How I Keep Grounded & Healthy While Traveling the World

TRAVEL STYLE

I am a carry-on girl at heart. In 2019, I took 6 trips, all with my Away carry-on, 3 of those were 10+ days and 1 was in the winter (note, they have changed this since I originally got it in 2019, it is a tad smaller; there’s also another carry-on option, but I preferred this size given Europe tends to have smaller standards). Point being it is possible to travel light (and for all the reasons - it is liberating to not have to worry about checked bags, the time to collect, weight etc).

That being said… as my recent 4 years of travel have included longer time abroad / living abroad, there is an ease that comes with taking a larger checked bag. (I also need space for my supplements - ha - partial joke - see below for more thoughts). I’ve experimented - and as I’m about to embark on a 7 week trip, my favorite combo for anything over 2 weeks AND multiple climates and activities is my

• AWAY medium

• LONGCHAMP Le Pliage Original Travel Bag Expandable

• LONGCHAMP Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

I love these LONGCHAMP bags because they both can compress/fold up and be stored in another bag and particularly the Tote, remain versatile to use for both travel and touring around town. The Travel Bag - I always start collapsed which leaves room to expand for souvenirs scooped up along the way. I also find if I’m traveling between climates and switching in /out of a jacket, it’s easy to access and store in this bag.

MZ Wallace Metro Tote Deluxe in Medium is my other favorite travel bag that has been around the world. I bought this bag in 2016 (if memory serves correct) and this truly is a Mary Poppins bag. Due to the soft siding yet extremely strong and durable construct, it holds A LOT. This is is perfect as a personal item as it fits under the seat. I got my moneys worth - as I am now ready to (sadly) retire. However, this will be a repeat purchase at some point!

Packing cubes - I’ve been onboard with for many years. I love organization to begin with and there’s nothing better than being able to strategically pack all the things. Not to mention, the compression aspect when you are traveling with sweaters and bulky items. I also have started using compression bags for both bulky sweaters and dirty clothes, not together of course!)

Here’s a few of my current ones used:

BAGAIL 6 Set Packing Cubes,Travel Luggage Packing Organizers

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

PACKING LIST

• Travel yoga mat I have a Manduka Pro Travel that I bought in 2022; not sure they make the exact one anymore, so linked the closest I could find. It folds up reasonably compact or can be rolled. It is thin but does the job; can’t expect bulk/cushion from a travel mat:) (note it can be a slippery at times). While I have only packed this when checking a bag, having this gives me no excuse to not move my body. Whether it’s a yoga flow, or class or even for meditation, having this handy mat has helped me stay committed to my movement practices.

• Lavender oil

• Eye mask

• Compression socks for long haul flights - I love to lather on some super hydrating foot cream (and up my calves) before going to the airport and put the socks on then. This also supports keeping swelling down; I do tend to leave on until I get to my ‘home’ vs taking off as soon as I land as swelling can still occur. Having logged a significant number of long haul flights and travel days at near 20 hours, I’ve kept swelling down and have avoided leg cramps as well.

• Dry brush This one is small and easily packable! Stimulates and keeps the lymph system moving and benefits the skin - I see a noticeable difference in my peach (bum;) and legs when I use regularly - much smoother skin!

Shampoo bar - hands down one of my favorite finds; got hooked living in Buenos Aires. th e

Normal bar soap - I bring just in case there isn’t any where i’m staying