It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that’s enlightenment enough – to know that there is no final resting place of the mind, no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am… how far I have yet to go.
Anthony Bourdain
In light of the fact that I have scheduled this newsletter via cyberspace to send while I am eating and exploring and beaching in Portugal, and per last newsletter’s insight on eating out and eating well, I have put together a few of my essential travel goods I rarely leave home without.
Like learning to prep meals, figuring out how to practice compassion, or simply studying how to navigate the life we want to live, I have a lightly fluctuating list of foods, herbs and other goodies that have become no-brainers whenever I excitedly arrange my travel bags.
There is a fine line between being over and under prepared, alongside managing the anxiety or complete obliviousness that might follow suit, and so I tend to pack items that may go unused but that I know would come in handy if they were needed [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][à la first aid kits, mini sewing kits, etc.].
There is also something to be said about booking a trip, packing up without over thinking it, and seeing where the wind blows you. The planner in me loves to have an idea of what to expect and research where to eat [especially because I know what I like and I want to eat well], but I also get a huge rush out of the spontaneousness of travel. It is such a tremendous joy to meet new people, experience an unfamiliar culture, ask about favorite foods and sights, and be open to the whole experience.
If that experience leads to undesirable circumstances like gut discomfort, merciless jet lag, unwelcome bug bites, or unintended sunburn, however, this is why I pack what I pack. Although many of these items can be found at the destination, I place them neatly in my bag and often find them useful at some point during my trip.
Below are a few of my favorite necessities for mind, body and planet when packing for domestic and international adventures, whether it’s a weekend getaway, day at the beach, or worldly vacay. Get the goods on Thrive Market, Amazon or your local health food store.
Mind
- Essential oil – get creative by mixing a few drops with filtered water in a travel size spray bottle to spray on airplane or car seats. Lavender is calming, orange is boosting, peppermint is cooling.
- Books – I just devoured Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection and ripped through Tina Fey’s Bossypants in Greece last year. I keep it light in between my yoga and mindfulness reads.
- Meditation app – I use Insight Timer and have friends who love Headspace for guided sessions.
- Magnesium – I take Natural Calm; it aids in digestion and calms nerves to help sleep. Win win.
Body
- Argan or coconut oil – flying or trips to windy mountains and beaches can be dehydrating for the skin. These are my favorites because I use them for face, body and hair. Rub a bit in your nostrils to avoid dry sinuses on flights or in higher altitudes. Coconut oil helps relieve sunburns to boot.
- Sunscreen – organic, please and thank you. I use Juice Beauty and Goddess Garden.
- Bug repellant – I bring an organic balm from Badger and have found it decently effective.
- Tea – my travel companions are peppermint, licorice and camomile. All soothing for digestion and anxiety, all delicious. If you like sugar in tea or coffee, add 1 drop of liquid stevia.
- Activated charcoal – another great digestive support to help clean out toxins.
- Ashwagandha or oil of oregano – reduces inflammation and regulates the immune system.
- Brown rice crackers – my all-time favorite is Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed; they are tasty and filled with ingredients I know and appreciate [i.e. what I would use at home].
- Nut butter protein balls – if you have time to make a quick and energizing snack to pack, check out this recipe by my girl Marisa of Fitness + Foolishness [more to come at our October retreat].
- Treats – although I love to make my own chocolate, I never leave for a trip without my beloved 100% cacao bars from Antidote, The Grenada Chocolate Company, Eating Evolved, or anything from Rawmio [keep reading for my discount code]. Click here for my other go-to sweet eats free of disruptive processed sugars.
- Healthy snack bars or granola – make your own, or consider clean products like Sakara snacks, GoMacro bars and Purely Elizabeth.
- Dried fruit – a satiating pick me up. I love dates, mulberries and dried figs, or fruits like dried mango if headed to a tropical paradise [like February’s Costa Rica retreat].
- Nuts and seeds – turn into trail mix with coconut oil, sea salt, cinnamon, cacao nibs and dried fruit.
- Protein powder – choose a clean option like Acure Organics, Parsley Health, Vega, Nutiva or Sun Warrior. Take a few scoops to shake up with water in a reusable bottle or Ball jar when plane food just isn’t cutting it [does it ever, though?].
Planet
- Reusable water bottle – my S’well bottle comes everywhere with me, every day. Don’t be shy to ask for water wherever you go, ever.
- Reusable bamboo utensils – this set lives in my backpack as I run/bike/train around BK and NYC.
- Reusable towel or kerchief – I bet you already have an unused bandana, rag or t-shirt that could be put to good use.
- Reusable beach/bath towel – I love mine from Sand Cloud and I dig Nomadix‘s eco products.
- Antibacterial sprays – this travel kit from EcoKindness, which my fellow earth-conscious yogi friend Heidi introduced me to, has every organic purifying spritz you could ever need.
And lastly, if you are still not convinced on eating anything but airplane food, take heed from one of the world’s best known travelers Anthony Bourdain:
There’s almost never a good reason to eat on a plane. You’ll never feel better after airplane food than before it. I don’t understand people who will accept every single meal on a long flight. I’m convinced it’s about breaking up the boredom. You’re much better off avoiding it. Much better to show up in a new place and be hungry and eat at even a little street stall than arrive gassy and bloated, full, flatulent, hungover. So I just avoid airplane food. It’s in no way helpful.
What helps you feel healthily prepared when you travel, and what usually takes priority in your suitcase?
Read the newsletter for my favorite simple summer eats, retreat details [I am planning trips for you – all you have to do is show up], music and more.
Photo: Renee Choi in front of Flatiron Building, NYC.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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