Essential Self-Care Items For Summer Travel

Essential Self-Care Items For Travel - A man wearing a pink shirt and jeans walks down a sidewalk with a backpack. He is listening to music on his headphones

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Summer’s in full swing, which means it’s officially vacation season. While this time of year offers adventure, new experiences, and a well-deserved escape, it can be easy to forget to prioritize your well-being amidst the excitement of packing your bags and planning itineraries. Travel can be exhilarating, but it can also disrupt routines and throw you out of balance.

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This is where a well-curated self-care kit comes in—a collection of essentials to nurture your mind, body, and spirit, keeping you grounded and energized throughout your summer journey. Read on for ways to keep wellness at the forefront of your summer travels.

Inner Peace On The Go

Portable Meditation Tools: Traveling often disrupts meditation routines. Pack a lightweight meditation cushion, a shawl or sweater for cooler spaces, and a mala (prayer beads) for a tactile focus point. Download meditation apps with guided sessions specifically designed for travel. Consider apps like Insight Timer or Headspace, which offer a variety of sessions tailored for different needs, from sleep to focus.

Journaling: Journaling fosters self-reflection and helps process new experiences. A compact, travel-friendly journal allows you to capture fleeting thoughts, express gratitude for the journey, and document your summer adventures.

Fueling Your Body

Hydration Essentials: Pack a reusable water bottle that you can easily refill throughout the day. Invest in a stylish, insulated bottle that keeps your water cool, encouraging consistent hydration. Consider adding slices of fruit like cucumber, lemon, or berries for a refreshing twist.

Healthy Snack Stash: Traveling often leads to unhealthy snacking choices. Pack a variety of nutrient-dense, travel-friendly snacks that provide sustained energy. Think nuts and seeds, dried fruit (dates, figs, apricots), trail mix (watch out for added sugars), and protein bars made with whole grains and natural ingredients.

Protecting Your Skin

Sun Protection: Melanin-rich skin is beautiful, but it’s still susceptible to sun damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daily use. Look for formulas labeled as “non-comedogenic,” which are less likely to clog pores. Pack a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses with UV protection to offer additional coverage.

Soothing After-Sun Care: Sun exposure can leave skin dry and irritated. Pack a travel-sized aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion to soothe sunburned skin. Opt for natural ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, or shea butter.

Enhancing Your Sleep Quality

Eye Mask and Earplugs: Traveling to new environments often means unfamiliar noises and bright lights. Pack a comfortable eye mask to block out light and earplugs to drown out unwanted noise. Consider investing in a set with a noise-canceling function for truly restful sleep.

Melatonin Sprays: Jet lag and disrupted sleep patterns can be a damper on your travel experience. Consider packing a melatonin spray as a natural sleep aid. Consult your doctor before using melatonin, especially if you are taking any medications.

Beyond The Essentials

Nourishing Your Spirit: Pack a small book of affirmations or inspirational quotes to uplift your spirit and remind yourself of your intentions for the trip.

Connect With Nature: Travel is a chance to experience the beauty of the natural world. Pack a small travel hammock or a lightweight yoga mat for impromptu moments of relaxation and connection with nature.

Don’t Forget…

Self-care is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Listen to your body’s needs and tailor your routine accordingly. Don’t be afraid to indulge in activities that bring you joy, like listening to music, reading a good book, or taking a relaxing bath at the end of a long day.

By prioritizing your well-being with these essential self-care items, you can ensure that your summer travels are not just journeys of exploration, but journeys of self-discovery and rejuvenation. Pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and most importantly, embrace taking care of yourself along the way.

Steph R. Long is a Chopra-certified Ayurvedic health instructor, meditation instructor, and well-being coach. She’s also the founder of holistic wellness and coaching company SRL Well-Being and the former Deputy Director of Enterprise for Refinery29 Unbothered, where she oversaw health, wellness, and spirituality content.

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