Whether you’re hopping on a plane to an exotic destination or packing your trunk for the unique Soul Camp alternative style vacation we recommended in our last post, we wanted to make sure to suit you up with some healthy and sustainable packing and airport travel tips for your summer travels!
Packing. You saved up all year to make this trip happen, now let’s get you equipped with some tips that will save you some space, time and money, all in great green queen style!
Travel size items. We know, it’s so hard to find travel size versions of all the organic and natural products that you’re so committed to using on a daily basis and there is no reason why you should have to go traveling without them. We have a solution that will not only bring your hunt to an end but will also address all of the TSA’s requirements for carry-on liquids! Pack your full-size products in reusable containers like the assortment found in this cute clear travel makeup bag by Miamica. If you plan on taking your liquid essentials on board with you instead of checking them in with your baggage, this nifty item will also help you breeze through airport security lines because all the containers are packed in a clear bag and meet the 3.4 oz liquid maximum, as required by the TSA.
Baggage. So now that you’ve got a sustainable carry on case for your organic personal care products, you’re going to need something to pack all your other clothes and items, including the sustainable swimsuit you might have purchased after reading our post on this Summer’s stylish picks. This Eco Orbis style by Heys is a perfect fit for the eco-conscious traveler. It’s made with 100% recycled plastic and the fun purple color version makes it easy to spot at baggage claim!
If you need a stylish bag to take on board with you, kill two birds with one stone and make it a solar panel bag. This super classy piece by Noon Solar has a paper thin flexible solar panel with solar power storage battery built in to it! So for those old planes that don’t yet have electrical charging outlets built into them, you’ll have your very own sustainable stash of renewable energy stored right in your chic looking bag!
One of our favorite reusable water bottles to travel with because it’s easy to travel with (flat and foldable) and BPA free!
Reusable water bottle. We recommend never leaving home without it in general because plastic bottled water pollution is harmful, but you’ll especially want to have it when traveling because flying is super dehydrating! The cabin air on board is much drier than on the ground, leading to dehydration that could cause headaches, faintness and bad skin. Here’s a water drinking schedule that is sure to keep you hydrated through your travels – 1) Fill up your bottle before you leave the house and make sure to drink it before going through security, 2) Find a water fountain near your boarding gate and fill it back up before boarding, and #) ask the flight attendant to fill you up on one last round of filtered water (most planes have that option opposed to plastic bottles) midway through your flight.
Flying. Now that your bags are all packed, the exhausting prep for paradise is almost over. We’ve got a few more tips for the last leg of your preparations that will keep you feeling refreshed and ready to explore your exciting travel destination as soon as you land.
Security Scanner Radiation. Just another annoying barrier getting in the way of you and your vacation and quite possibly a carcinogenic one. As of June 2013, the TSA was to completely remove X-ray scanners from U.S. airports. Passengers felt the revealing images were an invasion of privacy and more importantly the ionizing radiation the scanners were emitting are known to be carcinogenic. Although the new AIT scanners’ millimeter waves are similar to the amounts of radiation released by cell phones, they are said to be 1000 times better than the international limits and guidelines of exposure to radiation. Either way, have no fear, you still have the option to opt out of airport security scanners. You will then have to be willing to take a pat down though. As uncomfortable as that may be, it makes for a good start on our next tip.
Keep your body moving. As fast as the airplane may be cruising, all that time in your seat isn’t allowing your blood to circulate enough, which can cause cramping and fatigue. So before you board, take a stroll through the airport hallways and shops instead of sitting impatiently by your gate or sipping on a latte at the cafe. Once you’re on board, check out these great exercises to do from your airplane seat. You’ll have plenty of time to relax when you reach your destination and find yourself sprawled on a lounge chair at the beach.
Sleep. Were you up all night packing or flying a red eye to give you an extra day of sightseeing? In that case, we understand if you want to skip the above tip and get some zzzz. Skip the prescription sleeping pills and try these natural alternatives that will lull you into a sleep that will make the shoulder of the passenger next to you feel as soft as the clouds look outside of your window. Start off by applying some lavender oil to calm your mind any stress you may be experiencing, sip on some chamomile tea to relax your body, and slip on an eye cover and some noise canceling earphones to block out any distractions. If you feel that’s not enough and prefer to pop a pill, try melatonin to supplement the natural hormone your body is already producing in order to assist with sleep.
Happy travels and let us know how these tips work out for you. Even better, comment here with your own tips and suggestions and you’ll win a free Maxim travel pack of cotton balls, rounds and swabs.