Traveling Light: My Must-Have Essentials for Health and Beauty on the Go

Where ya headed?

Traveling can be exciting, but it’s not without its challenges—especially when it comes to staying healthy, grounded, and glowing. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my packing list to include only the essentials that help me feel my best, no matter where in the world I am. Here’s a peek into my travel must-haves, beauty hacks, and favorite travel apps to make the journey as seamless as the destination.

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My 5 Travel Essentials

1. Activated Charcoal
   This is the best multi-use ingredient I ALWAYS have traveling! It is perfect for unexpected digestive upsets or food and water that doesn’t quite agree with you. Activated charcoal is my go-to for a natural detox after adventurous meals. You can also take one capsule and add just a smidge of water to make a paste and use it for bug bites, blemishes, full face mask, and even to whiten your teeth! Here is the brand I like to use.

2. Oil of Oregano
This potent immune booster is a lifesaver for combating colds or warding off germs during long flights or layovers. If I feel a little tickle in my throat or begin to feel unwell I take one to two capsules immediately. Here is the brand I like to use.

3. Protein
When hunger strikes and healthy options are scarce, I rely on protein sources to keep me fueled and satisfied between meals. But I am not talking about overly processed “protein” bars. I am taking real, whole foods. My carry-on bag and suitcase always has high protein snacks!

• Grass-fed jerky and other dehydrated meats , plus check these organic shredded beef packets!
• Raw hard cheeses (The best hard cheeses that generally don’t require refrigeration include: Parmesan [Parmigiano Reggiano], aged cheddar, aged Gouda, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano)
• Sustainably caught canned fish (Yeah, I know. Worried about heavy metals in canned fish? We are all just trying to do our best and often times this is a way better choice than the shitty airport food filled with seed oils and other unwanted additives.)
• Hard boiled eggs (keep them in their shell to keep them fresh)
• Dehydrated grass-fed bone broth packets for soup on the plane or that hike in the Alps!

4. Supplements I Never Travel Without
When it comes to supplements, I like to keep it simple. In fact, I only bring three essentials: magnesium, mineral salt, and desiccated beef organs—and there’s a very good reason for that.

• Magnesium: Magnesium is a non-negotiable for me when traveling. It helps me relax, recover from long travel days, and supports muscle function, sleep, and stress resilience—all of which can take a hit while on the go. Plus, chances are, I won’t be getting enough through food alone. For more on why this mineral is so essential, check out my blog post: Magnesium: The Mighty Mineral Your Body Craves.
  • I love this brand because it provides optimal levels of magnesium in multiple bioavailable forms. That said, it does contain sunflower oil in the “other ingredients” list—not ideal, but still a solid option.
  • Another great choice is Thorne Research’s powdered magnesium, which allows you to scoop out what you need and pack it in a small baggie—a great space-saving travel hack if you prefer to avoid bringing an entire bottle.
  • At the end of the day, choose what works best for you!
• Sea Salt: Salt is one of the most underrated yet essential travel companions. While most people think of salt as just a seasoning, real, unrefined salt (like Celtic sea salt or Redmond Real Salt) is actually a powerhouse of electrolytes and trace minerals that keep the body functioning optimally—especially when traveling. Since travel can throw off mineral balance (dehydration, different water sources, processed foods), I always add a pinch of quality salt to my water to support hydration, energy, and mineral absorption—making it a travel essential alongside magnesium and beef organs.
  • Hydration – Prevents dehydration from flying, climate changes, and sweating.
  • Electrolyte balance – Keeps muscles, nerves, and energy levels stable.
  • Magnesium absorption – Sodium helps transport magnesium into cells, making it more effective.
• Desiccated Beef Organs: While I prioritize getting nutrients from whole foods, traveling can make it tricky to find high-quality, nutrient-dense meals. That’s where desiccated beef organs come in—they’re nature’s most potent, bioavailable multivitamin. Unlike synthetic supplements, which are often poorly absorbed, beef organs contain a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals in their most usable forms.
  • Liver is packed with preformed vitamin A (retinol) (essential for immune function, skin, and vision), B12, folate, and copper, which plays a crucial role in iron metabolism, energy production, and collagen formation.
  • Heart is rich in CoQ10, a powerhouse antioxidant that supports energy and mitochondrial function.
  • Kidney provides bioavailable selenium, which is key for thyroid health and detoxification.
  • Spleen is an excellent source of immune-supporting peptides and additional trace minerals.

5. Grounding EMF Protection
Traveling often means constant exposure to Wi-Fi, electronic devices, and artificial electromagnetic fields (EMFs)—especially on planes and in hotels, where you’re surrounded by high-frequency radiation with little to no access to the earth’s natural grounding energy. I personally feel so buzzed after long travel journeys.

• Why does this matter?
  • Flying increases EMF exposure – Airplanes are packed with electronic systems and Wi-Fi signals, exposing your body to high levels of radiation while being completely disconnected from the earth’s natural electromagnetic field.
  • Hotels are EMF hotspots – With smart devices, routers, and industrial-strength Wi-Fi signals, sleeping in hotels can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms, making it harder to feel rested and recovered.
  • Grounding resets the body – Putting bare feet on the earth (grass, sand, soil) helps discharge excess EMFs, rebalance your nervous system, and adjust to a new time zone faster by syncing your circadian rhythm with the local environment.
• To minimize EMF exposure and stay balanced, I use Aires Tech for protection while traveling. I have been using their Lifetune device for years now and can honestly say it has made a huge difference. I even had it go off at airport security once which reaffirmed that it was indeed working! It’s a great tool for reducing the impact of EMFs, especially in places where I can’t easily ground myself. But when I can, I always prioritize getting outside, barefoot, in natural sunlight—even just for a few minutes—to help my body recalibrate.

