THE 22 BEST WELLNESS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS, ACCORDING TO T+L EDITORS
From versatile athleisure pieces to bedtime elixirs, here’s what we use to stay healthy on the road.
As fun as traveling is, it can take a toll on the body, both physically and mentally. From crowded airports and dirty TSA bins to desert-like airplane air and disconcerting jet lag, our bodies and minds can potentially be pushed to the limit en route to even the most luxurious destinations. That’s why it’s so important to keep a few wellness essentials in a carry-on or personal item bag.
With this in mind, the Travel + Leisure team got together to list our favorite wellness essentials that we actually use every time we travel. Whether we’ve needed a little help falling asleep in our hotel room, felt cramped up on a cross-country train trip, or simply craved a quick skincare pick-me-up during a flight, the following feel-good items have helped us combat our wellness woes on the road.
BioRepublic Skincare Lost Baggage Eye Mask
Long travel days are famous for zapping energy, nutrients, and moisture from the body. Next time you’re headed out on an international or cross-country trek, pack BioRepublic Skincare’s Lost Baggage Eye Mask in your carry-on for easy access in transit. These barely noticeable patches adhere to the skin below each eye, and using super ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, vitamin E, rose water, and peptides, they’ll replenish your skin with all the hydration and goodness you lose on the go. After a few minutes on the skin, simply dispose of them and rub the remaining product into the skin for an instant facial right in your seat.
“When I’m on a long-haul flight or car ride with not much to do, I like to use a skincare mask of some sort,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “These under eye mask patches from BioRepublic are especially convenient to use because they’re small and subtle enough to use anywhere. They’re packed with nutrients the delicate under eye area loves — especially during hours spent in dehydrating airplane cabin air.”
Price at time of publish: $5 per pair
Ka! Empathogenics Kanna Chews
If travel is a guaranteed stressor for you, pop a Ka! kanna chew shortly before you head out. Made with kanna plant extract as well as snow lotus, mint, lavender, and more, the chews simultaneously boost serotonin and calm the mind, putting you in your best mental state. The chews even boost the circulatory, immune, and digestive systems, so they’re truly a full-body aid. There’s a good chance you’ll love Ka! so much, you’ll want to use it for even non-travel-related stresses.
“I actually find flying to be pretty calming, but it’s the insanity that surrounds the flight that stresses me out,” Maglin said. “Between angry TSA agents, boarding delays, and crowded airports full of slow walkers, it’s easy to find myself in a bad mood when I should really be excited to travel. Lately I’ve been relying on these kanna chews. While they don’t drastically change my mood, I notice inconveniences don’t bother me as much when I’m using them. Plus, gazing out a plane window after taking a chew becomes an even more zen experience.”
Price at time of publish: $35 for 10
Tivic Health ClearUP Sinus Headache and Decongestant Treatment
Are you prone to headaches, facial tension, or simply feeling sick after or during travel? If so, you may benefit from checking out ClearUp by Tivic Health. The handheld device works to zap sinus pain and congestion quickly and, at just 3.3 inches long, it’s small enough to toss in your carry-on or even personal item bag. All you have to do is place the tip on various parts of your facial bones, and low-current electrical stimulation does the rest. ClearUp doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort, and it’s a great alternative to oral pain relievers.
“I tend to feel like I have a head cold after long-haul flights, and this compact device is so powerful for helping relieve sinus pressure that may have built-up during the flight,” updates writer Taylor Fox said. “For a couple of minutes, you just move the tip of the device around your nose and cheekbones as it delivers electrical stimulation designed to reduce congestion. I love that it's compact enough that I can stick it in my toiletry bag to use when I get to my hotel and it's fully rechargeable, so I can use it throughout my trip as needed. It's also great to help relieve migraine pain and tension headaches, so you don't end up wasting any of your trip feeling sick.”
