My Healthy Travel Hacks
I'm pretty minimalist (I've packed and worn the same red swimsuit on our trip to FL for the past four years), but I'm also.... not.
You won't catch me with designer clothes or handbags, and two pairs of shoes are plenty for 10 days, but you will open my suitcase and find that I bring my own laundry detergent, dishwasher tablets, pillowcases, snack foods, protein powder, and blender 😂.
Here's the thing: old me treated vacations as an opportunity to go completely off the rails—any food, any drink, any time. The thing was... old me felt like crap. Old me would worry about the weight I put on at the end of a vacation. Old me desperately craved anything green by the time I got home. Old me lived in an all-or-nothing mindset, and it was exhausting.
I now take a totally different approach to travel, and I think everyone should! I’ve found that is so possible to enjoy the heck out of a trip AND nourish yourself well. It feels amazing.
So here’s a peek inside my suitcase and everything I prioritize buying once we arrive at our destination.
In My Carry-On/Purse
These are the things I keep on hand for all travel days–whether it’s a road trip, day trip out of the house, or longer flight day.
LMNT electrolytes. Travel dehydrates you, especially air travel. I don’t go a day without electrolytes, but I double down when we’re flying. (Buy your first box and get a FREE sample pack of every flavor with this link.)
Tech Wellness airtube headphones. These are my favorite EMF-blocking headphones. You’ll never catch me wearing airpods.
Branch Basics travel set. ($10 off your first order). The all purpose spray and dry cotton wipes. Moms–IYKYK. The foaming wash and concentrate are used for laundry, stain removal, and hand soap all vacation long!
X-Clear nasal spray. We use this before the airport and as soon as we get on a plane. Clinically proven to reduce the chance of catching illnesses such as Flu and COVID. Protecting and lubricating your nasal passages is a first defense against germs!
Play Doh! A small bag or two keep Luca occupied for a long time.
Mini cars and this road tape.
Travel Magnatiles.
Primally Pure lip balm. These have been a staple for years, and I always buy them as stocking stuffers, too. I pretty much keep one in every bag, pocket, or purse.
Snacks!! See my list below for my favorites.
Snacks
Amari smoothie melts. These are pricy but a never-fail win, so we stock up at Costco or Thrive Market. (40% off your first Thrive Market order here)
That’s It Fruit bars- the minis are sold at Costco. I really wish they were organic, but they’re handy in a pinch.
Scout Bars- sold at Thrive Market. These have clean ingredients and do contain some protein, so I like them better than pure fruit bars.
Artisana nut butter packs. Sooo yum and the perfect little hit of fat and protein to hold me over until a meal. I keep these in my purse!
Kalahari Biltong. Like jerky, but better, IMO. It’s thin and tasty, and each bag packs 30g of protein! These are the perfect meal replacement in a pinch at the airport, and Luca loves them, too.
Paleo Valley Superfood Bars. I really don’t recommend bars to my clients. Most are just filled with junk, suboptimal protein sources, and sugar. These, however, are the cleanest I’ve found. I feel good giving them to the whole family. My favorite are the chocolate, but Luca loves the lemon bars.
Chomps beef sticks.
Thrive Market Olive packs. We absolutely demolish these, and they’re so travel-friendly.
Siete Chips mini bags. Great with some hummus or guac.
In My Checked Bag
Nutribullet personal blender. This little guy comes everywhere with us. Starting the day with a nourishing smoothie that packs protein, fat, and fiber not only serves as some health insurance if we choose to indulge later in the day. It also helps us stay regular and get our veggies in (dining out doesn’t always offer the best veggie variety).
Be Well Protein Powder! Literally my ride or die. My family has used this protein Every. Single. Day since the moment it came on the market several years ago. Nothing else compares to the quality, sourcing, and bioavailability of this protein. (Code KARA for 15% off).
Babo Sunscreen. I never use sunscreen when we’re in CT, but in the strong south FL sun when we have super pale winter skin, it’s a different story. I only shop EWG verified sunscreens, as many on the market contain known carcinogens. Download the Healthy Living app for your phone if you don’t already have it!
Activated charcoal and Arsenicum Album 30c homeopathy. You never know when the stomach bug can hit while traveling, and these both work wonders.
Mullein Garlic Ear Drops. These are my go-to for preventing ear infections. I use them whenever Luca is congested, but they can be helpful to prevent swimmer’s ear issues, as well!
Active Spray for the skinned pool deck knees (and bug bites, sunburns, or rashes). Our go-to instead of Neosporin.
Cold Calm and Sinus Calm in case a cold hits. I love to be prepared!
Vitamin C and Zinc. Two of my favorite supplements to use at the first sign of any illness.
Oscillococcinum. To use at the first sign of flu-like symptoms (and even as prevention if you’ve been exposed.) This homeopathy is something I always keep on hand because it really works if you start immediately (check out the almost-30k reviews!), but even if you don’t carry it on hand, it can be found at any CVS, Walgreens, or Whole Foods.
My own pillowcases! I prefer fragrance-free laundry to avoid hormone disruption and more. Unfortunately, fragrances can be hard to avoid when traveling, so I make sure to at least have my own clean pillowcases.
In My Toiletry Bag
I’m pretty low-maintenance in this department, and I intentionally don’t wear much makeup when I travel.
Risewell travel toothpaste
Oliveda Anti-aging cream (Use this link for 25% off)
Kiss My Face Fragrance-free Olive oil bar soap (for face and body wash)
Kosas brow gel
Honest Mascara (I buy at Target!)
Carina Organics fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner
Branch Basics travel foaming hand soap ($10 off your first order)
Grocery Staples Upon Arrival
Staying somewhere with at least a kitchenette is pretty non-negotiable for me when it comes to travel. I really don’t like to eat out, meal after meal. Having control over at least 1-2 meals a day really helps me feel my best and it saves big $$. Here’s a list of some staples we pick up when traveling. Of course, this varies based on the length of our stay, but everything on here is versatile, nutrient-dense, and delish.
Butter
Eggs
Chicken breasts
Ground beef (for a bolognese or burgers)
Canned salmon/tuna
Sliced Cheese
Primal kitchen vinaigrette and/or ranch
Frozen cauliflower rice & blueberries (for smoothies)
Frozen broccoli
Nut butter (for smoothies and snacking)
Pistachios, cashews, etc.
Organic coffee & organic heavy cream
Bread (my favorite is BaseCulture)
Mixed greens (for salad and smoothies)
Apples
Carrots
Celery
Tomato
Avocados
I hope this helps you travel just a little more healthfully! Packing like this has become a no-brainer for me, and I’ve got it down to a science (I even keep a note on my phone with all of these items so I can reuse it for every trip!).
For more personalized support from me, check out my coaching offerings!
XO,
Kara
