The older I get, the more I realize that if we don’t lay out our travel plans carefully and cover all our bases when it comes to “what if” scenarios, then stress likely ensues. It’s almost a shame how many times I’ve uttered the words “travel stresses me out.” Especially with kids in the mix, managing itineraries, personalities, and the actual travel itself, it seems like prepping for vacation is a second (or third, or fourth) job in and of itself.
While that’s all largely unavoidable, finding my moment of zen ASAP once we get to our vacation destination is top priority for me. Over the years I’ve learned that having a few key items on hand can mean the difference between a restless vacay and a truly relaxing one. The next time you’re prepping for a big trip, skip the stress: these are the best travel products for relaxing on vacation that you need to be packing in your carry-on. Check them out in the slideshow.
Best Travel Products That’ll Help You Relax
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Make Scents
Lavender has long been considered a natural stress reliever, with research showing the scent also helps reduce anxiety and fight insomnia. Spritz it on your pillow before falling asleep on vacation to help ensure a restful night, so you wake up ready to make the most of your vacay. Bath & Body Works’ Lavender Chamomile Aromatherapy Pillow Mist ($12.50; bathandbodyworks.com) is so soothing, I use it when I’m home and when I travel.
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Write Now
Journaling has long been one of my go-to ways to relax. Even spending just a few minutes writing down my thoughts, observations, and general musings can make me feel better (and there’s research to prove these effects are real for most people). Over the years I’ve found that journaling is also a great way to capture vacation memories, not just of what I did, but also how I felt at the time. Having a gorgeous writing journal, such as the Scratch Travel Journal ($28.95; uncommongoods.com) is a great motivator. Part checklist, party diary, and part interactive map, it’s perfect for wanderlusts.
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Great Reads
Reading is not only good for your brain; it’s also the best way to relax, according to a UK study, which found that even six minutes with a good book is enough to lower stress levels by more than two-thirds. Besides, what’s a vacation without a good book? Two favorite travel-themed tomes to try: The Vacationers by Emma Straub ($9.60; amazon.com) and Mother Tongue: My Family’s Globe-Trotting Quest to Dream in Mandarin, Laugh in Arabic, and Sing in Spanish ($15.85; amazon.com). Set in Mallorca, Spain, The Vacationers follows a New York family who reluctantly finds itself on a life-changing vacation. Mother Tongue is a memoir about a couple that takes their toddler across the globe to master a bevy of languages, but their plans become hilariously derailed. (Bonus: Laughter is also a major stress-buster.)
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Rub It In
If you’ve ever had a scalp massage that left you weak in the knees, you will love the Vitagoods Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush ($19.99; target.com). The perfect size for travel, it can be used to gently rub your scalp in circular motions, removing dead skin cells and increasing circulation. Not only does it feel amazing, it helps promote healthy hair, too.
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Mask Erade
I’m a sensitive sleeper, especially when I’m in a strange, new environment. A friend recently introduced me to the idea of using an eye mask, and it worked like a charm. The key, she said, is to find one that’s comfy and inviting so it will help lull me to sleep. After trying out a few, I’m hooked on the Magellan’s Good Night Sleep Mask ($14.50; magellans.com). It blocks light but has soft contours that don’t press against my eyes.
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Bag the Stress
I’ve tried out a few travel bags in my day, but I inevitably end up with a sore back once I start sightseeing or moving through airports. Designed to rest perfectly on the curve of your back, the ergonomic Reversible Healthy Back Bag ($55; uncommongoods.com) is the perfect blend of comfy and cute. The sling style has several zippered pockets to keep essentials organized, too.
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Layer Up
Even if you’re not a yogi, the super-soft Gaim’s Sole Premium Yoga Blanket ($59.98; gaiam.com) is perfect for travel. Sit on it to meditate, use it in lieu of a mat for downward dogs, or simply wrap yourself in it when traveling on airplanes or during long car rides. It’s lightweight and folds for easy packing so you don’t have to worry about it adding bulk to your load.
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2-in-1 Dress
Caftans aren’t just fashionably on trend, they’re travel must-haves. Packing one takes the guesswork—and stress—out of the “what to wear” dilemma when you travel. Trina Turk’s pretty designs ($288; nordstrom.com) come in sunny prints that scream “vacation,” but the best part is how they easily transition from a casual day look to a chic evening look with a few accessories, making it even easier to travel light.
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Tune In
The right tunes can easily restore your mood and bring you back to center when you’re off balance, and this cute little Bluetooth Droplet Speaker ($75; uncommongoods.com) is lightweight and portable enough to tote on your next trip. Water and sand resistant, it connects to your phone via Bluetooth, so you can listen to your favorite jams anywhere. I take mine with me on beach trips, but it comes in handy for backyard barbecues, too.
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Feet First
The fastest way to ruin a great vacay is to wear uncomfortable shoes. After all, how can you spend a day exploring and indulging curiosities if you can’t walk? I love Tiek’s travel flats ($195; tiek.com)—they’re flexible and durable, they're designed to fold and fit inside a purse, and they come in a slew of colors, so you can say, “buh-bye!” to high-heel hell in style.
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Beat the “Hangrys”
Knowing that I’m one of those people whose mood sours when I get really hungry (just ask my family, who've witnessed me having a wicked case of the “hangrys” on more than one occasion), I pack Nourish Snacks when I travel ($10; nourishsnacks.com). This way I can satisfy my hunger pangs even if we’re nowhere near a decent place to eat. Created by a nutritionist, this brand carries several snacks you can choose from, but these are my faves: cinnamon-spiced apples and almonds, and chocolate-banana granola bites. All of the snacks pack protein, fiber, and antioxidants to keep energy levels high—and hangrys low. I also love that they come in portion-controlled bags so I don’t have to worry about overeating, and they slide easily into my purse.