Price at time of publish: $250
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Tailwind Nutrition Grab-and-go Hydration Drink Mix
Try as you might, staying efficiently hydrated on the go can be challenging. Even if you’re downing water every hour, flying has a way of sucking moisture away. That’s why we love Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel: a hydrating, electrolyte-rich powder you can pour into water to create a tasty, dehydration-busting drink. It comes in a variety of flavors and pack sizes (all of which are easy to stow in a carry-on) and it’s free of soy, dairy, and gluten. It’s even vegan and all-natural, so it works with most dietary restrictions.
“I get super dehydrated when I travel, so these little packets of electrolytes are life-savers after a long-haul flight,” writer Anna Popp said. “I love that I can mix them in water and drink throughout the day in a water bottle, and the travel-size is perfect for tossing as many as I want in my personal item to have on hand. I prefer the mandarin flavor, but the lemon and naked (flavorless) are refreshing, too.”
Price at time of publish: $30 for 12 servings
Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Mist
Have trouble falling asleep in new places or adjusting to different time zones? Forget oral sleep aids and opt for a relaxing sleep mist instead. This one from Neom expertly blends some of the world’s most tranquil scents (English lavender, chamomile, and patchouli) to lull travelers to sleep. While the aroma is definitely noticeable when sprayed on a pillow, it’s not overpowering and shouldn’t disturb travel companions. It even comes in a mini spray bottle, so you can pack it in your carry-on or personal item bag if you like.
“Jet lag can knock me down while traveling so when I heard that olfactory senses can help with sleep, I started spraying my pillow with this calming mist at home every night,” Popp said. “Then, I brought it with me and it was super comforting when I sprayed it on my pillow during a 14-hour time change. It reminded me of my own pillow at home and provided a sense of routine before bed so I was really glad I brought it. This travel-size bottle is also very easy to pack and carry-on-friendly.”
Price at time of publish: $12
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Rad Rounds
If you’ve ever left a plane, train, or car feeling like you need a massage STAT (or if you’ve longed for one during your travels), these little massage balls from Rad might just change your life. The rounds, which come in a set of three different sizes, are made to relieve tension everywhere from the face to the feet. Just roll them over the skin at your desired pressure and feel pains, kinks, and tight muscles begin to relax. Keep in mind they don’t vibrate, but they’re still your best bet for quick, post-travel relief.
"These little carry-on friendly massage balls help work out any tension that builds up while I'm traveling,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit said. “They’re especially helpful to have on hand in the months leading up to the holidays when I know seasonal stressors — packed airports, frigid temps, family gatherings — will soon have my muscles tied in knots.”
Price at time of publish: $16 for set of 3
Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub
There’s so much to love about this luxe shampoo by Amika. It makes hair both look and feel amazing, and it cleans the scalp so well, you can likely go longer than usual between washes (a definite perk while traveling). Using ingredients like salicylic acid, sea salt, Indian cress, pink clay, and charcoal, this jelly-textured shampoo gently (but effectively) exfoliates the scalp while absorbing dirt and oil, and infusing the hair with antioxidants, magnesium, and calcium. The needle nose applicator allows for direct application onto the scalp for a true deep clean treatment.
“I tend to overload on dry shampoo when I travel so that I don't have to wash my hair as often, but that can cause my scalp to break out,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “This shampoo gives my hair a good reset and feels like it cleans out all the build up for a fresh start. I'm also obsessed with the pink packaging.”
Price at time of publish: $28
Bath & Body Works Pocketbac Hand Sanitizer 5-pack
Stashing a little bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag is the oldest trick in the book for keeping illnesses and other ick at bay during travel, and now, it’s more important than ever. While plenty of brands produce hand sanitizer, our favorite remains Bath & Body Works’ gentle formula and range of scents. The smallest bottle of these sanitizers is just one fluid ounce, making it perfect for travel and daily commutes.
“Even before the pandemic, hand sanitizer was always a travel staple for me — especially after touching airport bins or seatbelts,” Cucco said. “I always stock up on the Bath & Body Works sanitizers because they’re affordable, portable, and they come in so many seasonal scents. You can also buy cute sanitizer holders for them that attach to your keys. Some of the scents are pretty strong, but they'll make you smell good after a long flight, or you can hold them in front of your nose if you get stuck sitting by a stinky bathroom.”
