25 Self-Care Tips For Travel To Reduce Stress And Ease Anxiety

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The best practical and soothing self-care tips for travel! These 25 ideas for self-care whilst travelling are designed to help you lighten your stress load whilst staying organized and comfortable on the go so that you can make the most out of your adventures.

From long-haul flights, busy itineraries and the dreaded jet lag, travelling can definitely take a toll on our mental and physical health. It is safe to say that keeping up with self-care while travelling is the key to holistically supporting ourselves when on the road so that we can stay balanced and content.

Whether you are a solo traveller, travelling in a group or even a parent travelling with younger ones, these self-care tips for travel are guaranteed to help you lighten the stress load and stay grounded whilst having fun on your trip.

25 Self-Care Tips for Travel

1. Make a list of important items

Pretty simple! but this is definitely worth doing. Make a list (on paper or in your notes app) of important items that you will need to carry with you whilst travelling such as important documents, passport, keys, bank card etc.

This way you can do a quick checklist before hitting the road and before heading home to ensure nothing gets left behind or lost.

2. Pack travel-friendly skincare

Don’t forget to pack your favourite skincare essentials! Purchase travel-sized variations of your desired products or add your regular products into suitably sized containers to save space and meet airline requirements if you are travelling by plane.

When travelling, the change in climate and even water quality can impact the skin so keeping up with skincare ensures you are still showing your skin the love it deserves.

You may wish to pack some under-eye patches or a sheet face mask to apply for some fun self-care while travelling if you have a long road trip or flight.

3. Eat regular snacks

Make sure that you eat regular snacks to stay energized! This is especially important if your regular food schedule is thrown off due to time-zone differences and a packed itinerary.

4. Bring a cosy item

Bringing along something cosy such as a hoodie, sweatshirt or blanket is worthwhile. Doing so will go a long way if you have a long car journey, are switching methods of transportation and if you have to catch a flight.

5. Make a playlist

One of my all-time favourite self-care tips is to create a playlist to listen to on long journeys. A total lifesaver if you have a long flight or have to wait around airports and stations!

You could put all of your favourite tracks together, create a relaxing playlist or even one that is on brand for your trip.

6. Download a podcast

For those who would prefer something other than music. Again, a lifesaver for those long journeys and waiting around.

7. Use a face mist

Pack a face mist in your bag to help keep your skin hydrated when adjusting to temperature changes and flying.

You could also use an aromatherapy spray to soothe anxiety and keep you grounded.

8. Use affirmations

Affirmations are a highly beneficial tool to use when practising self-care while travelling.

If you struggle with travel anxiety or anxiety in general, soothing affirmations can help you in preparation for your trip and during your flight.

Using self-love affirmations too when travelling is a great way to boost your confidence and increase positivity overall.

9. Wear comfortable footwear

Pretty self-explanatory! However, being mindful of your footwear choice can save a lot of potential discomfort and blister emergencies when walking long distances or visiting locations with lots of steep areas.

10. Breathing techniques

Practising breathing techniques is a great way to soothe anxiety and help you stay present in the moment.

Some examples include:

Simply placing your awareness on the natural rhythm of your breath
Box breathing whilst sat upright or lying down (inhale for 4 seconds, pause for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, pause for 4 seconds, repeat)
Slow and gentle deep breaths inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth – these work great for nausea!
Exhale longer than inhaling

11. Make a hygiene kit

One of the top recommended travel tips for flying is to add some travel-size hygiene essentials into a small zipper bag and carry it with you in a handbag or carry-on luggage. This way you can stay fresh and keep up with self-care while travelling.

Some ideas include:

Hand sanitizing wipes
Lip balm
Deodorant
Hairbrush
SPF
Makeup wipes

12. Plan meal and snack times

Get an idea of how frequently you intend to have meals and snacks whilst busy on the go so that you can keep your energy up. If travelling across time zones, be mindful of this so that you can plan accordingly to your preferences and needs.

13. Carry a water bottle

Pack a reusable water bottle in your bag or grab a bottle while you are out to stay hydrated.

14. Wear comfortable fabrics

Put on your desired comfy clothes for long trips on the road or catching flights to maximize comfort. P.S. Be mindful of the temperature and check the weather forecast so that you can prepare ahead of time!

If flying to a hotter climate you could opt for light thinner fabrics and bring a sweater for the journey… or bring a change of clothes for when you first arrive.

15. Read a book

Bring along some reading material for the journey and lounging by the pool or beach.

16. Keep your electronics charged

Keeping your electronics such as mobile phones fully charged ensures that you can get in touch with loved ones, access any digital documents/tickets and check for directions if needed.

A lot of airports have charging stations however packing a portable charging device or charger in your handbag guarantees you can still charge your device if needed.

P.S. Remember to charge your headphones if you are taking them!

17. Journal

A journal can be used for many things from brain dumps to reminders and using prompts. It can be great if you have a busy mind and struggle with anxiety as it can help you to process your thoughts.

You can even use your notes app if you do not wish to bring a physical journal.

18. Check in with loved ones

If you are a solo traveller or are travelling in a group away from home, taking 5 to check in with those you cherish might be the pick-me-up that you need.

19. Make a bucket list

Put together a list of places and activities that you want to include the most in your schedule. Sometimes when travelling, we just do not get around to some of the to-dos due to getting sidetracked or having a wide variety of potential options.

It is important to prioritise what is fun and meaningful to you so that you can make it enjoyable for yourself!

If you are travelling with others, put together a list of things that each wishes to do so that everyone can equally contribute to the schedule for the trip.

What sights do you wish to see the most? Do you have any food or drink spots in mind that you want to check out? Are there any particular events, group activities or day trips that interest you?

20. Pack headphones

Wear headphones to listen to music/a podcast to keep you entertained or if you need some downtime. You could also opt for noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs if you struggle with anxiety in busy areas that can get quite loud.

21. Use a smaller bag for important items

This is one of the best travel tips for flying! By adding your important items into a specific bag such as a belt bag you can easily access them when needed, especially when travelling through airports or busy crowds. For example, items such as keys, money, passport, a charger and your mobile phone.

This way you won’t have to rummage around in bigger bags and will be at ease knowing where any valuables or essentials are. You could also dedicate a pocket section of a backpack for these types of items if preferred.

22. Don’t hesitate to take 5 minutes to yourself

Take 5 or so minutes to yourself to have some time downtime and refresh your energy. Simply just taking time to quiet the mind and get present in a quiet space can go far if you have been super busy or stressed.

23. Make a list of important details

Write down on paper or in your notes app any important details such as addresses of places you are staying, general reminders or directions to limit stress once you begin travelling and arrive in the area.

24. Make a self-care kit

Put together any self-care essentials and favourite items into a bag so that you can keep up with self-care while travelling. Use a section of a backpack for these items or place a smaller zippable bag with them inside into your handbag.