Essential Travel Health Items to Pack This Summer
If you’re planning a summer getaway, it’s important to remember that while you’re chasing adventures, you might also be picking up more than just memories. Ensuring you have the right health essentials can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your trip.
I’ve always carried a mini medicine bag with the basics: painkillers, antacids, Band-aids, Lactaid, and something for nausea. But as I’ve become more involved in wellness, my travel kit has expanded significantly. Here are some items that have made a real impact on my travel experiences.
To Fall Asleep and Beat Jet Lag
After returning from Hawaii, I was hit by jet lag due to a 10.5-hour flight and a 6-hour time difference. The disruption of my circadian rhythm is a common issue when traveling across time zones. Melatonin supplements can help reset this internal clock.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the body in response to darkness, signaling it’s time for sleep. When this rhythm gets thrown off, a supplement can help bring it back into balance. One of my favorites is Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme Sleep gummy, which combines melatonin with L-theanine and magnesium. It has a delicious berry flavor and is similar to the popular “sleepy girl mocktail.”
Another option is the Make Time for Beauty Sleep gummy, which includes melatonin, magnesium, and L-theanine, along with biotin for skin, hair, and nail health.
To Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in hot climates. Years ago, I learned the hard way about dehydration when I traveled to Cambodia in 100-degree heat. At the time, Pedialyte was one of the few brands offering travel-sized electrolytes. Now, there are many great options available.
I currently enjoy Thorne (especially the mango limeade), FlavCity (pineapple coconut is a favorite), and Groove (strawberry kiwi is a winner). I keep one in my purse to pour into a water bottle when it’s hot or to chug after a night of cocktails to avoid hangovers. The key is to consume electrolytes before feeling sick.
To Get My Tummy Straight
Even if you’re careful about what you eat and drink, tummy troubles can still happen while traveling. A fiber supplement can be helpful if you experience constipation. I use BelliWelli, which comes in convenient, travel-sized packets with tasty flavors like watermelon and strawberry lemonade.
However, it’s important not to overdo it. The trend of “fibermaxxing” can have negative effects, as reported recently.
To Fight Infections and Stay Healthy Overall
Traveling often means exposure to new environments and people, making it easier to catch illnesses. Boosting your vitamin intake before, during, and after your trip can support your immune system.
Barrière offers adorable vitamin patches, including vitamin D3 stickers that look like suns and vitamin B12 patches shaped like rainbows, hearts, and palm trees. I particularly like the Travel Well patches, which include zinc, vitamin D3, and elderberry, all beneficial for immune function.
MegaFood’s burpless omega-3 pills are another must-have. Fish oil is known for its benefits in immunity, heart health, and brain function, and these pills don’t come with the unpleasant fishy burps.
Finally, my least glamorous but essential item is NeilMed’s sinus rinse kit. If you haven’t tried nasal irrigation before, it may take some getting used to. However, using it nightly helps prevent colds by flushing out germs. It’s also useful for allergies, flu, and COVID symptoms, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any risks.
