10 travel must-haves: How I recreate my home rituals while away
As someone who travels often for both business and leisure, I’ve learned that bringing my rituals on the road helps me maintain my wellness practices and inner calm. Over the years, I’ve curated a collection of both practical and luxurious travel essentials that infuse familiarity and tie me to my home routines, allowing me to maximize my time away. Exploring new places fuels my inspiration, opens my eyes to new wonders, and serves as a creative outlet for my writing, so it’s important to nurture space for these experiences.
Travel should feed your soul and fill you with inspiration that can reinvigorate your home life.
What’s in my bag
My journal – to keep me disciplined
My journal holds me accountable to my morning meditation and what I’m focused on manifesting at that moment. I try to meditate every day, even when I'm on vacation. If I’m busy or too excited to begin the day, I’ll do an abbreviated ten-minute version.
Fragrance – for a sense of calm
Scent is one of the most powerful triggers for relaxation. I bring my essential oils and home fragrance.
For a dose of calm, I swear by Origins calming essential oil – you can rub this right into your temples – perfect for both your time in transit and for recovering from jetlag after a long-haul flight.
I discovered Indianapolis-based brand Ambre Blends Pure Essence Oil when I was living in my hometown. As a female entrepreneur I love supporting other women-owned businesses.
My favorite candle evokes the smell of home. I’m obsessed with Le Labo’s Santal 26, a sultry, smoky fragrance. I light the full-sized candle every day in my home, and this mini version is perfect on the road.
iPad/iPad mini – so I always have reading material
I always bring my iPad so that I have easy access to the book I’m reading at the time with me. Currently, I am reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.
Matcha tea – an on-the-go version in lieu of my favorite at-home ritual
Normally I make my matcha with heated oat milk, but when I’m on the go, I’ll stop by any coffee shop at the airport and order steamed oat milk. I then drop a satchel and some cinnamon in, and voila – matcha on the go!
Skincare essentials for long-haul flights & after I land
Airplane cabins have very low humidity, which means flights can be drying for the skin. I bring a gentle, hydrating cleanser, and I either wash my face in the lounge before a flight or after takeoff. Once I arrive at my destination, I use a nourishing mask my first night. It gives me a glow, especially after the time spent breathing the recycled air on a flight.
Vitamins and supplements – to keep me strong & healthy
Travel is enormously taxing on the body, so I always bring liquid IVs, my daily vitamin regimen, and glutathione to stay hydrated and bounce back quickly. Glutathione is not only great for your skin – it has anti-melanogenic properties – but it also has numerous health benefits, like detoxing the body and boosting the immune system.
High quality protein snacks
It can be challenging for me to find high-quality protein when I’m traveling, so I bring low glycemic-index bars like this, this, and this. These are so tasty that they are not only high-protein snacks, but also function as a dessert, especially when the treats served inflight are high in calories and low in nutritional value.
Eye mask for snoozing – lash extension friendly!
These are the two eye masks, Nidra and Slip, I’ve found that keep my lash extensions vacay ready.
T3 dual voltage travel dryer
International hair dryers rarely have the power of the dryers I use at home, so I like to bring my own. Make sure yours is dual voltage.
Fitness fun – to stay active
Even if I don’t have time for an elaborate workout on my trip, I like to bring workout bands and my Hip Circle. Here are a few ideas.
Travel is food for the soul
Travel should feed your soul and fill you with inspiration that can reinvigorate your home life. I hope you find something that resonates to make your time away from home relaxing and rejuvenating. My full list of recommendations is available here.