Have you ever wondered what travel essentials experienced travelers take with them? Over the years I’ve learned that I never leave home without certain items carefully packed in my bag. Sometimes these items can be purchased where I’m headed and sometimes not. So I never take a chance of having to track down these travel essentials.
Here’s my list in no order of importance:
- For bug bites, I love Bug Bite Ointment by Hylands. You can typically find it at health food stores or order it online from Amazon. It’s a solid stick that comes in a small tube, but works better than anything I’ve ever used!
- Anti-bacterial wipes are a must for any trip. Use these on the airplane to wipe off surfaces you (or others) have handled. This includes the seat belt, arm rest, tray (front and back), air and light controls, remote control, and seat pocket. Plus after using the facilities, be sure to use a wipe once you return to your seat even if you washed your hands. Since I started doing this, I have never gotten sick from flying. Plus don’t forget to use wipes in your hotel room for those items that probably don’t get cleaned between guests—such as remote controls, wall switches and door knobs. While traveling, use wipes after visiting busy tourist areas, where lots of people have ventured.
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer is also a must for when you can’t wash your hands. Use this after visiting popular tourist attractions, when riding on public transportation and even on the plane.
- Since we are talking about bugs, you might want to bring along a good protection against bug bites. Since I like to travel light, I use Off Deep Woods Towlettes. They come in their own little packets and fit into a pocket or purse.
- It almost goes without saying that you’ll want a good sun screen. My favorite is Ocean Potion, from Australia. I started using this product several years ago and when I could no longer find it locally I began purchasing it online. I like it because while it works really well, it also allows my skin to breath. As an avid golfer and gardener, plus my fair skin, I need a product that protects me well and this is it!
- One of my favorite homeopathic remedies is Arnica Montana. This powerhouse of a remedy works on shock, trauma, scrapes, bruises and sore muscles like no other. After a long day, ease your sore body with a dose of this great remedy.
- Ever since I can remember, I’ve had an issue with motion sickness so I never go unprepared for that. Since some many over-the-counter medications tend to make me drowsy, I looked to another homeopathic remedy for relief—Tabacum. This remedy works well for seasickness as well as car sickness and can be purchased in many health food stores.
- For those who have allergic reactions, Benadryl is a must. I found, on one trip, to be allergic to something I had never encountered previously. I was in an area where this was not available for purchase and was exceptionally grateful for a fellow traveler to who had packed some in her suitcase. Now I never travel without it, just in case.
- If sleep seems to evade you when you travel, try taking some Melatonin, a natural sleep remedy, found in drug stores. Our bodies produce melatonin, a hormone, which helps you to achieve your sleep cycle. Travel can often disrupt this, especially if you travel across time zones. Unlike a sleeping pill, melatonin won’t knock you out, but gently assists in giving you a better night’s sleep.
The more you travel the more you find little tricks that work for you. Perhaps you have a daily intake of vitamins and supplements you will want to include in your suitcase. Whatever you bring, be sure to pack any prescription drugs in your carry-on and if you’re traveling out of the country, bring along a copy of your prescriptions, just in case.
There is still time to travel this summer and fall, so don’t leave home without your favorite travel essentials plus perhaps a few new ones! If you’re looking for help planning your trip don’t forget to give us a call for a complimentary consultation.