Millions of people all around the world use essential oils as an all-natural way to cure everyday ailments.
The best part? They tend to come in bottles that are small enough to pack with you on a flight.
With benefits that range from improved alertness and enhanced mood to the ability to cure an upset tummy, it makes sense to throw a few oils into your travel essentials kit before your next trip.
So, what are the best essential oils for travel? We’ve picked the top six that you’ll want to pack next time you’re about to jet-set around the world.
1. Sage Oil Instead of Antibacterial Gel
If you really want to go all-natural while also freshening up your surroundings, try sage oil. It’s one of the best essential oils for flying. Why?
Sage oil has got antibacterial properties that will help kill germs. If you’re looking to stay away from potentially harmful ingredients like the alcohol in traditional hand sanitizers, then sage oil is the way to go.
The best part? It smells so fresh and clean! Spray a little on your hands when you’re on a long flight or when you’re using public transportation in a new city.
It will clean off any dirt and germs and the smell is strong enough without being overpowering like hand sanitizer.
Sage oil is also known for its stimulating properties, so you can spritz some on your face after a super long flight or spray it on the collar of your shirt to help you stay awake and alert if you’re feeling bogged down by jetlag.
2. Peppermint Oil for Sea and Car Sickness
Peppermint oil is known for its calming effects and for helping soothe upset stomachs, making it one of the best essential oils for traveling by bus or boat.
So, if you’re prone to sea sickness or car sickness, then be sure to pack enough peppermint oil to get you through your journey!
Experts say that you can rub it on the backs of your ears, the back of your neck, and your wrists throughout the day to create a soothing effect.
As an added tip, peppermint oil is actually a fantastic trip essential if you’re traveling to a country where there’s a higher chance of getting food poisoning.
Sprinkle a few drops on your pillow, towels, or t-shirt to help soothe your stomach and allow you to rest.
3. Tea Tree Oil for Travel Colds
Do you tend to get sick while you’re traveling? Are you headed to a colder destination? Pack some tea tree oil!
Better yet, pair it with eucalyptus oil for the perfect remedy to a stuffy nose.
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, is antibacterial and antimicrobial, and can help purify indoor air quality.
This means that it will help you fight off a runny nose and a stuffy nose if you get sick while traveling or are going somewhere where you’re going to experience a drastic change in temperature.
When you travel with essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus oil, it’s great to try and pack a tiny diffuser! Diffusing peppermint oil can help purify the air in your hotel room or Airbnb, which will help you stay healthy throughout your trip.
4. Rose Oil to Calm Nerves
Let’s face it, traveling is tough sometimes. Missed connections, lost luggage, and language barriers can all make some adventures less than thrilling.
When you’re headed somewhere new, try packing rose oil. First of all, it smells absolutely divine. Secondly, it’s good for treating anxiety and nerves.
Diffusing rose oil in your hotel room after a long day of travel can help ease your emotions and help you release stress. Or, splash a few drops into your bubble bath for a nice relaxing evening in!
If you’re traveling with essential oils and can only pack a few, rose oil should actually be at the top of your list as it smells like perfume but packs a very positive emotional punch.
5. Lavender Oil for Severe Jet Lag
Sometimes you just can’t sleep. If you’re going to travel across the world and know that your body is going to be out of whack, then pack lavender essential oil.
The properties of lavender oil can help:
- Stabilize your mood
- Sooth your nerves
- Improve relaxation
- Facilitate sleep
And yes, all of the wonderful benefits of lavender oil have been scientifically proven!
Adding a few drops of lavender oil on your neck pillow before a flight can help you get the rest you need.
Alternatively, if you couldn’t sleep through the flight, try diffusing it in your hotel room to help you de-stress from the journey and get a good night’s sleep.
6. Jojoba Oil for Glowing Skin
You deserve to look great in all those travel selfies you’re about to take. However, staying out in the sun too long and long days (or nights) of travel can take a toll on your skin.
Instead of packing hand creams that include unnatural ingredients, try packing a small bottle of Jojoba essential oil.
This oil is so versatile that you can use it to moisturize just about anything. Put a few drops on your body, hands, neck, face, and even your hair.
If you happen to get sunburnt, then apply it to the burn and watch your sunburn magically disappear overnight (results may vary depending on how long you let yourself cook for).
And, Jojoba oil also works as a makeup remover. Because it’s all-natural and doesn’t contain alcohol or other chemicals, it will refresh your face while removing your makeup.
More Than Just Essential Oils for Travel
Essential oils for travel are a great way to de-stress, detox and feel clean when you’re flying or traveling abroad. However, sometimes you might need a little more than just some fresh-smelling oils.
For more ideas on what to take with you on your next trip, take a look at our health, fashion, and fitness section.
There you’ll find helpful reviews on products and gear that you can take with you the next time that you travel.