7 Must-Have Travel Wellness Essentials Most People Overlook

Discover 7 often-overlooked travel wellness essentials that will help you stay healthy, comfortable, and radiant on your next adventure.

As a health magazine editor with a passion for travel, I’ve learned that maintaining your wellness routine on the go is crucial for enjoying your trips to the fullest and minimizing that post vacation slump. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a work trip or an extended vacation, these 7 travel wellness essentials will help you stay healthy, comfortable, and radiant throughout your journey.

1. Compression Socks: Your Legs’ Best Friend

You might think compression socks are only for the elderly, but they truly belong on any list of travel wellness essentials, especially on long flights. I must admit, I used to think the same way until a dear friend suffered severe in-flight swelling of her legs. That’s when I decided to invest in a pair myself. The American Heart Association recommends compression socks for anyone sitting for extended periods, particularly women on birth control pills who are at a higher risk of blood clots. These socks help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent potentially dangerous conditions like deep vein thrombosis.

2. Sunscreen: Year-Round Protection

Sunscreen isn’t just for beach vacations. Regardless of the season or destination, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial—meaning we need to wear sunscreen every day! As a Black woman, finding the right sunscreen can be tricky, but over the past few years, I’ve narrowed it down to two favorites that are lightweight, blend in seamlessly, and leave no white cast on my sensitive, melanin-rich skin: CōTZ® Flawless Complexion SPF 50 Richly Tinted (a mineral sunscreen) and Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 (a chemical sunscreen). Black Girl Sunscreen also makes a hybrid blend of mineral and synthetic sunscreen, the Make It Hybrid™ SPF 50 Sunscreen, but I find that it doesn’t blend in as seamlessly as their original SPF 30 version does for me.

Remember, sun protection is a year-round necessity, so make it a non-negotiable part of your travel wellness essentials.

3. Supplement Organizer: Keep Your Routine on Track

Maintaining your supplement routine while traveling doesn’t have to be a hassle. I’ll admit—I take quite a few supplements, which can make packing a bit of a puzzle. When flying internationally, I carry my supplements in their original containers to avoid any customs issues, dedicating a packing cube just for them. But for domestic trips, whether by air or road, I portion out my supplements into a pill box. The trick was finding a pill box that could handle all my supplements for one trip. Then I stumbled upon this gem, and bringing my supplements along has been a breeze ever since. I now own it in two sizes—the smaller one for shorter trips and the larger one for longer journeys.

4. Bloat by Arrae: Combat Travel Bloat

 Let’s be honest—traveling can often lead to uncomfortable bloating, especially during those long flights. If you, like me, experience bloating during air travel or throughout your trip, finding a remedy can be a game-changer. I recently discovered a supplement called Bloat by Arrae that’s designed to combat this very issue. Although I haven’t tried it yet, I’m bringing it along on my upcoming 10-day journey, which involves a nearly 16-hour flight—yikes! If you struggle with the same problem, this—or other anti-bloat supplements or digestive enzymes—might be a worthwhile addition to your travel wellness essentials. Just remember, as with any supplement, to consult your healthcare provider before trying something new!

5. First Aid Kit: Be Prepared for Anything

A compact first aid kit is one of those essential things for traveling that you hope you’ll never need but will be grateful to have if the need arises. It may seem like a no-brainer item for those traveling with young children, but even if you’re not, it’s wise to pack essentials like band-aids, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and motion sickness tablets. In my experience, whether it’s a family vacation, solo trip, or group adventure, someone—young or old—always ends up needing one of these first aid items.

6. Face Wipes: Quick and Easy Cleansing

After a long day of exploring, it’s tempting to skip your skincare routine. That’s why I always keep gentle, alcohol-free face wipes in my travel bag for those nights when I need a quick cleansing solution. While they’re not a substitute for a thorough cleanse, they’re better than sleeping with makeup on or skipping cleansing altogether. I find that using them with my oil cleanser does a pretty good job of cleaning my face on those travel days when I can’t be bothered with a full water cleanse.

7. Sleep Mask: Your Ticket to Restful Nights

If you’re sensitive to light or sharing a room with someone who has a different sleep schedule, a high-quality sleep mask can be a game-changer. It blocks out unwanted light, helping you maintain your sleep routine no matter where you are. Look for one made from soft, breathable materials with an adjustable strap for maximum comfort.

Prioritize Your Well-being While Traveling

By incorporating these travel wellness essentials into your packing list, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain your health and beauty routines no matter where your adventures take you. Remember, self-care doesn’t take a vacation – it travels with you. With these items in your arsenal, you’ll return home feeling just as radiant as when you left.

So, before your next trip, take a moment to review this list of travel wellness essentials. Your body and mind will thank you for prioritizing your well-being, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joys of travel without compromising your health or beauty routine. Safe travels and stay radiant!