And, to make it even more tragic, I think I passed my “hate packing gene” to one of my daughters. One time before we left for a trip when we had an early flight to catch, I opened her bedroom door to remind her of the time. There, I found her throwing her entire closet in a suitcase just because – you guessed it – she hates to pack and had procrastinated and left the packing task to the very last possible moment!
So, if you are in the “despise packing camp” like me and my daughter, I have a packing strategy to make it a little more bearable. Come see how I lessen the pain with a few travel multitaskers, a bag I always have packed ready-to-go as well as lots of packing hints from other travel masters that could help you, too! And, of course, I do hope you will add your packing and travel ideas in the comments as well!
5 HEALTH & BEAUTY MULTITASKERS TO TRAVEL LIGHT
Despite my shuddering at the thought of packing, I know travel is necessary to connect with those I care about, learn new things and to stimulate my mind (all part of creating that healthy lifestyle!).
One trick I implement is creating travel size containers (see my favorites in the next section) of items that can multi-task and save room in my bag. And I always refill them each time upon my return from my trip so that they are ready for the next dreaded packing task. (Check! One less thing to pack!) And, believe it or not and as strange as it sounds, five of them are food items that can be used for some effective home remedies, too. Here they are and how and why I use them:
1. Baking soda
It is inexpensive, and I can use it as a facial skin exfoliator, toothpaste, bee sting remedy and more. I am not the only one that uses it a lot as here are 31 other uses for baking soda as well!
2. Coconut oil
I use it as a body moisturizer, eye makeup remover, hair conditioner (on the tips if needed on the beach), and lip moisturizer before bed. I use this on my carry-on for long flights, too;
Don’t miss this: What to pack in that carry-on to make your time in the air feel just like home!
3. Raw honey
Raw honey is best over the processed variety and here’s why. You can sweeten your tea and wash your face. This is the method I have used.
4. Lemon
I throw a few lemons in my bag to make my morning lemon water, and if I am going to the beach, sometimes my daughters and I rub it in our hair to lighten.
Don’t miss this: You won’t believe all the great things you can do with those citrus peels!
5. Pink salt
I wrote about how this is the hands down, much healthier salt to use for cooking but I can also use it as a body scrub (mixed in with a bit of my coconut oil) and a scratchy throat elixir for me, my family or anyone I am traveling with at the time.
CREATE A READY-TO-GO TRAVEL BAG
Here are a few items that are really useful to create your ready-to-go makeup/toiletries bag in a snap:
5. This plug adapter takes up so little room, that I just keep it in my bag for international trips if I am lucky enough to plan one. It is well-rated and works great!
6. Another task I am not particularly fond of is ironing. I rarely iron anything before I pack it anymore because it is just so wrinkled by the time I arrive. But, this travel steamer is great to quickly make you look presentable and wrinkle-free.
8 OTHER EXPERT PACKING HINTS & TRAVEL TIPS
There are some real pros out there with some amazing packing hints I don’t want you to miss! Tap here for major ideas as well as a few other words I have about travel mixed in below:
- 1. Oh my! This guy is a packing ninja and takes only 15 minutes to do it.
- 2. International traveling takes a bit more thought. Here are important things to consider.
- 3. Make your travel dreams a reality with this step-by-step plan to get you there . . . even if it seems impossible financially or logistically!
- 4. Squeeze the most out of your travel adventure with these methods.
- 5. You can’t miss this fun and really helpful video on packing tips!
- 6. How and why traveling can enhance your health!
- 7. I don’t think I could manage this, but I sure do admire those that do: pack for a month in a carry-on.
- 8. Get every last detail here on packing lightly.
FOR EVEN MORE ON THE TOPIC . . .
- Consider throwing in your suitcase these other natural skin treatments!
- While you are packing, best do a quick look-over in your bathroom and see if there are some things you could easily replace with healthier options.
Please share any packing suggestions, tips or let us in on your secret on how you psyche yourself to prepare for your travel adventures! After all, I need all the help I can get!This post previously appeared at THM but has been greatly expanded and updated.
I never would have thought of most of these. Thanks.
Happy to hear I helped give you some ideas to make the process easier! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Packing for trips has always been a challenge for me. It often feels like torture. Thank you for sharing your helpful and amazing Travel Tips To Pack Light With Ease Every Time the with us at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I’m Pinning and sharing this!
I hope they help you with this challenging part of travel, Deborah! Thanks for sharing, too!
Yes, I totally need to have a little to go back ready for travel!
I haven't tried any of the nature beauty treatments, but I am intrigued!
Most work really well and you can feel good that they are chemical-free as our skin absorbs whatever you put on it. So happy you took the time to comment. I appreciate that.
Cool ideas and tips. Love the reference links too. Saw you at the Pin Junkie Pin Party.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend and Travel lite! Nancy A.
To you as well, Nancy! Those links bring you to some amazing ideas! Thanks so much for coming by – great to see you here!
These are such great tips! I've been traveling a lot lately so I've really been working on cutting down what I bring. I'm starting to get the hang of it! haha
Practice makes perfect! Good for you, Liz. I hope to be there soon!
When I pack I put in everything that I might happen to need. But the thing worse than packing is unpacking when I get home. Your tips were very helpful.
Ha! Oh yes, unpacking is not that fun either . . . and the laundry! But, traveling is still worth it all! Thanks for the laugh, Kathleen!
I haven't had to pack for a trip for a long time, I do pack very light though… when I go with other people I always have at least half the amount but I have what I need. I agree with getting items just for traveling so that if you lose things it will be okay as it's not an expensive item you would mind losing. I hope you have a really great day and weekend ahead xox
Sounds like you adhere to packing light, indeed, Launna! How about a trip to see a friend, or even a day trip near you – getting out of town for an overnight or even just the day can do wonders for our perspective and mental health. I wish you a great weekend, too!
thanks for the great tips!
And thanks for stopping by! So glad the tips may help you. Happy travels and better packing!
Hello and thank you for the great packing tips. I must say that I am terrible at packing and prefer to take my entire closet with me, so I have "options". I am always envious of people who are able to pack only a few things and create incredible outfits with what they got. 🙂 Have a great holidays!
Heavy sigh! Right there with you. I am getting better but packing is still so painful!
All great packing tips! Not a great packer here either. I usually bring lemon/lemon essential oils on the trip in case the water is iffy to purify it. My other tip is just not to bring too many clothes, not exactly rocket science, but I find I'd rather wash clothes than carry them!
The essential oil idea is intriguing. I have never heard that before that it can purify the water. Great tip to consider. Thanks for adding in, Laura! You always have great ideas.