Effortless Packing: Travel Tips for Healthier, Happier Adventures

As we get older, packing can feel more like a chore, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze. Here are some travel tips to help you pack smarter, travel healthier, and enjoy every moment of your journey. 

As summer winds down and perhaps you are thinking about traveling for the holidays, I wanted to share a few of my tried and true tips. Because yes, while I am more methodical, I did vow to worry less, pack less, and be more efficient in my planning — and trust me, we do plenty of traveling these days. So here’s hoping a few of these may be beneficial for you or someone you love.

Packing Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Create an Electronic Packing List for Every Trip

First things first: make an electronic packing list on your phone. This list will become your best travel companion, helping you remember everything without the hassle of creating a new list every time you pack for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation. I named mine ‘PACK’ and gave it a vibrant color so it wouldn’t get lost among my other lists.

Then as you place things into your bag, place a checkmark next to them to remind yourself what’s been packed already and what is a last minute item that needs to be packed on the way out the door. I can’t be the only one who has forgotten a toothbrush because I used it the morning before leaving, can I?

Use Packing Cubes to Pack Your Clothes

Second, as you begin to consider weather, number of days of your trip, and how to pack easily, I strongly suggest you use packing cubes. I have been a slow convert to cubes - and now I am hooked! It’s a great way to organize by day or by item. 

Here are my favs: Packing cubes: https://a.co/d/bdjfJ8A   

Additionally, I strongly suggest you pack items that are breathable fabrics that don’t wrinkle and layer as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to rewear a top with slacks and another skirt, or a dress with a jacket or sweater. Give yourself options to dress up or down.  Solids with bright colors or a few patterns work well.  

Plan on three pairs of shoes: tennis shoes or sneakers (you might wear these the day you depart), comfy flats or sandals, and allow yourself one other pair of shoes just because.

How to easily find lost luggage

If you are like us, you have lost luggage in your years of air travel.  Did you know that the unclaimed baggage capital of the world is Scottsboro, Alabama? (I am sure my items over the years have passed through these doors.  In any case, to prevent this from happening to you, I strongly suggest you purchase one or three apple ID air tags! We travel with them all the time and even put them in our golf bags when we aren’t traveling.

Must-Have Items for Your Carry-On Bag

Now as you start to pack your carry on, be thoughtful, organized and methodical.  I promise if you prepare as you pack it will be so much easier when you go digging on the plane, the train or in the car.  You don’t want to have to empty the contents of the entire bag to find your usb cord (speaking from experience on this one).   

So I typically take a larger tote or a backpack and sometimes a purse.  In recent years I have narrowed to one larger / roomier bag.  For our trip across the pond I packed: baby wipes, a brush, hand sanitizer, a usb charging cord, my slippers to change into immediately, these compression socks: https://a.co/d/c8Npt58, and this eye mask: https://a.co/d/csJwjm0.  

I also decided to purchase these travel drops to help with fatigue, minerals and water consumption and loved them: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/products/i-travel-well-liquid-extract-10?_pos=1&_sid=b0340f31d&_ss=r

General Healthy Travel Tips 

Lastly, no matter where you are headed and how you plan to travel, it's tough on the body. Regardless of mode of transportation you will likely be in dryer places (car, train, plane, etc.).  

I strongly suggest you begin to up your hydration (water and electrolyte consumption) and consider some immune boosting supplements at least three days before travel. The day of travel, do your best to drink as much water as you can and if you’re anxious about flying or travel in general, this all-natural stress support supplement is a life saver. Your body will thank you for it!  When I say remember to stay hydrated, I’m also talking about your skin. I like to throw on some face oil (here’s a favorite:  https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/products/face-oil) to combat the drying effects of travel.

No matter where your travels take you, a few comforts from home can make the journey much more enjoyable. I’d love to see you add your packing secrets and tips in the comments. Bon Voyage to your next adventure and beyond!