Price at time of publish: $8 for 5
Vuori Halo Essential Hoodie
Plan on getting active on your next trip? Whether you’ll be hiking a new trail or simply hitting your hotel’s yoga studio, you’ll want to wear something comfy and easy to move in. Vuori’s Halo Hoodie is the whole package: it’s stylish, soft, and sweat-wicking, so you can wear it for pretty much any workout or activity. We love the pullover style with drawstrings and a hood; there’s no rough zippers or buttons to take away from the dreamlike comfort that is this hoodie.
“I’m a big fan of Vuori’s activewear — the Southern California–based brand makes clothing that’s just as good for a long plane ride as it is for a hike, run, or hotel gym workout once you land,” digital editorial director Nina Ruggiero said. “One of my favorite pieces is the Halo hoodie; it’s made of a super soft, stretchy, and moisture-wicking fabric, and it has a casual-cute, slightly cropped silhouette.”
Price at time of publish: $96
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Drink Mix
Travel can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to keep something like Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier on hand. Whether you’re recovering from a cold, experiencing mild dehydration, or battling a stomach bug on your travels, the electrolytes and boost of hydration this powder provides will have you feeling better in no time. Just mix a packet with 16 ounces of water and drink. We like the lemon lime flavor, but you can also snag flavors like passion fruit and watermelon.
“Electrolyte packets are a staple in my travel bag — I never go anywhere without them,” editor Sophie Mendel said. “Just add a packet to a glass of water for instant (and potentially lifesaving) hydration. I've used them for everything from rehydrating post-food poisoning in a remote corner of Cuba to reviving myself from a hangover after a night out in Spain. When typical sports drinks aren't within reach, it's convenient to have some of these on you at all times!”
Price at time of publish: $24 for 16
Therabody Theragun Mini (2nd Generation)
Let’s face it: you’re bound to feel at least a little sore and crampy during long flights, drives, and train rides. Instead of suffering through it (and counting down the minutes until you can stand), just keep a Theragun Mini in your carry-on. This little, handheld massage device expertly works out travel-induced pains thanks to its three speeds and three attachments meant for personalizing your recovery. The triangle design is made for easy grip, and each charge provides 120 minutes of use.
“I'm no stranger to sore muscles when traveling, especially on long-haul flights,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “I first spotted someone using this in an airport lounge and headed straight to Google to investigate. Now the palm-sized device is a staple in my personal item, and I love that it comes with a little case and even a separate attachment for my lower back. I’ve since seen others eyeing me with it as well and I like to imagine they, too, are soon to be proud members of the Theragun Mini travel family.”
Price at time of publish: $199
Pixie Stella Thermal
Maybe a heating pad is more your style when it comes to combating mid-transit discomfort. If that’s the case, consider the Pixie Stella Thermal. This subtle warming device is small enough to hide under your clothes during a flight, yet powerful enough to relieve cramps and sore muscles on your lower back or abdomen. The cordless pad has three temperature settings, heats up quickly, and lasts up to 1.5 hours per charge. To top it all off, it’s equally helpful in relieving menstruation cramps, even when you’re not traveling!
“Another literal lifesaver when I’m not feeling great is the Pixie Stella Thermal electric heating pad,” Parker said. “This easily fits under my cozy, oversized plane clothes with its super-soft elastic belt and flat profile to quickly help cramps (or I can flip it around and the heat can soothe my achy back, too). There are three different heat settings (up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit) and even a gentle massage addition, but my favorite feature is the digital display that shows me the available juice before I need to plug in the USB.”
Price at time of publish: $29
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Grüns Daily Gummies
While on vacation, it’s so easy to indulge in mouthwatering foods and drinks that may not be the most nutrient-rich. If you see pastries, pastas, and sugary cocktails in your future (hey, no judgment!), keep a packet of Grüns gummies in your luggage. The green gummy bears are filled with all the good stuff you need but might not get enough of while jetsetting (think antioxidants, prebiotics, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals). The best part? They taste like candy.
