The world is opening back up! Restrictions are being lifted and people are eager to resume traveling. One friend, after receiving her second vaccination, promptly went home and purchased a roundtrip airline ticket. I don’t even think she cared where the ticket was for as long as it was AWAY from where she had been quarantining for the past year or so.
With travel opening back up I thought it might be a good time to go over some tips that have helped relieve some anxiety when it comes to traveling. Yes, I know, travel and vacation are suppose to be a time to destress but this is often not the case. The combination of being out of our comfort zones and the safety of our own homes, mixed with socializing and extended periods of time with family, can lead to A LOT of anxiety.
This is why I suggest having a travel toolkit to bring with you. Some things in your travel toolkit may be actual physical items. Others may just be things you need to remind yourself to do (daily movement, staying connected, eating nourishing food).
So what exactly is a “toolkit”.
A ‘tool’ is anything that we can use as a coping mechanism, or as a way to shift/relieve our current state. Those of us who abstain from alcohol often have what is called a ‘sobriety toolbox’ which is an assortment of items we can turn to help self regulate. A “travel toolkit” works in much the same way.
During my first year of sobriety I travelled quite a bit. I hadn’t yet nailed down the items in either my “sobriety toolbox” or my “travel toolbox” so it was a bit of a learning process. Now, 4 years later, I know what I need and am continuously adding to or taking items out of my toolboxes. Below is my current list of top ten PHYSICAL toolbox items. Maybe some of them will make it into yours.
MY TOP TEN TRAVEL TOOLKIT ITEMS:
ADULT PLAY DOUGH
I know, adult play dough? What even is adult play dough? I loved play dough as a kid. I loved play dough when my kids played with it. I didn’t even care how big of a mess it always made and how our (I mean their) creations never looked anything like the images on the box. There is something totally therapeutic about having this squishy ball of stuff in your hand. Consider this an upgraded version. They go by different names, (aroma dough, the squeeze) and you can find a bunch of different companies on Etsy that sell them. My personal favorite is from Habitual Herbs Company.
SMALL NOTEBOOK 
I carry a small notebook with me everywhere but especially when I’m traveling. I use it to write everything from my morning gratitudes to spontaneous creative bursts to nightly brain dumps.
ESSENTIAL OIL STICKERS 
These are a relatively new add to my toolkit. I think for at least the foreseeable future we will be required to continue wearing masks on all flights. Why not try to make the experience as pleasant as possible. My daughter was given a mask spray which was a bit strong but these little stickers do not overwhelm the senses and last for awhile.
TEAS, TEAS AND MORE TEAS 
There is no shortage when it comes to tea options. Simply go to Whole Foods and you will find an entire aisle dedicated to every combination of herbs and flowers imaginable. I prefer a plain old lipton black tea in the morning so I make sure to pack an entire ziploc bag full of them. I’ll also throw in some ginger or lavender chamomile to have on hand in the evenings.
AUDIBLE ACCOUNT 
Your phone may be your best tool. If you have an audible account you can download ALL the books. I also have multiple apps that are great for keeping me calm. Insight timer is my favorite for meditations (Sara Blondin is a personal favorite) and the I AM app sends me affirmations every hour.
LAVENDER HANDWIPES 
These wipes were part of my travel toolkit long before carrying wipes was a thing.
BOSE SLEEPBUDS 
At this point Bose should be paying me a commission for the amount of times I have recommended this product. When I say I have tried every earplug on the market I am not exaggerating. I have tried EVERY product designed to block noise on the market and none of them even come close to it except the Bose Sleepbuds. They are worth every single penny.
LARABARS 
When traveling things happen. Flights are delayed. You get lost. Your credit card suddenly doesn’t work. It is always a good idea to carry something to eat in case any number of situations arise and you suddenly find yourself having to wait hours until you can have your next meal. Larabar’s are my go to. It’s easy to carry a few of them in my backpack and they are filling enough to tied me over for a few hours. I also don’t get the spike in blood sugar that I would from most of the other things sold in airports or gas stations.
AROMATHERAPY INHALER 
These are also a relatively new add to my travel toolkit. My friend Jean McCarthy gifted me one on a trip to Mexico and after I returned home every time I smelt it I was transported back to Mexico. I now always pack one whenever I travel. They are also great to have during traffic jams or turbulence (or any time you’re feeling anxious) . A favorite combination of mine is lavender, rose and frankincense from Woodland Herbals. You can also experiment and make your own combinations.
DECK OF UNO CARDS 
Just trust me on this one and pack a deck of UNO cards.
