We’re headed off on a little adventure, so I figured this was a perfect post topic for today: weird things I bring on vacation.
Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re enjoying the day so far! We’re living it up in Hawaii 🙂 It felt like a good time for this post topic.
When it comes to vacation packing, we all have our essentials: clothes, toiletries, and maybe a good book. But if you’re like me, your suitcase is also filled with a few unconventional items that make your trip not just enjoyable, but downright fabulous. Today, I’m sharing the weird things I bring on vacation that keep me feeling my best, no matter where I am. 😉
Weird things I bring on vacation
EquiLife Daily Nutritional Support
Travel can throw off your usual diet, so I always pack my EquiLife Daily Nutritional Support. This all-in-one powder ensures I get my essential vitamins and minerals, even when my meals are less nutrient-dense than usual. It’s a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes. A quick shake in the morning and I’m set for the day. I have this every.single.day and it makes me feel amazing, so there’s no way I’m traveling without it.
EquiLife Daily Nutritional Support is particularly handy when you’re dealing with irregular meal schedules or limited healthy options. It helps me maintain my energy levels and keeps my immune system strong.
Supplements
Speaking of nutrition, I don’t leave home without my daily supplements. From magnesium to omega-3s, vitamin C, and herbal supplements, I have a little pill organizer that travels everywhere with me. Magnesium helps with relaxation and muscle recovery, especially after long days of sightseeing. Omega-3s support brain health and reduce inflammation, while vitamin C boosts the immune system, keeping me resilient against travel-related stress and exposure to new environments.
Herbal supplements tailored to my needs add an extra layer of support, but it’s important to note that what works for me might not work for everyone. This is where functional testing comes into play. By understanding my unique body requirements through tests, I ensure I’m taking the right supplements. These tests can identify deficiencies and help tailor a supplement regimen to your specific needs, making sure you’re not just guessing but optimizing your health efficiently.
Brazil Nuts
These might seem like a random snack, but Brazil nuts are my secret weapon for maintaining selenium levels. Just one to two a day cover my selenium needs, which is great for thyroid health. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports the immune system, and plays a role in maintaining cognitive function. Plus, they’re a delicious, easy snack to have on hand.
Brazil nuts are also rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a great option for keeping hunger at bay between meals. They are convenient and require no preparation, which is perfect for travel. Whether I’m hiking, exploring a new city, or just lounging on the beach, having a couple of Brazil nuts each day helps keep my nutrient intake balanced and my energy levels stable.
Melatonin and Magnesium
Sleep is crucial, especially when you’re crossing time zones. I bring melatonin to help me fall asleep and magnesium to support relaxation and muscle recovery. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to adjust to new time zones and improve sleep quality. Taking melatonin about 30 minutes before bed helps me wind down and fall asleep more easily, even in an unfamiliar environment. This is the one I use. (You can use FITNESSISTA10 for 10% off EquiLife products.)
Magnesium, on the other hand, is known for its calming effects on the nervous system and its role in muscle relaxation. It can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which is particularly useful when dealing with travel stress. Together, melatonin and magnesium help ensure I get quality rest, no matter how unfamiliar the bed. This combination is a lifesaver for maintaining my energy and mood throughout my trip. I use an oral magnesium and a topical spray. (Friendly reminder to always check with a doctor before adding new supplements into your routine.)
Snack Bags for All
Airports, long car rides, and sightseeing can make it hard to find healthy snacks. I pack snack bags for everyone in the family, filled with things like trail mix, bars, jerky, dried fruit, almond butter packs, and some kind of sweet bite. This way, we know we each have something on hand that we enjoy, as airport food can be pricey and unpredictable. Having a variety of snacks on hand also means we’re prepared for any unexpected delays or long waits, ensuring no one gets hangry.
Prepping these snack bags ahead of time is a small effort that pays off big. It’s also a great way to control portions and ensure we’re all eating nutrient-dense foods rather than reaching for junk food. My kids love having their own snack bags, and it makes traveling with them much easier. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce them to new healthy foods they might not try otherwise. They still have airport food or lounge food, but having a snack bag in everyone’s backpack is crucial.
Compression Socks
These are a must for long flights; I usually wear them for flights over five hours. These are the best ones! Compression socks help improve circulation and prevent swelling, making me feel more comfortable and can reduce the risk of blood clots. They work by applying gentle pressure to the legs, which helps blood flow back to the heart more efficiently. This is particularly important during long periods of sitting, such as on flights or long drives.
I’ve found that wearing compression socks makes a noticeable difference in how my legs feel after a long journey. They reduce fatigue and prevent the heavy, achy feeling that often comes with travel. Plus, they come in cute patterns now, so I don’t feel like I’m wearing medical gear. It’s a small addition to my travel wardrobe that provides significant health benefits and keeps me feeling my best.
My Own Soap and Laundry Pods
There’s something comforting about having your own soap, especially if you have sensitive skin. I bring a small bottle of my favorite soap to avoid potential skin reactions to unfamiliar hotel products and also sketchy soap ingredients. It’s a small touch of home that makes any place feel more comfortable. I also pack laundry pods so I can wash clothes on the go if we’ll be on a long trip (7+ days). Coming home with clean laundry is one less chore to worry about post-vacation.
Having laundry pods means I can pack lighter and do a quick load of laundry mid-trip if needed. It’s particularly useful for longer trips or when traveling with kids, who seem to go through clothes at an alarming rate.
Eye Care Stuff
Eye drops, eyelid wipes, warm compresses, and extra contacts are non-negotiables for me. Dry eyes and lost contacts can ruin a day of sightseeing, so I make sure I’m fully stocked. Traveling can be harsh on the eyes due to dry airplane air, different climates, and extended periods of screen time for navigation or entertainment. Having eye care essentials ensures my eyes stay comfortable and healthy.
(I just also have to take a moment of silence here. When we went to Italy and Greece last year, I worried about my eyes a lot and it was a huge distraction. Now that I’m healed and have a routine in place, I was able to enjoy 10 days in Sevilla without worrying about my eyes at all. I just maintained my routine! Just wanted to share this as a little bit of hope for my fellow dry eye sufferers out there.)
Weighted Blanket
This might seem a little extra, but I bring a travel-sized weighted blanket. It helps me sleep better and it’s worth the extra weight in my suitcase, or lugging it around in my carryon. Weighted blankets are known for their therapeutic benefits, such as promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. The gentle pressure mimics a hug, which can help reduce stress and improve overall sleep.
The travel-sized version is perfect for fitting into my suitcase and provides the same benefits as the full-sized one I use at home. It’s great for those chilly hotel rooms, especially when many use such thin blankets now. I like HEAVY blankets, like a big, fluffy duvet. Bringing my weighted blanket ensures I can relax and sleep well, which is crucial for maintaining energy and enjoying my trip to the fullest.
J Pillow
Last but not least, my trusty J pillow. This travel pillow is a game-changer for naps on planes and in cars. It supports my neck and chin, preventing that dreaded head bobbing and ensuring I wake up without a sore neck. Traditional travel pillows often fall short in providing adequate support, but the J pillow’s unique shape keeps my head and neck aligned.
Whether I’m on a long-haul flight or a short road trip, the J pillow helps me get quality rest. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, making it a perfect travel companion. Good sleep makes all the difference in the world, and I’m so happy I found an airplane pillow that works for me!
Do you have any unconventional items you bring on vacation? Share your must-haves in the comments below!
xoxo
Gina
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