Summer, especially those of us with kids, tends to be when we travel the most. Afterall, it is the perfect time to explore new destinations, soak up the sun, and unwind from the daily hustle of life. Whether you're jetting off to a tropical paradise or embarking on a road trip adventure, prioritizing self-care can make your travel experience more enjoyable and rejuvenating. Here’s how to pack your self-care kit with holistic solutions and budget-friendly tips to ensure you stay refreshed and revitalized throughout your journey.
ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE
Travel is exciting, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. From navigating airports and new environments to adjusting to different foods and sleep schedules, your body and mind go through a lot. Not to mention the germ and stress exposure from and while traveling. That’s where essential oils can truly shine.
These plant-powered extracts are compact, versatile, and deliver fast-acting benefits that support your health and well-being naturally. Here's how they elevate your self-care while on the go:
Lavender Essential Oil: Known for its calming effects, not only promotes relaxation but is fantastic to have on hand for treating skin issues – think bug bites, bee stings, and burns.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Invigorates and refreshes, perfect for boosting energy and shaking off drowsiness during long travel days. Peppermint also can act as a natural cooling agent if you’re traveling to a hot climate.
DigestZen® Digestive Blend: Supports healthy digestion, essential for maintaining comfort while trying new cuisines. Additionally, it’s perfect for those that have a sensitivity to motion and suffer nausea, especially from travel.
Deep Blue® Stick + Copaiba: Delivers temporary relief to minor aches and muscle and joint pains associated with simple backache, arthritis, sprains, strains, and bruises – think about all the adventurous activities and walking you do on vacation. Your feet will thank you!
On Guard® Protective Blend: This immunity boosting oil blend works so well that there’s an entire line of products to choose from. I personally use almost all of them. The non-negotiables for travel though are the Chewable Tablets, Hand Sanitizing Mist, Toothpaste, and Foaming Hand Wash (yes I have a
special travel bottle one that I carry around with me and one that I leave in the room).
Serenity® Restful Blend: A soothing and grounding aroma formulated as a magical mix of Lavender, Cedarwood, Coriander, Ylang Ylang, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Vetiver and Sandalwood essential oils (all the heavy hitters) along with hints of tonka bean and vanilla absolute. One drop on the bottom of your big toe before you fall asleep will help wind your brain down and allow you to drift off to sleep quickly. If you struggle with sleep even when you’re not traveling, you might want to look into the
Serenity Sleep System – three products designed to work together to transform your bedtime routine and aid in a restful night sleep.
While I personally travel with a plethora of oils, these are the go-to oils and oils blends for your self-care travel kit. As with most products and even food sources, quality matters. I trust doTERRA Essential Oils – they’re the largest essential oil company in the world and offer the most pure and effective oils, plus all their products are oil infused and toxin-free.
OTHER HOLISTIC SELF-CARE
True self-care while traveling goes beyond convenience; it’s about nurturing your body, calming your mind, and maintaining balance no matter where you are. By intentionally packing items that double as self-care tools, you can turn any trip—whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure—into a more grounded, energized, and joyful experience.
Here are some top travel must-haves that seamlessly support your wellness routine on the go:
Travel Diffuser: Well, it only makes sense if you’re into essential oils that you’d want a good travel diffuser to be able to enjoy the aromatic benefits of your oils while on the go. It’ll help freshen up your space, boost your immune system, help with moodiness and of course, the all too important, sleep. You can find them in all shapes and sizes on
Amazon or the
Pebble from doTERRA is the perfect travel size, too (see below on how you can get it for FREE).
Natural Sunscreen: Protects your skin from harmful UV rays without harsh chemicals – I love the
doTERRA sun line for my sun and after sun care needs. They’re all reef-safe, vegan-friendly, and formulated without parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, and synthetic fragrances.
Reusable Water Bottle: We all know how important staying hydrated throughout your journey can be – it’ll keep the headaches at bay, support healthy digestion, skin health, and energy. Did you know that one of the biggest causes of getting sick on vacation is dehydration (not the germs from others)? It also wouldn’t hurt to pack some electrolytes/hydration boosters. I personally bring MetaPWR Recharge – it comes in
Lemon-Lime or
Wild Strawberry. I should note that if you’re going to use your waterbottle with essential oils, you’ll want to make sure and use a stainless steel or glass one. I like the
Contigo because it truly keeps drinks cold/hot and when traveling it has a lock and cover to keep your drink from spilling and being exposed.
Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs: If you’re in a hotel with blackout shades you might be able to go without the
sleep mask, but if any of your travel mates snore then
ear plugs might just be your key to a restful night sleep.
Travel Yoga Mat: When I became a certified stretch practitioner I altered my morning routine to include some simple stretches. I prefer to do these even when traveling, too, and there’s no way I’m laying down on the nasty hotel floors, so a
mat that folds is helpful - in a pinch just use a towel. Ewe! And speaking of stretching…
FIVE START HOTEL-ROOM STRETCHES
After hours of travel, your body may feel stiff and tense. These simple stretches can be done in your hotel room to release tension and improve circulation:
Standing Forward Fold: Stand with feet hip-width apart, bend forward at the hips, and let your upper body hang relaxed. Hold for 30 seconds to stretch hamstrings and lower back.
Seated Hip Stretch: Sit on the edge of a chair, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, and gently lean forward to stretch the hip. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides.
Lying Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back with one leg extended and the other leg bent with foot flat on the floor. Gently raise the extended leg towards the ceiling using a towel or strap around your foot. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
Hip Flexor Stretch: Step one foot forward into a lunge position, keeping the back leg straight. Lean forward slightly to stretch the hip flexors. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides.
Wall Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall, place your hands on the wall at shoulder height, step one foot back and press your heel into the floor to stretch the calf muscle. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY SELF-CARE
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank when it comes to self-care. Here are some simple, cost-effective ways to nurture your well-being:
Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to meditate or practice deep breathing to reduce stress and enhance relaxation.
Stay Active: Explore your destination on foot or rent a bike to stay active while sightseeing.
Enjoy Nature: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s lounging on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or picnicking in a local park.
Connect with Locals: Engage with locals to learn about their culture and traditions, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
Journaling or Gratitude Practice: Capture your travel experiences and reflections in a journal to cherish memories and promote introspection. As you think about your travel adventures, close out your day or, if you’re too tired, start your morning by writing down the things that brought you joy.
By packing your self-care kit with these essential products and incorporating these budget-friendly (aka free) tips into your travel routine, you can ensure a balanced and enjoyable summer adventure. Remember, taking care of yourself enhances the overall travel experience, leaving you refreshed and ready to make the most of every moment.
and happy self-care!
xoDanette
P.S. Here’s a customizable
doTERRA cart with the goodies I recommend traveling with. You’ll even score the Pebble diffuser for
FREE, that’s the perfect size for taking on your next adventure! Of course, never hesitate to
reach out to me with any questions or go deeper into your health goals before you order – I’ll always make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck!😉