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My Travel Beauty Essentials

Keeping my skin and body feeling fresh and vibrant while traveling is all about simplicity and effectiveness. These are my must-have beauty essentials that help me stay glowing on the go! Plus, I just really love all things skincare.

🌿 Gua Sha

This ancient beauty tool is a game-changer for reducing puffiness, sculpting, and boosting circulation—especially after long flights or sleepless nights. A few gentle strokes help de-puff, refresh, and bring life back to my skin. It’s also so thin and compact that I can just slip it in my toiletry bag no problem. I really love these ones!

🖤 Activated Charcoal (Yes, Again!)

This powerhouse isn’t just for digestion! I also use activated charcoal as a detoxifying face mask to draw out impurities, combat travel breakouts, and keep my skin clear and radiant—because changing environments can do a number on your complexion.

🌱 Sustainable Deodorant

A clean, travel-friendly deodorant that actually works is a must. I always opt for one that’s aluminum-free, toxin-free, and kind to the planet—because smelling fresh shouldn’t come at the cost of my health or the environment. These are my favorite right now as they are totally plastic and toxin free and… They work!

🦷 Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

This might seem odd to have toothpaste here on the list. Trust me, good quality, clean toothpaste can be really hard to find when traveling. No matter where I roam, oral health stays a priority. Flossing honestly has way more importance for me over actually brushing…more on that another time. So, I always pack a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste that keeps my mouth fresh and clean—without the toxic ingredients found in conventional brands.

Want a simple, travel-friendly alternative? Activated charcoal is an amazing natural tooth whitener and detoxifier! This is what I make to take along with me traveling!

DIY Travel Charcoal Tooth Powder

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp activated charcoal (gently detoxifies + whitens)
• 2 tbsp baking soda (natural cleanser)
• 1 tsp mineral-rich sea salt (supports enamel strength)
• 5-7 drops peppermint essential oil (optional for freshness)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Transfer to a small, airtight travel container.
3. To use, dip your damp toothbrush into the powder and brush gently for 1-2 minutes. Rinse well.

Just dip your toothbrush in the powder and brush gently! It helps remove stains, detoxify, and remineralize teeth naturally—plus, it’s super easy to pack for travel.

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What I Buy at My Destination (Beauty Hacks)

One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering local beauty secrets using fresh, natural ingredients. Instead of overpacking products, I love finding simple, multi-use beauty staples that locals swear by. Here are a few that I always invest in.

☕ Coffee

Not just for sipping! Coffee grounds make an incredible natural exfoliant. I mix leftover grounds with a little water or olive oil for an energizing body scrub that boosts circulation and leaves my skin silky smooth. This is always a fun adventure when I am in countries like Guatemala where coffee grows abundantly. Then I get to search for the best quality beans and perhaps even meet the farmers!

🍯 Honey

Bees are truly the heart beat of this world. I believe that consuming honey from local bees wherever we are traveling is a powerful way to connect with the vibration of the land you are in. Honey is a true multitasker! Raw, local honey is a soothing face mask, spot treatment, and natural antibacterial remedy—perfect for calming irritated skin or post-travel breakouts. Plus, I love adding a spoonful to tea for an immune boost. You can also use honey as a face cleanser! It is so so versatile. Check out my Free Guide: My Top 5 Favorite Beauty Hacks to learn more!

🫒 Olive Oil (or Local Fat)

Whether it’s olive oil in the Mediterranean, ghee in India, or tallow in Switzerland, I always look for a high-quality, local fat. It’s a natural moisturizer for skin and hair, a nourishing lip balm, and even a gentle makeup remover. Bonus: It’s way cleaner than most conventional beauty products. Plus, you can use it for at home cooking if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen. You can often find me cooking and moisturizing my skin at the same time!

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My Top 5 Travel Apps

These apps make planning, booking, and navigating stress-free:

1. Booking.com
   Great for easy accommodation searches and last-minute deals. If you use it regularly, you will unlock major discounts that can save you upwards of 20% off hotels, car rentals, and bonus free breakfast for most accommodations!
2. Hopper
   My go-to for tracking flight prices and snagging the best deals. I have been using Hopper for the last 5 years and have gotten incredible deals on flights all around the world!
3. Airalo
   A lifesaver for staying connected abroad with affordable eSIM options! This keeps me connected no matter what country I am in. With the Global eSIM, it will automatically which service providers when you enter a new country.
4. Trusted Housesitters
   I housesat for a lovely couple in England during a three month solo travel journey I was on. It was wonderful to stay in a nice home and take care of the families sweet dog and cat while they were away. Plus I got free lodging and whatever I wanted to eat in their fridge and pantry! Perfect for long-term stays that feel like home, plus the added bonus of pet snuggles!
5. Trainline
   Literally the BEST! I use this every time I travel. For seamless train travel in Europe and other parts of the world, this app allows me to buy tickets on the app and save so much time and hassle!

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Tschüss!

No matter where you’re headed, remember: less is more—fewer ingredients, less packaging, and certainly less perfection. Being a conscious traveler means moving through the world with awareness, considering how your presence may impact the places and people around you.

Pack light, stay flexible, learn a few words in the local language, and above all, soak in the privilege of exploring this beautifully diverse world. 🌍✨

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Let me know in the comments what your must-have travel essentials are! I’d love to know.