“I’ll admit it — my good eating habits often hit the road (literally) when I travel,” Parker said. “From subsisting on lounge food to eating way too many girl dinners, I’m worried I don’t get any nutrition. These Grüns gummies are packed with over 20 vitamins and minerals (and whole veggies and fruits) so it’s one smart choice I can easily make each day, even on the go. Plus, the vegan bears come in single-serving packs which are so easy to slip into a pocket or purse, and they actually taste great, too.”
Price at time of publish: $79 for 28 packs
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Scalp Serum
We often shorten our full beauty and wellness routines while traveling to maximize time sightseeing, but with this quick and easy-to-use scalp serum by Dr. Barbara Sturm, you can achieve salon results in no time right from your hotel room. The hydration-boosting serum, rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid, purslane extract (for itch relief), vitamin B5, and more, works to reduce flaking and redness and protect against heat, pollution, and UV stress. You can use it on both wet and dry hair, and because it’s a leave-in treatment that doesn’t need to be rinsed, you can simply massage it into your scalp and go.
“Sometimes we forget to take care of our scalp — hugely important to keeping hair healthy,” editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said. “This serum from Barbara Sturm makes my locks feel soft, and it also reduces flakiness thanks to ingredients like Japanese camelia, sunflower sprouts, green algae, and lavender.”
Price at time of publish: $100
Tory Burch Tech Knit Jacquard Jacket
If you plan on exercising or getting active at all on your travels, we recommend a light jacket made for movement, like this one from Tory Burch. It’s designed for sports like tennis, pickleball, and racquetball, but it’s also the perfect top layer for golf, jogs, and hikes. The ribbed collar and cuffs and the relaxed fit keep things comfy, while a front zipper and two zip hand pockets add a sense of practicality. Plus, the cute racquet print looks equally stylish on and off the court.
“Call me crazy, but I'm more likely to work out on vacation if I have gear that has a bit of style,” Gifford said. “I love this 70s-inspired court jacket from Tory Burch; more folks are taking up tennis and pickleball these days, myself among them. Not only does it look great while playing, but you can also wear it in a pinch if you need something in the evening to stay warm.”
Price at time of publish: $328
Augustinus Bader x The Haider Ackermann Limited Editions
If you’re in the market for a seriously-moisturizing luxury facial cream, consider this new set from Augustinus Bader. It comes with a 1.7-ounce pump bottle of the brand’s Rich Cream as well as a 1.7-ounce refill in gorgeous chrome packaging. The Rich Cream combats wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while simultaneously hydrating and softening the skin, promoting elasticity, supporting skin barrier function, and protecting against harmful environmental factors. It’s basically an all-in-one cream, which is perfect for travel and saving space in a toiletry bag.
“If there is one thing to splurge on, it's quality skin care — and celeb-favorite Augustinus Bader is the real deal,” Gifford said. “The science-backed formulas are hydrating, nourishing, and support cellular renewal. I'm obsessed with this new collab between Bader and fashion designer Haider Ackermann, who has packaged the cult-hit Rich Cream in sleek chrome vessels.”
Price at time of publish: $565
O Positiv Flo-biotics Chewable Probiotics
Probiotics (which are live, healthy bacteria) promote gut health and in turn keep you feeling good when taken regularly. It’s smart to take them everyday, but even more so when you’re traveling and susceptible to more germs and illnesses than usual. We like these chewable probiotics from Flo-biotics because they’re vegan, great tasting, and packed with 500 milligrams of Bacillus coagulans (a digestive probiotic) per serving. Each chew is also full of fiber and capable of relieving abdominal pain, so they’re sure to combat all types of ailments on the road.
"Traveling always takes a toll on my tummy, which is why I’ve started taking a few of these probiotic gummies with me,” editor Emily Belfiore said. “They’re super tasty and have 2 grams of fiber to keep everything regular.”
Price at time of publish: $29 for 30
Needed Immune Support Powder
Your gut isn’t the only thing that could use a boost when you’re traveling. Between jet lag and dry plane air, your immune system can take a hit — so add some Needed Immune Support Powder to your travel wellness kit. Mix two scoops of the powder with anything from water to yogurt daily to keep colds and bugs at bay. Each serving is packed with elderberry, zinc, prebiotics, and post-biotics, which all help fight off illnesses, should the wrong bacteria enter your body. Plus, it tastes good.
