For me, traveling means adventures, unforgettable experiences, and exciting encounters. But every trip starts with the question: what goes in the luggage? I want to avoid overpacking, but still want to bring everything that will keep me feeling good while traveling. Can you relate to that? Besides the right clothes for the selected destination (I tend to bring more than I need 😉) and the tech gear that accompanies me on almost every trip (phone, laptop, chargers, adapter – hello, "workation"), a well-thought-out first-aid kit is essential. Whether it’s a city trip, a beach vacation, or an adventure trip – the most important essentials shouldn't be missing.But have you ever considered making your first-aid kit as natural as possible? If not, here’s how you can be fully prepared for your travels with the power of nature. Because natural products aren't just good for your body, they're also good for the beautiful world we all want to experience for as long as possible.
Less chemicals, more nature: Why I rely on the power of nature even when traveling
Just a few years ago, I had almost no knowledge of essential oils. So, on my travels – especially my world trip – I carried a whole range of medications and care products, from painkillers to various ointments. Thankfully, I hardly used most of them and carried them around unnecessarily for months And when I had an issue, I often didn't react until it was really urgently needed and I was already half sick. Today, I pack my "natural medicine cabinet" instead, which consists primarily of essential oils. In most situations, it replaces the many medications I used to pack. It saves space, and I can maintain my well-being completely naturally. "Maintaining" is the key word here. Because these days, I don't wait until it's almost too late to act. I do my best to ensure that I don't need medication in the first place.
Why Essential Oils?
They are true multi-taskers, providing well-being and protection not just at home but on the go too. Lavender soothes sun-kissed skin, peppermint refreshes on hot days. Other oils support the skin and hair, digestion, and immune system, help with clean hands, ensure a good night’s sleep, or provide relief for tired legs after 20,000 steps. Thanks to their compact size, they even fit easily into your hand luggage.
Most of my travel companions come from Young Living Essential Oils, as I trust their excellent quality, and many of them are from the Young Living Starter Kit. I also take a few supplements, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hygiene products for traveling.
What Travel Issues Might You Face?
Sun & Insects, Immune System & Poor Digestion, Flight Anxiety, Nervousness, Sleep Issues, Hygiene, and Injuries or Muscle Tension.
First, here’s an overview of which products I pack from the Young Living range:
- Immune System & Digestion: Thieves®, Inner Defense, Di-Gize®, Peppermint
- Flight Anxiety, Nervousness, Sleep: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender, possibly Deep Night Essence
- Cleanliness: Thieves® Spray, Hand Sanitizer
- Sun & Insects: Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, Lavaderm After-Sun Spray, Purification and/or Citronella (or pre-mixed insect spray), Lavender
- Injuries: Blue Relief (or homemade PanAway), Lavender, Frankincense, Valor
General Products I Always Carry:
L-Lysine (for cold sores), Band-Aids & small scissors, bandage (for sprained ankles), feminine hygiene, earplugs, and natural deodorant. For adventure holidays, I also carry a strong painkiller for emergencies. And, even though I prefer not to, I pack an insect repellent with DEET for the "just in case" situations, especially if traveling to malaria risk areas.
Which products should you have for which application?
Immune System Support:
My absolute favorite topic is the immune system. Why? Because I used to get sick or caught a cold so often, often within the first few days after arriving at my destination. These products not only help me keep my immune system under control at home, but they also provide wonderful support while traveling. If I do catch a cold, I get over it much faster than I could a few years ago. Honestly, I swear – I'm absolutely thrilled and convinced. And Thieves® was definitely my "gateway" into the world of essential oils.
Thieves® and Thieves®+: My personal favorite not just for traveling. It strengthens the immune system and supports any signs of weakness. Perfect before and during flights (due to cold air conditioning) or before eating in regions where cleanliness may not be guaranteed. Apply to the soles of your feet or place Thieves®+ under your tongue (caution: it's spicy; mix with honey or juices if desired). Thieves® is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary.- Inner Defense: These are pre-filled softgel capsules with Oregano, Thyme, Thieves® and Lemongrass. The first two oils are especially effective against immune weakness, supported by studies. These oils strengthen systemic defense, create an unfavorable environment for yeast and fungi, and support respiratory health & the immune system. Take 1 capsule immediately at the first sign of a cold or as needed (maybe not on an empty stomach if you're not used to them). For prevention, I take it before flying to avoid catching a cold from air conditioning.
