-Before you do anything, pop some Vitamin C to ward off all the germie mcgermensteins you’re about to encounter. Supplements are a no-brainer for me, but I know that they’re sooo easy to forget! Trust me. I’ve been there. They sit in your pantry and completely slip your mind when you’re buried in bras, socks and beauty products to sort through. I have DEFINITELY forgotten to bring them with me in the past with MAJOR regrets. Just a few days of forgetting some of my supplements (like DIM, GABA, St. Johns Wort, Probiotics + Activated Charcoal) and I am totally screwed and back to square one with my health! Not necessary! Supplements are easy to pack – keep your favorites for the day in a zip lock bag and stash it in your purse if your flight is early. Then pack your supplement bottles in your suitcase or carry on! Voila! Life saved!
-Water and lip balm are a MUST. Airplanes & airports are SO dehydrating! Flying may be a quick and convenient method of getting around, but it does have some drawbacks. Some of the common health problems that affect airplane passengers are often the result of a lack of humidity in the cabin air, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. Lip balm is a great way to protect your lips from chapping and your skin from suffering. I use Waxelene on my face, lips and I even put some inside my nose to protect from germs. It works wonders. I normally bring the 2 oz jar with me since it’s under the TSA 3 oz limit!
PRO TIP: It’s easy to stay hydrated, too. TSA will take your plastic water bottle. Pack a durable water bottle with you and keep it empty. When you get through security, find the nearest restaurant and ask them to fill you up with water. You can even ask them to add lemon, cucumbers or herbs! BAM – you’re alkalized!
-A good book and a new notebook are essential to a stress-free experience. There is nothing like getting lost in a good story if you’re stressed, anxious, waiting or bored (which happens a LOT during travel.) I love starting new books and to begin writing in new notebooks during my trips. 10,000 feet in the air is a great time to have a fresh start. On this particular adventure to NY, I brought my copy of The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh and I got this adorable Thoughtfully Magazine collab notebook in my gift bag from The Well Summit, which was awesome to have on the flight home. I am working on Book #2 so I’m writing down ideas cooonstantly. Writing and reading is so therapeutic during travel, which can be a very inspiring time.
-You know what I wish I’d figured out sooner? That you need to use SPF on an airplane more than you need it at the beach. Or basically any other time in your life. Why? Well, in an airplane, you’re ABOVE the cloud. SPF is an absolute must to wear when you fly because of the UV radiation caused by elevation. Airplane windows don’t filter out the sun’s rays! Don’t compromise your window seat view – just protect yourself. I add Josh Rosebrook’s Tinted Nutrient Day Cream (with SPF 30) to my face, neck and décolleté about every 1-3 hours, depending on the trip. On top of protecting your skin, you’ll barely need any other makeup to look dewey and awake!
-If you want to keep yourself fresh on your trip, pack yourself some healthy deodorant! Even if you’re not prone to wearing deodorant, this is the ONE time you’re going to want to give in. Between the time you get to the airport and the time you get to your destination (or your hotel room) the temperature will have changed roughly 3963069030 times. ESPECIALLY if you’re going on a vacation, this is practically a given. Agent Nateur is the healthiest choice in this arena – it was also my pick when I judged The Glamour Beauty Awards last month. And it really, really works!
-One of my huge must-have’s is a travel size body oil and an organic, 100% natural face oil. I knew that NY was going to be windy and I knew the airplane ride was going to be dehydrating. So I packed my powerhouses! Vered’s AMAZING, award winning anti-aging face oil was one of the first oils I ever purchased when I switched to green beauty, and it’s been a staple in my beauty cabinet ever since! Full of omega fatty acids that keep skin super hydrated during travel. It is highly nourishing for normal, dehydrated, mature or dull skin. Laurel’s intoxicating California Body Oil is calming, de-stressing, and features organic Avocado, Rosehip Seed, and Tamanu for their rich texture, rich vitamin and mineral content, and healing nature. I use this delectable oil as a mood booster and relaxation therapy every hour or so along my way.
-Not only do I carry my own food and water with me when I travel, I also take my own tea bags. Just ask for hot water and honey or lemon on the plane and you have yourself the exact remedy you want – whether you’re trying to relax, to ward off a cold, to stay awake or get work done, there’s a tea for you! Easy, simple and so good for you!
-I keep a crystal with me at all times to balance my energy. You encounter SO many people, so many energies when you travel that it’s difficult for us to stay grounded without picking up on those energies and carrying them with us. Crystals are a great way to stay grounded. This trip I brought a small citrine gemstone and shungite stone with me, which brings light and happiness and protects against negative energy. This practice might seem a little woo-woo, but I swear by it.
-Last but not least, I dab a bit of organic highlighter on the corner of my eyes and on my cheekbones before I head out of the house. This can last you all day and make you look wide awake. You’ll instantly look rested, young and ready to take on your day, even if you’re struggling to keep your eyes open.
