Picture it: You’re getting ready for a busy day of sightseeing on one of our guided tours, and you reach into your bag for a pick-me-up. What’s something you’d hope to have on hand?
That’s just what we asked our experts here in the Go Ahead Tours office, and their tried-and-true suggestions came rolling in! We’re not doctors, of course, but we’ve been on the road enough to know what’s helpful in a pinch. Check out some of the wellness travel essentials we recommend, and ask your doctor if these tips would work for you, too!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
“Staying hydrated helps combat jet lag. I always pack tea bags and when I’m on the plane, I ask for hot water to have my Sleepytime tea.” —Anna K.
“These come in a small container that you can throw in your carry-on or purse. They help me stay hydrated, especially when going to higher altitude destinations like Colorado or Peru. And they taste delicious!” —Steph R.
“This is so important. It takes up no space and is super light.” —Nilsen S.
“If I’m feeling dehydrated after a long flight or long day, I pop a packet into a full water bottle, and drink it before bed to rehydrate for the next day.” —Elena P.
Combat aches & pains
“This travel pillow is one of my favorite wellness travel products! It's breathable, machine-washable, and has an adjustable crank, which makes it really good for helping you actually sleep on a plane! It’s flat and comes in a little bag that you can hook onto your carry-on.” —Megan G.
“I used to get plantar fasciitis and my doctor said that rolling my feet over a ball would help reduce pain after walking all day. So, I bust that out and give myself a mini foot massage.” —Nilsen S.
“They’re super cheap and absolutely help with all kinds of motion sickness—especially bus tours!” —Greta G.
Keep your immune system strong
“I try and drink it mixed with water every few days while traveling and definitely whenever I have to be in a bus, train station, or airport.” —Shannon R.
“These are a must on any wellness travel packing list. They’re perfect for wiping down the seat and tray table on your flight (imagine how many people touch those things!), and come in handy if you’re in an off-the-beathen-path destination where bathroom amenities are scarce.” —Jamie G.
Catch a few Zzzz's
“I have trouble sleeping without a fan. There’s also a free iPhone app called Bed Time Fan Noise that’s great (but I enjoy the breeze from the real thing).” —Lauren M.
“These are wellness travel products I don’t leave home without. They ensure that I always have a dark and quiet place get some sleep even if the world around me is bright and loud.” —Courtney T.
“I usually use a mist made with a mix of lavender and other essential oils. Just spray it on your hotel pillow to help you relax and adjust to a new place!” —Amanda S.
“I’m always cold on planes and buses and this packs up fairly small so I can bring it in my carry-on. It’s my new travel essential, for sure!” —Julianna F.
“These are a must for plane rides—crying babies will no longer phase you! My Bose headphones were pricy, but I’ve used them for six years, so I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth.” —Sarah C.
A few minutes of self care, anyone?
“I love packing this!! It’s so great for the plane and helps my skin stay hydrated and fresh feeling.” —Jenna D.
“You can get some that roll on your neck or your wrist like a perfume, or you can get some that actually live in a necklace. They help relax me SO much.” —Mariah P.
“I never forget a cozy pair of slippers. In the hotel it’s nice to pad around in a nice comfortable pair!” —Maggie D.
“In the dry airplane air and busy airports, I always feel a little gross. So these help me feel refreshed, hydrate my skin, and remove some of the impurities that come along with tight communal spaces.” —Wesley D.
“It’s really nice to do a little self care at night in my hotel room between super busy days of travel. Anything that will help me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next day.” —Paula M.
Get your steps (and your snacks) in
“I love being able to go for a run when traveling because it’s a refreshing and fun way to check out a new area. Running shoes are also really versatile; they’re perfect for walking comfortably during sightseeing excursions over all sorts of terrain.” —Kyle H
“These JadeYoga mats are lightweight, and the material this company uses is environmentally friendly. They plant a tree for every mat they sell. I love their mission.” —Joanna T.
“It’s an easy-to-pack item that can be used for a workout virtually anywhere!” —Brian S.
“I always pack a bag of dried fruit for a healthy snack on-the-go. It helps save money, too, knowing those items are notoriously overpriced at train stations and airports. Win, win!” —Allison L.
What are some of your wellness travel essentials? Head to our Facebook page to share your own wellness travel packing list!