- Breathe Again Roll-On: With a refreshing, energizing aroma, this is the perfect travel companion to help you breathe freely in the morning, on long days, or after intense workouts. I also use it for a stuffy or blocked nose. Since it’s already mixed with a carrier oil, I can apply it directly under my nose. It contains Peppermint, Myrtle, Copaiba, and four types of Eucalyptus – including Blue Eucalyptus.
Digestive Support:
- Di-Gize®: To support me after overeating (All You Can Eat 😉), bloating, indigestion, hangovers, or general discomfort, this is the ideal travel companion.
Even when digestion isn't functioning as you are used to at home, just apply it to your stomach. (*A blend of Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli). Di-Gize® is definitely one of my favorite oils, not just for travel but it's also always in my bag in Austria. It helps me a lot with bloating and even nausea. I often apply it under my tongue since I know it only contains 100% natural oils. - Peppermint: Can also be used for bloating or to support during choppy boat rides, helping to prevent or ease travel sickness. Best: just breathe it in from the bottle or put one drop in your palm, spread it and cover your nose with the products. Peppermint has so many other positive uses – it cools on hot days (apply to the back of your neck and inhale the rest), and it’s often called "the smallest air conditioner in the world." Its refreshing scent helps wake you up and boosts energy – great on long car rides. Just breathe it in or apply as mentioned above.
Flight Anxiety, Nervousness, Sleep Problems:
Unlike immune weakness, these issues aren’t as critical for me, but I hear about them from others. So, here are some natural ways to support you in these areas:
- Lavender: Calms and balances. Perfect for winding down (especially with work stress or if you’re nervous about flying). It’s also great for sunburn – more on that later.
- Cedarwood: If I can't fall asleep, it’s the best oil for a peaceful night’s sleep, especially on planes or in unfamiliar places. I also use it at home if my brain starts racing at night and prevents me from sleeping.
- Peace & Calming®: Perfect for relaxation or when you need a dose of peace and tranquility. You can even wear it like a perfume on your neck or behind your ears. (*A blend of Ylang Ylang, Blue Tansy, Patchouli, Orange, and Tangerine)
- Stress Away®: Does exactly what the name says – it eliminates stress. I usually need it more at home than on vacation. (*A blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Lavender, Ocotea, and Vanilla)
- Deep Night Essence: If you’re the type to seek inner support, I recommend the new Deep Night Essence supplement. The specially developed formula combines high-quality botanical ingredients with the essential oils of Green Mint and Lavender. It contains no melatonin and is ideal before bed for a restful night’s sleep. I use it when I’ve had a particularly stressful day that might otherwise make me sleep restless.
Injuries:
Depending on whether it’s skin injuries or bone/ligament issues, there are different oils I take. Here are the ones I usually carry:
- Lavender: an ideal first aid kit for minor cuts or scrapes, insect bites, and sunburn. It is one of Young Living's most popular products and has been highly valued by many cultures throughout history. It has a relaxing and refreshing scent that is particularly calming. While the ancient Romans used it in baths for its cleansing properties, today lavender oil is typically applied in the evening before bedtime to cool the skin after sunbathing and during massages for its calming effect on the body, mind, and spirit.
It can support tissue regeneration and accelerate skin renewal. Lavender is also referred to as the "Swiss Army knife of oils" because of its versatility. - Alternative – Frankincense: A great oil for the skin, often used in natural beauty products. It’s known as one of the best anti-aging oil and has a calming, grounding effect.
- Blue Relief/PanAway (homemade): For sprains or other muscle tension, I use Blue Relief and, alternatively or in addition, Frankincense or Copaiba. Last year, I sprained my ankle while hiking and immediately treated it intensively with these three oils. After it swelled up very quickly in the beginning and I had to travel on soon, I took a single painkiller to quickly relieve the intense, acute pain. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to carry my backpack with only one functional leg. The acute pain subsided quickly. And after just one night, I felt almost no pain at all, which I definitely attribute to the support of the essential oils.
Recipe: Strengthening Blend for Joints (& Muscles)
30 drops Peppermint
30 drops Clove
30 drops Immortelle
fill an empty 15ml bottle with Wintergreen and mix well! 😊
Other Tips:
- AromaSeiz: For muscles, tension, back pain, or possibly with a compress.
