We’ve partnered with Natural Vitality CALM to help you find a sense of calm in even the most stressful situation — like a travel day riddled with delays.
I've always been a bit skeptical of astrology, but there's one part of my horoscope that hits the nail on the head. I'm a Sagittarius, and true to the adventurous archer's archetype, I'm happiest when traveling.
I'm up for almost any kind of trip you can think of. Multiweek camping trips? Been there. Bumming around European hostels? Done that. That means I've struggled through my fair share of painful travel days, complete with airport arrival times so early the mini mart isn't even open, hours-long layovers that felt like eternity, and every kind of plane delay you can imagine. Even though I live to travel, the hassle that comes along with it isn't my favorite.
To cope with the inevitable travel stress, I've curated a selection of relaxing essentials that I always pack in my carry-on. With these handy supplies on hand, I'm able to sweep stress away and get excited about the next adventure. Even basic economy can't bring me down!
Reading Material
True story: on the flight home from my honeymoon, the flight attendants informed us during takeoff that neither the WiFi nor in-flight entertainment would be working. To add insult to injury, the reading lights were broken, too! I thanked my lucky stars that I downloaded several books onto my Kindle ($90) before the trip — they kept me from going stir-crazy on that eight-hour flight.
Natural Vitality CALM
Sometimes, deep breathing just isn't going to be enough to snap you out of the worry spiral that comes with a delayed flight or traffic jam. When I feel my stress levels climbing, I turn to Natural Vitality CALM, a magnesium supplement that helps combat stress and promote relaxation. Besides the original powdered drink mix ($23), Natural Vitality CALM also comes in convenient capsules ($17) that are perfect for stashing in your purse. I'm always looking for an excuse to eat something resembling candy, so I'm partial to the gummies ($20).
A Cozy Jacket
Whether I'm traveling by plane, train, or automobile, odds are I'm going to get cold at some point. I love the fuzzy texture of this fleece jacket ($90) and it's easy to throw on over any outfit when I need to warm up. Feeling cozy is even more crucial if I'm trying to get some sleep — I know I won't be able to doze off if I'm shivering.
Roll-On Aromatherapy
I struggle with motion sickness and am very sensitive to scents — a combination that isn't always ideal when your seatmate decides to dig into a tuna sandwich mid-flight. I like to keep an essential oil roller like Aura Cacia Chill Pill Oil Roll-On ($9) in my bag so I can breathe in the refreshing lavender scent instead of whatever unfortunate odor is happening around me.
A Packable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key to both my physical and emotional well-being, but I hate toting a heavy metal water bottle while traveling. The collapsible Que Bottle ($20) is a much more portable option, and packing this bad boy ensures that I'll at least try to drink enough water.
Sleep Masks
I'll admit that I once thought people who brought their own eye masks on planes were a little extra, but once I tried it for myself, I realized what a game-changer shutting out the light can be. Anytime I'm on a red-eye, you can bet I'm wearing this adjustable silk sleep mask ($10) to block out surrounding light.
Emergency Snacks
Nothing derails my mood quite like getting hangry. I know I need to eat regularly in order to keep my cool, but airport and train station food options aren't always reliable. Luckily, Larabars ($4) never let me down. I always pack a few of these nonperishable options in my bag for emergency snack situations.
TLC For My Skin
Travel can wreak all kinds of havoc on the skin, and for me, that typically comes in the form of dryness. Weleda Skin Food ($14) helps moisturize my tired, dehydrated skin, which in turn makes me feel 10 times better. Hey, when you look good, you feel good!
