Budget Friendly Self Care While Traveling

Today is all about the self care. Here in America we have found that people are experiencing burnout at an alarming rate. So more and more people are taking the time to bring self care into the mix. If we all try together we can not only make self care a priority but we can also get through our burnouts, struggles, and challenges together.

But if you’re like me… well then you are on a tight budget. Or at least trying hard to tighten those purse strings. My financial plan doesn’t allow for several expensive self care sessions, no matter how much I need them. So I’m packing my travel bags with a little self care on a budget for myself and my bestie.

Here’s what I’ve got planned… on a budget.

SKIN CARE 101

I’m making sure to pack my skin care must haves. Facewash, Skin toner, lotion, sunscreen, and make up removers. I’m also packing an eye mask for my long plane ride.

I’m a Murad fan. The majority of my beauty regimen is Murad. Most of that is because of the Massage Envy spa I attend on occasion. But I also like the vitamin C line. It’s really the only line I use from the products they sell. I use a lip conditioner/moisturizer from a different line, but I’m not packing that product for this trip.

The bright side of the travel/tester kit? It all FITS in my quart sized liquid bag. I’ve opted for a reusable clear bag the same size as the ziplocks that I used to use… but it’s 1. Reusable. Ziplocks are too… but they lose their durability over time.

2. Durable. I’m definitely ripped a ziplock or two packing for a trip. Not helpful if you’re already ON the trip.

3. Easily cleaned. Never know when cabin pressure is going to win out. :/

4. It’s easy to find whatever toiletry product I’m looking for.

And in case you don’t think I fit allllll that stuff in my liquids case:

Yep. Sure did!

Facial time

Something that isn’t going to fit in the bag (Whoops!) are these:

I got my friend and I paper masks to enjoy while we are traveling around Australia. While they cannot be reused, they were $1.47 each. My facials at my local Massage Envy – $60 (monthly rate) plus tip. By comparison much more economically sound. Even if it’s not quite the same level of skin care.

I haven’t tried this type of paper mask. But I have tried similar masks several times. If nothing else they at least are something fun, and funny (Very) to do with others.

WATER 101

Any travel day, or regular day for that matter requires H2O. Water lubricates our bodies to make everything function. And I mean everything. Your brain, GI tract, joints, muscles, and skin. We need water for all of life’s moments… so don’t forget to hydrate!

It’s no hidden secret that traveling causes increased levels of dehydration. Whether you think it’s because of the cabin air, atmospheric pressure, limited intake, or all of the above… It’s improve to hydrate while traveling here, there, and everywhere!

Water in any airport is ridiculously expensive. And the water on the plane is far too small to do anything except wet your whistle. So what does a girl do to save on her travel budget AND work on her self care? Empty water bottle it is.

My predicament at the moment is that my trusty water bottles are not travel friendly as they are HEAVY. But man are there amazing. So I’m deciding on what to pack for my upcoming big adventure.

*Update: I found my old water bottles by Contigo. It holds 32oz of water and is lighter in weight. It will be perfect for my trip. Score for overpacking during my last move!

SLEEP

Sleep is free.. But it’s definitely not easy. Currently I’m working through the sleep deprivation phase of my PTSD.

Sleep can definitely be hard to come by when you are traveling. Between the turbulence, crying babies, talkative neighbors, and uncomfortable seat dynamics it can be hard to get any shut eye, let alone decent sleep. I’m just days away from a 24+ hours travel day. I will physically need to sleep while traveling. So what tips am I trying to ensure better sleep during this travel marathon?

– Eye Mask

– Head phones (noise cancelling and back up normal headset)

– Neck pillow

– Blanket

ENTERTAINMENT

I’ll be downloading a good book to read, movies to watch, and music to listen to. The flights are very long and I don’t sleep well period. So lots of things to keep me busy.

GOOD FOOD

Self care always starts with a good diet. When we eat like crap… we feel like crap. And when we travel… we usually eat outside of our normal diets. If you’re anything like me, traveling increases your risk of contamination… After all how often do you cook your own meals while traveling abroad?

But traveling abroad doesn’t always have to mean eating bad for you foods. Experimenting, or trying new foods also doesn’t mean bad for you foods. But traveling does not always lead to wise food choices. I mean what happens on vacations,… stays on vacation?

Making the best decisions on diet while traveling can help you avoid the awful feelings of bloating, fatigue and GI upset. Those things don’t lead to enjoyable vacations!

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Most important thing about self care? Remembering to live in the moment and not let life pass you by. Happy travels everyone!

Nattie