- Ligament and tendon problems: Lemongrass, Marjoram, Copaiba, Frankincense, Elemi
- Intervertebral discs: Raindrop application – deep muscle relaxant
- Cypress: Energy blockage, heavy legs, lymphatic stimulant – mixed with peppermint after a long day of sightseeing
- Dietary supplements: such as BLM, Sulfurzyme, or Olive Essentials – good for joints – in my opinion more preventative and not for acute cases
Cleanliness:
- Thieves® Spray: The perfect travel companion. Use it to clean door handles, toilet seats, and any other surfaces. It’s great for removing dust, mold, and other unwanted microorganisms.
- Thieves® Waterless Hand Purifier: A natural hand cleanser to clean and refresh your hands. Perfect for adults and kids on the go, providing a hygienic and natural way to care for your hands without needing water.
- Peppermint is amazing for dealing with ants! I had a great experience with this on one of my recent trips to South Africa. Simply apply it where you see the start of the ant trail and follow their preferred path.
Insects:
Insect Spray: You can easily create your own natural insect repellent spray.
Ingredients (e.g., 4-5 drops of each per 50 ml): Lavender, Rosemary, Purification, Citronella, Lemongrass, Peppermint. You can also add Geranium (for ticks).
Mix all oils with water and a pinch of salt. Shake well before use.
Ingredients (e.g., 4-5 drops of each per 50 ml): Lavender, Rosemary, Purification, Citronella, Lemongrass, Peppermint. You can also add Geranium (for ticks).
Mix all oils with water and a pinch of salt. Shake well before use.
After an insect sting/bite:
- Lavender: relieves itching; provides fast relief from bee stings (I've tried this myself).
- Peppermint: cooling and soothing, also helpful after contact with jellyfish (best when mixed with vinegar).
- Melrose: disinfecting.
- Purification: cleansing
Support from Within:
NingXia Red: Goji berries are effective at neutralizing free radicals, slowing the oxidation process, and preventing free radical damage. They can repair sun-damaged skin and help with hyperpigmentation. Rich in Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, and amino acids. NingXia Red also contains other berries such as blueberry (30%), plum (22%), chokeberry (16%), sweet cherry (16%), and pomegranate (15%), as well as an acidity regulator. I drink the NingXia Red juice I drink at home from bottles. For traveling it comes in convenient 60ml single-serving packs for on-the-go use. I love this product, as it boosts my energy. I make sure to take it with me on shorter trips or at least for the first few days.- Super C: Healthy skin contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, which supports essential functions like collagen synthesis and protection against UV-induced skin damage. Without sufficient Vitamin C, collagen synthesis decreases, leading to less collagen production.
Sun Protection:
- Mineral Sun Screen Lotion SPF 50: This natural sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50, featuring plant- and mineral-based ingredients enriched with 7 natural essential oils (like Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, Frankincense, and Lavender). It shields against both UVA and UVB rays (UVA = skin aging, UVB = sunburn). It’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ideal for sensitive skin (hypoallergenic), and free from chemical UV filters, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Contains non-nano zinc oxide.
- TIP: For easier application, mix the sunscreen with fractionated coconut oil, the V-6 oil complex, or “Lavender Hand & Body Lotion.” You can also add carrot seed oil and/or Lavender, Helichrysum, and Myrrh.
After Sun:
- LavaDerm Cooling Mist: Contains two of the most soothing substances found in nature: Lavender essential oil and Aloe Vera. Cooling and calming for the skin.
- LavaDerm After Sun Spray: Contains Menthol from Peppermint. It cools and calms the skin, providing instant relief for sun-irritated skin. Moisturizes with Aloe and essential oils like Lavender and Helichrysum. Vegan-friendly, alcohol-free, and free from artificial colors and fragrances.
- DIY After Sun: Mix the V-6 Oil Complex or “Lavender Hand & Body Lotion” with oils like Helichrysum, German Chamomile (or Blue Tansy), Lavender, Copaiba, and Peppermint. I’d recommend this for shorter sun exposure only.
Conclusion - Why a natural first aid kit is the best choice?
With a well-thought-out natural first aid kit, I'm well prepared for many situations. I can support my health and well-being without having to use chemical products. Therefore I feel better about the environment because I know I'm doing something good for myself and nature.
What natural travel essentials do you always have with you?Do you also rely on natural solutions when you travel? Which ones are your absolute essentials?
For more inspirations visit the Young Living Blog for Travel Tips or Skin Care for Summer time
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 | Hey, I'm Lucy! After my world trip in 2018, 'ENJOY LIFE RESPONSIBLY' became my motto. Be inspired as I share my adventures, my evolving worldview, and my journey to a more responsible and natural lifestyle. Find out how my life is connected to “Young Living Essential Oils”, why travel and oils are my two great passions and how I combine them. |
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