top of page
Writer's picturejennysmithmattfeldt

Holiday Travel Essentials: Wellness, Comfort, and Luxury On-the-Go


 

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and brands I genuinely love and trust.


By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published December 11, 2024

vintage photo of woman walking on plane runway

If you're traveling like me over the holidays, it's a mix of excitement to see everyone and a touch of low-grade anxiety about what to pack for two weeks on the go. That's why I’ve put together a list of travel wellness essentials that might seem a little extra—but honestly, sometimes I need a little extra, and a two-week trip feels like the perfect time to treat myself. Plus, this list is just a good way to get myself in the mood for packing...


Smelling Great

First up: fragrances. We all want to smell great, right? I firmly believe that travel-sized deodorants and perfumes are essentials—especially since there’s always that one person on the plane who isn’t exactly fresh. You already know I’m obsessed with the mini DIME perfumes, and those adorable little Native deodorants? So cute and ridiculously convenient.


Dime perfume and Native deodorant

Supplements

I’m all about staying healthy while traveling, so an immunity-boosting supplement like elderberry or vitamin C is a must. And as a supplement girlie, you know I don’t travel light when it comes to my vitamins—I’ve got my magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and collagen packed and ready to go. I always have mine in a cute little pill case— it saves so much room and means I don’t have to haul around a bunch of random bottles. I also love bringing Bloom Greens travel packs. While the research on greens supplements is mixed, I can only speak from my experience: they work wonders for bloating, so I always pack a few singles for the road.


If you want to take your wellness game up a notch, check out Cymbiotika. I’ve been a fan of their shilajit for a long time, but their supplement packs are next-level. They look almost like an applesauce pack you would give a little kid but you just rip the top off and sip out the good stuff. They’ve got something for everything— super greens, charcoal, golden mind, mushrooms, heart health, elderberry, magnesium, vitamin C—you need it, they've got it.


Cymbiotika Vitamin C packs and a cute painted pill case

Staying Hydrated

A reusable water bottle is an absolute must when traveling. Flying can be so dehydrating, and let’s be real—you don’t want to spend $10 on a bottle of water at the airport. You probably already have one you love, but here’s a quick tip: if your bottle has a straw, make sure to crack the lid and release the pressure once you’re in the air. Otherwise, you might end up getting soaked mid flight (ask me how I know this).


Speaking of dehydration, flying and traveling can seriously dry out your skin. This is more a reminder for myself than anything but remember your chapstick. If I have to buy one more $6 Burt's Bees at the airport because I forgot mine, I'm going to lose it.

Lately, I’ve been on a real kick with The Crème Shop— it's a deceptively clean brand as well even with all the cutesy packaging. They’re a Korean skincare brand, and it’s a cliché that K-beauty does it right for a reason—these products really, really work. And as someone with oily, acne-prone skin, I can confidently say they haven’t broken me out even once. Their sheet masks and gel eye masks are incredibly effective and so affordable. You’d be surprised how many fine lines or texture differences aren’t permanent—they’re just signs of dehydrated skin that a good mask can fix!


When I’m traveling for a while, my skin always starts to get a little upset. I have to take back something I’ve said before: I once claimed the Hemp Truly patches were the only ones worth buying, but I’ve recently discovered the Blue Starface patches with salicylic acid, and they are incredible for breakouts. You know I will be travelling with a full pack.


Gel eye patches and blue star pimple patches

A gua sha stone—yes, it’s a bit extra, but I can’t stand feeling puffy, especially when we’re traveling, getting dehydrated, stressed, and indulging in holiday treats. A gua sha stone is such an easy way to de-puff your face. If you're new to it this little tutorial can help get you started. They feel cool to the touch, and you can even pop them in the fridge overnight so they’re extra cold and refreshing. They’re amazing for de-puffing under the eyes and sculpting your jaw and cheeks, giving your face a little lift the morning after holiday parties.


Sleep Aids
vintage photo of woman on plane

I’m not sure when this started, but suddenly I find myself really planning ahead for how I’ll sleep when I travel. If I could easily bring my own pillow, trust me, I would! I love this sleep mask because it ensures I can rest, even in unfamiliar environments—whether on flights or in new places—with a little touch of indulgence. And of course, don’t forget the magnesium! You know I’m all about magnesium glycinate for better sleep. I’ve also heard amazing things about the Dr. Teal’s sleep spray with melatonin. I haven’t tried it yet, but with the way I’ve been sleeping lately, I’m picking it up this week.


dr. teals sleep spray and woman wearing purple eye mask


Travel Set

This one isn’t a necessity, but if you’re a fan of travel sets like I am, it’s definitely worth checking out Quince. They have the most affordable cashmere, and everything has such a classy vibe. If you’re looking to elevate your travel wardrobe without breaking the bank, Quince is a must see.



black and white photo of guy in open plane with a dog wearing his flight goggles
and don't forget to pack the sunglasses


 










Comments


bottom of page