Travel can be exciting (yes that is me recently in the Caribbean), but it can also be tiring and disruptive. especially when dealing with menopause symptoms, which don’t exactly take a holiday just because you do. Being away from home, your routine and your usual comforts can make everything feel that bit harder. I’ve been travelling a lot recently. Mostly with this trusty backpack, perfectly suited to avoid EasyJet’s expensive luggage charges (and a steal at under £20). I’ve learned that packing a few small, familiar things makes a huge difference.
These are my 10 favourite self-care travel essentials that I now pack and use on every trip.
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Trainers, Leggings, Resistance Bands
Top of my self-care travel essentials. If I can, I fit trainers, leggings or shorts and resistance bands into my luggage. Wherever I am, I try to do some form of exercise, usually running but if am lucky and there’s a pool I would opt for a swim, and worst case its a hotel workout.
My Kindle
I used to carry several books when I went away, I could easily devour one per day. But then came along the Kindle – I store most fiction books on there and sometimes non-fiction. It means I can carry a library with me if I want.
I’m currently reading The Wedding People and really enjoying it.
Journal/Notebook
I love carrying my journal with me – it means I can carry out my daily gratitude practice, write ideas for this blog or even handwrite a full post or it is super useful if I find myself catastrophising about anything (I dump it all down on paper to help me resolve).
Skincare + Lipstick
I do use a lot of skin care products – I won’t list them all here but it means that I do end up decanting what I need into these cute containers.
And of course I cannot leave home without my lipstick.
The Manta Hair Brush
This has become one of my favourite products. Its the best brush for a when hair gets tangled, reduces breakage. But it also helps give your scalp a massage – who doesn’t love a head massage?
Essential Oil Roller Balls
I’ve learned a few useful blends of essential oils – one for destress and the other for focus. And so when I’m travelling I make a little roller ball of these for moments when I need them.
To create your own de-stress blend – buy these roller balls. Start with a carrier oil, like sweet almond oil, then add 2 drops each of Geranium, Clary Sage and Frankincense.
(Always do a skin test before using this)
A Scarf
I always wear a scarf no matter where I’m going and what time of year. The temperature is often erratic when traveling on planes and trains or it is completely opposite to the weather outside. My scarf has often doubled as a blanket.
A Knitting Project
I find knitting so therapeutic that I try to take a project with me on most trips. I would always recommend checking before travelling but when flying in the UK its fine and I took a project recently to the Caribbean. I just find it such a mindful and relaxing activity.
A Re-Useable Water Bottle
We all know the benefits of staying hydrated. I particularly love this bottle because it has a filter inside – I wouldn’t advocate filling it from a tap abroad but its made me feel better about drinking tap water here in the UK.
I don’t sleep well at all and so I carry this to sprinkle a few drops of lavender on my pillow which helps me relax and go to sleep.
Travel will probably always be a little tiring and unpredictable, especially when you’re navigating menopause, recovery from illness or just a busy life. But a few small, familiar comforts can make a surprising difference.
None of these things are glamorous, expensive or particularly exciting but they help me,
If you travel regularly, you may already have your own version of this list. And if you don’t, perhaps this will spark some inspiration for future travels.