When traveling, flexibility is usually required but you don’t have to use toxic, conventional skincare products for the sake of convenience or travel ease. Travelers have gone before you and tested out the effectiveness of traveling with natural products and creators like us at Dandelion Naturals have designed and curated resources that work at home and while traveling. So whether you are traveling overseas or hiking in the woods we have some great options.
What to look for in a non toxic travel friendly product?
Look for a product that is solid or powder vs liquid.
Look for something that is stable enough to handle temperature changes, example:: a balm vs a whipped product.
Look for a smaller size vs. a regular size.
Look for items that can serve multiple purposes.
Look for products you are familiar with.
Suggested Packing List:
(Many items are linked)
A sturdy bag – for airline travel, one with wheels is very convenient but for back packing in the woods or camping then a back pack is more ideal.
Clothes to wear – we recommend packing cotton, wool, and linen items. (These materials not only help you maintain body temperature but also offer other natural benefits.)
Mesh laundry bag (for when your shoes or delicates need washed).
Packing cubes – these are a great option if you would like to keep your clothes sorted or are packing for a family.
Seasonal Soap Crate (for half size bar soaps)
Tallow balm as face cream and body lotion
Sunscreen – look for a mineral sunscreen that is free of these chemical sunscreens: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate
Headlamp/flashlight
Ziplocks or Stasher (silicone) bags (for electronics, snacks ect.)
Glass or stainless steel water bottle
Gopure water filter
Charcoal and ginger supplements for stomach health
Loose leaf tea (for hydration and wellness support)
Headphones (that are wired to reduce EMF exposure)
International power adapter
Socks
Shoes – a holistic, foot supporting option is to find barefoot shoes (this allows your feet to remain in their natural shape and prevents banyans from forming.)
Some healthy snack options to pack are:
(Many of these items are not airline friendly)
Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts
Cheese sticks or cubes
Hard-boiled eggs
Beef or turkey jerky
Pork rinds
Avocado
Olives
Sugar-free dark chocolate
Fresh fruits like bananas and apples: Convenient and rich in essential nutrients.
Dried fruits like apricots and figs: Lightweight and long-lasting.
Fruit and nut bars: A balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars.
Pre-packed smoothie ingredients: Individual servings for quick, nutritious smoothies.
Lettuce wrap
Cottage cheese and fruit combo.
Greek Yogurt
Carrots
Cucumbers
Cherry tomatoes
A good principle of travel is to drink water 30 minutes before taking the opportunity to snack. This will hydrate your body and allow your body to test if you are hungry or just thirsty, leaving enough time for your stomach to create enough acid to properly digest your food.
Tips for camping/travel:
1. Make the most of your campfires and burn all of your paper and cardboard waste. It’s helpful to try and purchase items that come in cardboard packaging, rather than plastic, for this reason. (1)
2. Respect All Wildlife
Respect and view wildlife from a distance. Never feed or disturb animals that you may come into contact with. This can harm the animals and disrupt their natural behaviors.
3. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Planning and preparing reduces the likelihood of emergencies and limits your environmental impact. Including eating food that will support your body, with a little research you can find some amazing places to eat.
4. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stay on marked pathways and camp only in designated areas to reduce any damage or disruptions to the already fragile ecosystems around you.
5. Leave What You Find
Leaving no trace that you were there behind. (2)
6. Use big containers to make ice a few days before you go. Large juice containers, 2-liters, large water bottles, or anything with a tightly fitting lid will work. The bulkiness of the item helps it stay cold longer and you’ll have more fresh water later.
A final thought:
Traveling can be done many different ways from seeing all the most popular sights to talking to the locals and finding out about the hidden gems. Keeping a travel journal is a great way to record where you have been and also keeps the information in one spot if you ever decide to go back. You can also glue tickets and other souvenirs to your travel journal.
While traveling it is a great time to disconnect from social media and take in all of God’s creation and the opportunities to get to know the people around you; if you are traveling in rural areas you won’t have cellular service anyways.
Resources:
https://myrigadventures.com/eco-friendly-camping/ (1)
https://www.beyondthetent.com/sustainable-camping/ (2)