“I have a lot of end-of-the-year trips coming up, and I’m trying really hard not to get sick,” Belfiore said. “That’s where Needed’s Immunity Support comes into play. It’s a daily dose of the immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy during cold and flu season (plus some pre- and post-biotics for gut health), and it adds a refreshing flavor to your water.”
Price at time of publish: $57 for 1-month supply
Hum Nutrition Beauty Zzzz Sleep Gummies
If you use gummy vitamins throughout the day, you’ll love taking these ones at bedtime. The candy-like supplements are infused with melatonin to help you unwind after long, stressful travel days. But that’s not all — while you sleep, the gummies also work to aid digestive health using prebiotic fiber. The vegan vitamins are free of GMOs, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colors, and they taste like delicious blackberries.
“I’m not the best sleeper, especially when I’m spending the night in a hotel, Airbnb, or on a friend's couch,” Belfiore said. “I like to have something on-hand that’ll help me catch some Zs so I can be well-rested for the rest of my trip. These delicious beauty gummies from Hum Nutrition have 3 milligrams of melatonin, which is just enough to help me fall (and stay) asleep. And, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.”
Price at time of publish: $22 for 60
Goli Ashwagandha & Vitamin D Gummy
If you’re an anxious flyer or stressed-out traveler, you’ll likely benefit from these ashwagandha and vitamin D gummies by Goli. Ashwagandha is an herb known to promote overall health, but it’s also said to have natural calming capabilities. The mixed berry-flavored vitamins are gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, and formulated without GMOs, so you can enjoy a little travel tranquility no matter your dietary needs.
“These are my go-tos for easing my flight anxiety,” Belfiore said. “They also come in handy for reducing stress and promoting calmness before bed.”
Price at time of publish: $14 for 60
Toty Solaria Infusion Antioxidant Booster
It’s 2023, which means it’s time to start taking care of your skin from the inside out — especially when you’ll be traveling to extra-sunny destinations. Solaria Infusion, an antioxidant-boosting powder from Sofia Vergara’s suncare company, Toty, aims to protect the skin and reverse already-existing sun damage. All you have to do is mix a packet with water or juice (you know the drill by now), and drink 30 minutes before walking out into sunlight to absorb an extra dose of vitamin C and fight signs of aging.
“I thought I only needed sunscreen to protect my skin from the sun, but it turns out skin needs a daily dose of antioxidants to repair the UV damage that it’s endured,” Belfiore said. “These powder packets deliver a potent serving of free radical-fighting nutrients (like vitamin C) to promote healthy skin from the inside out. Plus, the citrusy flavor feels like you’re enjoying a cocktail instead of your daily vitamins.”
Price at time of publish: $42 for 30
Clevr Sleeptime SuperLatte
If you’re not one for gummies, pills, and elixirs but still dream of more restful sleep, grab a bag of Clevr’s Sleeptime SuperLatte. While, yes, you’ll have to mix a scoop of the powder-like base with water, the end result feels and tastes more like a familiar hot coffee drink. But here’s the catch: it’s not coffee! It’s a caffeine-free blend of herbs and amino acids that tastes just like a toasted cappuccino. The combination of drowsiness-inducing ingredients and cozy flavor will lull you to sleep, minus the melatonin and morning grogginess.
“I’m always on the hunt for healthy sleep aids (clearly), and I’ve been loving unwinding at the end of the day with a cup of Clevr’s Sleeptime SuperLatte, which is actually one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite remedies, too,” Belfiore said. “This caffeine-free powder is an herbal sleep potion that contains drowsiness-inducing valerian, anxiety-reducing passionflower, stress-calming adaptogens, and more so you can enjoy a quality night’s sleep.”
Price at time of publish: $28
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Associate editor Hillary Maglin is a frequent traveler and lifelong lover of products that make life a little more relaxing. For this article, she collaborated with the T+L team to compile a list of our favorite mental and physical wellness products for travelers.
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