Ever get back from a trip feeling more sluggish and tired than when you left? Or have you felt like your stomach and sleep are both totally out of whack during and after a trip? I know I have! And I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way!!
After lots of work and personal travel, I decided I am done letting a trip completely throw off my routine and how I feel in my body! Below are my travel non-negotiables to avoid all the out-of-routine, “bleh” feelings. Try them out next time you’re on a trip. I promise you you’ll feel 1000% better!
1. Move your body in the morning
This is a daily non-negotiable for me, and that doesn’t change during travel! If anything, I find movement even more important while traveling to help keep my body in a routine that feels good. I often feel sluggish and inflamed from long travel days, so movement helps combat those side effects!
2. Pack healthy snacks
If you know me, you know I don’t go anywhere without snacks! You can’t always guarantee fresh, nourishing options will be available in the airport or on the road, so pack your own delish snacks that will fuel you best and keep your stomach happy.
3. Bring a large water bottle
& refill, refill, refill! Hydration is KEY in feeling good while traveling. Nothing worse than dehydration on a work trip or fun vacation! Plus – bringing your own water bottle will save you money (why is airport water basically equivalent to the price of gold?!) and reduces single-use plastic!
4. Opt for tea over coffee
If you’re an anxious traveler, or if you have a sensitive stomach, coffee on a travel day is not your friend. Trust me, I know that hot coffee before an early morning flight or an afternoon iced coffee pick me up sounds like a good idea when your sleep is off schedule from traveling, but think about how it will make you feel throughout your day. I love coffee, don’t get me wrong, but I find more calm and consistent energy from a matcha latte or herbal tea while traveling.
5. Dress in layers
This one is particularly helpful when traveling via public transit. I am often cold and like to feel cozy on a flight, but nothing irritates me more than being too hot in what can sometimes be a stressful environment. By dressing in layers, I feel prepared for whatever climate the pilot chooses – arctic tundra or sauna.
6. Wear compression socks
Okay I know this seriously sounds like I’m 1000 years old, but your feet and ankles swell on long travel days – particularly when you climb elevation in a plane or are seated for hours on end in the car or on a train. By wearing compression socks, you keep the blood circulating and keep inflammation down. You don’t have to wear knee high socks – even just ankle compression socks can make a difference! I like the Comrad brand!
7. Skincare routine applies when traveling
I’m embarrassed to say it took me wayyy too many years to take skin care seriously. I have a fairly minimal routine, but I at least have a routine! Baby steps, right? I find my skin is more prone to irritation and dryness when flying, so I always have a mini-hand lotion in my bag. I also take my face wash, makeup remover & face oils while traveling. I loveee Cocokind’s brand and products. I use the following products weekly!
- AHA Jelly Cleanser
- Organic Facial Cleansing Oil
- Revitalizing Eye Cream
- Organic Chia Face Oil
- Turmeric Tonic
Travel shouldn’t feel rigid when you’re trying to enjoy vacation or a work trip, but your lifestyle shouldn’t be flipped upside down by it either! What are some of your travel non-negotiables? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan!
