There’s nothing that can derail a good vacation like feeling ill. When I was a kid on a family trip to Mexico, my mom fell so ill that a doctor had to come administer a shot in our hotel room. I remember checking out museums, churches, and neighborhoods with my father and brother, my poor mom stuck in bed back at the hotel. Two years ago, one of our sons caught a stomach bug during a cruise, which is the last place you want to be when that happens. Thankfully, it was toward the end of our trip, and no one else got sick. Even vacations aren’t immune to illness. Whether it’s the flu, jet lag, or a new food that simply didn’t agree with you, it’s good to have things on hand that will help you stay healthy on vacation. Here are nine ideas for your next trip.
Stay Healthy on Vacation
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Kiehl’s In-Flight Refreshing Facial Mist
Air, road, and train travel can zap moisture from your skin, leaving it parched and dull. This cooling facial mist relies on soothing plant extracts to hydrate skin and improve its overall texture, leaving your face clean and supple. $14; kiehls.com
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Anthony No Sweat Body Defense
If your idea of vacation involves days spent enjoying physical activities in the great outdoors, chances are you’ll experience some chafing and itching in private places, if you know what I mean. The tapioca starch in the Anthony No Sweat Body Defense soaks up moisture, while the aloe vera and vitamin E keep your skin from chafing while smelling clean. $20; ulta.com
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Organic Immunity Super Green Tea Bags
From big, busy airports to confined spaces, vacations are chock-full of opportunities to pick up germs. Besides regular hand washing, try sipping green tea. It packs natural antioxidants that can help you stay healthy when traveling, and it’s known as a natural energy booster, too. Made with echinacea, ginger, green tea matcha, and more natural herbs, Organic Immunity Super Green Tea bags fit easily into any travel bag or purse. $13; republicoftea.com
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Compressed Towel Tablets
If washing your face with hotel towels makes you uncomfortable or triggers allergies, slip one of these little pills under warm water and watch as it decompresses and expands into a travel-sized towel. $4.99; prospectorco.com
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Korres After Sun Greek Yoghurt Cooling Gel
It happens to everyone; you inevitably end up spending too much time in the sun, you take off your hat, or you forget to reapply sunscreen, and suddenly your skin is pink and on its way to a sunburn. Undo some of the damage and give your skin a hydrating lift with the yogurt, natural extracts, and antioxidants in this cooling gel. $26; sephora.com
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I Travel Well Liquid Extract
Place thirty drops in water one to three times a day, and this liquid extract helps support your body’s natural ability to adapt to the stresses of travel, including a change in time zones. It also helps to establish healthy sleep patterns, support the immune system, and aid digestion while eliminating the toxins that accumulate when your regular diet and exercise schedule are upended. $12.95; banyanbotanicals.com
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RejuvaSocks
Two of my best friends have a high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a common condition that can cause blood clots to form in the legs when you travel. It can make your ankles swollen and your feet uncomfortable. The best defense is to wear high compression socks, but until recently most looked like something your grandma would wear. Enter these adorable ones from Rejuva Health. From stripes to houndstooth, their selection of prints is stylish and won’t leave you feeling like you’re wearing Nana’s support hose. Bonus: When you have to remove your shoes during security check-in, you’ll be glad you’re not barefoot. $29.99; rejuvahealth.com
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Mill Creek Botanicals 99% Aloe Vera Gel
From sunburns to bug bites, nothing is as soothing as aloe vera. It pulls triple duty by also moisturizing dry, chapped skin and relieving minor skin irritations. If you’ve got kids, the chances of this coming in handy while on vacation is high, making this a family travel must-have. $5.99; walgreens.com
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No-Jet-Lag Homeopathic Jet Lag Prevention Tablets
If jet lag wreaks havoc on the start and end of what should be a relaxing vacation, try these all-natural supplements made with chamomile and other homeopathic ingredients. Chew one before takeoff, another every two to four hours in flight, and a final supplement when the plane lands. $10.99; drugstore.com
