My Travel Arsenal

Returning to NYC after a work trip

I've always loved to travel. It doesn't matter where. I love planning a new trip (my itineraries are quite detailed), going on adventures, and exploring new parts of the world. I truly believe travel helps you to grow and expands your world view. 

For the past few years though, the traveling process has become increasingly difficult. I pass out on planes. I get sick from germs in the air while traveling. I can't find foods to eat. My body takes a long time to adjust to new environments. So I've tested a lot of different supplements and suggestions from various forums and blogs to make traveling easier. I've  put together a travel arsenal after experimenting for about a year that most of the time minimizes my symptoms and maximizes my ability to enjoy myself while traveling! The list is pretty extensive (yes, TSA always stops me) but any of these items are helpful to add to your travel kit to ensure you stay healthy no matter where you're headed.

A fraction of my travel kit getting ready to be packed 

My Travel Arsenal

• Water, water & more water: Whether you suffer from an autoimmune disorder or not, it is essential to stay hydrated while flying. Flying is insanely dehydrating and chugging water throughout the flight will counteract some of those effects. I usually buy the biggest water bottle I can find in the airport and ask the flight attendants to refill it throughout the flight.

• Colloidal Silver: Gwyneth Paltrow swears by this and I can see why. I use this instead of Purell as an antibacterial on my hands, the airplane seat, and I spray it under my tongue as well once on the plane. This is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory so it works three-fold in protecting me while traveling. 

• Essential Oils: I usually carry 2-3 which include:

  • DigestZen: DoTerra makes great blends and this one helps a lot with stomach upset, put a small amount on your stomach prior to eating to ease digestion. 

  • Balance: Because I get sick on flights, I suffer from panic attacks beforehand so this is helpful to dab on to chill out. 

  • Sweet Orange or Lavender Oil: Both can help with headaches which are common for me on long flights.  

• Ginger Tabs: I buy these from Juice Press but any kind of ginger sucking candy is helpful to have to boost immunity and help settle any nausea. 

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Whenever my stomach hurts, this always helps and it also boosts immunity. I feel like Apple Cider Vinegar is the Windex (a la My Big Fat Greek Wedding) of the health world. It helps with so many different ailments: reduces reflux, whitens teeth, relieves allergies, cures a cold, the list goes on and on. I usually carry a little bit with me in a shampoo bottle and add it to my water along with some Oil of Oregano which has amazing cold-fighting properties. Sometimes I add in the Pressed Juicery Immunity blend too. 

  • I take this before, during, and after my flight to ward off any germs and keep my immune system in good shape.  

• Evian Spray or Rosewater: I know, I know-it's water in a can; but this cold blast has saved me at least three times from passing out. Carrying a little spray like this with you and spraying it if you feel faint can ward off the feeling and help you get what you need to get better (not to mention it's great for skin tone).  

• Dehydrated Bone Broth: I was ecstatic when I found this because I'm a bone broth fanatic. All you need is hot water and you can add a teaspoon of this to create a delicious and nutritious soup. If you haven't discovered the immense benefits of bone broth you should start drinking it immediately.

  • Note: This is from Australia and the shipping is quite pricey so you should wait until there's a sale to purchase (or you can make it yourself).  

• Bars and Healthy Snacks: Living in New York, I'm lucky that any of the city's airports usually have healthy options. But, I always remember to bring healthy snacks I know will fill me up. A few ones I love: 

  • Macrobars: The peanut butter and chocolate chip ones are my favorite 

  • Spinach & Kale Chips : You can buy these in smaller bags and they also have delicious beet chips 

  • Gluten Free Oatmeal: All you need to do is add hot water, just ask for a coffee cup to put it in

• Buddhify: My absolute favorite meditation app (it's worth the $3 splurge)-this has guided meditations for everything from bedtime to anxiety to walking in the city (there's an entire section for travel too!) This helps to relax my body and mind while in flight. 

Do you have a travel arsenal? I'm always looking for new tips! Let me know if you have any in the comments below.