.png)
Top 10 Secret Vegan Travel Essentials for Your First Solo Voyage
- Allyson DeFoor
- Mar 30, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 3, 2019
This article may contain links in which we make a small commission.
A couple years ago, I hopped on a plane to California with one thing in mind: the Beach! I had an Air BnB booked for two months, and wasn't exactly sure what I was going to do after that, but I'd figure it out as I went.
It's now almost two years later, and I'm still living in California, only now with my boyfriend, and in a van. Yes, we currently are experiencing #vanlife, but I'll save that for another article. This one is for someone who's in the same shoes as I was two years ago. Someone who's wondering... What bag should I bring? How many suitcases do I need? Should I bring all of my essential oils? Yes, this was a problem for me. All of these were a problem. I ended up with one huge suitcase, one large carry-on (the biggest it could be), and some how managed to hide that I had two personal items. You could definitely say I didn't travel light.
This article is to let you in on my secret travel essentials, so you don't feel like you have to over-pack like I did.
I'm sure a lot of you reading this already know about TSA regulations, but for those of you who don't, one of the regulations is called the Liquids Rule. This rule states, "You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item." This is why stores like Walmart and Target carry the mini bottles of shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. The things is, these mini plastic bottles create unnecessary waste, especially when there are reusable containers that work just as well, or better, for your travel needs. Amazon has many different types of Silicone Travel Bottles, as you can see here. I would suggest purchasing a set of Leak Proof, Food Grade, Silicone Travel Bottles, like these ones. This will give you the option to use one or two bottles as squeezable sauce containers! I talk more about foods further down in the article. These bottles are great for vegan travelers because you can just pour your favorite cruelty-free body care products in the tubes, and use them on the plane, or on your next layover. All while being as eco-friendly as possible!
If you're planning a trip from the United States to Europe, Australia, another country over seas, or vice-versa, you'll need to acquire a travel plug adapter to charge and power your electronics while in the new country. It's always best to buy this before leaving your country because you might need it right when you arrive in the new country to charge something like your phone. These are terribly expensive in airports, and other tourist hot spots, so buy now and save later! I suggest purchasing a travel plug adapter which has USB ports, safe charging protection (so your electronics don't get fried), and is usable in more than just one country. There are quite a few on Amazon, but this one is definitely a winner! If you're not traveling out of the country for your first solo trip, you can definitely skip buying this for now.
On my first solo trip, I didn't think to bring anything to wipe down the airplane tray, arm rests, table at the airport, etc. I had to deal with the possible bacteria on everything I touched, which can become a problem when you're in a high volume area, such as an airport terminal. Take my advice, and bring wipes with you when you travel! You'll feel more peace of mind about what you're touching, and your personal space will smell nice and fresh. These ones by Seventh Generation contain 0% synthetic fragrances or dyes, and leave a refreshing aroma of natural mint.
Visiting somewhere with a drier climate than you're used to, as well as cool air in airplanes and airports, can cause your lips to become unusually chapped when traveling. This makes it important to stay hydrated and keep your lips moisturized while on your trip. Soothing Touch makes their lip balm using Calendula wax, instead of beeswax, a practice I wish more companies would use. They also use cocoa butter, blended with other oils to help keep your lips moisturized for longer. You can find it on Amazon here.
When you're trying to sleep in a new environment like a hotel, hostel, Air BnB, or a plane, it can sometimes be difficult to get quality sleep due to unforeseen circumstances. A great way to combat this is to bring a comfortable eye mask along with you. Eco Tools creates their eye mask with organic cotton, sustainable packaging, and comfort in mind. The mask feels soft on your eyes, and has an adjustable strap, that way it fits around your head just right! Find it on Amazon here.
05. Snacks
Of course, you'll definitely want to bring vegan snacks to bid your mid-flight hunger cravings adieu. A few of my favorite snacks which are easy to pack are: Redd Bar (Get 15% off with Coupon Code VTRAVEL15), Medjool Dates, Crackers, and more, but you get the idea. Thrive Market has so many different vegan snack foods to choose from, its like heaven! You can get an extra 25% off, plus a 30-day Free Trial of Thrive Market if you sign up through our link here.
No one wants to buy water when you can just fill up a water bottle for free! These collapsible water bottles by Nomader are perfect for any traveler. Before going through security at the airport, be sure to keep yours rolled up, so it can fit in any compartment that's free. Their leak free cap makes them perfect for stashing in your bag on your way off the plane, as well. You can find these on Amazon, here.
03. Hand Sanitizer
Dr. Bronner's Organic hand sanitizer spray bottle is perfect for cleansing your hands on the go! It's the optimal size for storing in the qt size bag I spoke about earlier, and lasts a good long while. There are different scents, all made using essential oils, but my favorite is Lavender. You can find it on Thrive Market here.
Peppermint oil is great for relieving tummy aches, headaches, and drowsiness. If you need a little pick me up, try rubbing about 2-3 drops on the back of your neck. Tummy ache on the plane? Shake 5 drops onto your stomach, and rub in a clockwise motion. Have too much pressure in your head from the high altitude? 2-3 drops rubbed on your forehead should do the trick! Peppermint oil can also help with motion sickness and nausea. You can find it on Thrive Market here.
01. In-Flight Entertainment
Whether you pay to have WiFi on the plane, or buy digital copies of your favorite movies before your trip, you definitely want to stay entertained on your flight. If you'd rather stay off screen during your flight, opt to bring a physical book with you. My favorite book to read while traveling is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, what's yours? Another great option is to sign up for Audible. With your 30-day trial, you get your first 2 books free! Sign up for free, here.
What travel essentials do you always take? Let us know in the comments!
Comments