Setting off on a thrilling travel adventure is always fun, but there’s one part most of us aren’t too excited about and that’s packing. Just thinking about it brings to mind that all-too-familiar scene: suitcases wide open on the bedroom floor, a messy mountain of clothes, those random accessories we might never use, and, of course, those items we pack “just in case.” It can feel like trying to squeeze our entire life into a bag!
As someone who prides herself on meticulous preparation, my 45-day European trip transformed my understanding of the art of packing. It also revealed unexpected challenges, surprising revelations, and a new perspective on what it means to carry our world with us.
From the necessity of emergency kits to the unexpected burdens of overpacking, and even the emotional weight of our belongings, this trip taught me invaluable lessons about self-discovery, embracing spontaneity, and finding freedom in letting go. Join me as I recount the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the “aha moments” that transformed my traveling mindset forever.
Packing Supplements and Medicines: What's Essential?
Before embarking on what I thought would be a 60-day European vacation (which ended up being 45 days), I indulged in “nutrient therapy”: the Myers cocktail IV. This concoction is loaded with a comprehensive mix of essential vitamins and minerals. With a single IV session, you’re equipped with a month’s worth of nutrients, making it the perfect pre-travel ritual, especially for trips extending beyond two weeks. But did this mean I packed light on supplements? Not quite.
Despite supercharging my body with the IV, my insecurities convinced me to take an exaggerated supply of health supplements. I ended up with four sizable ziplock bags, an amount that now seems more than a tad excessive. Among these, I included a 60-day stock of daily supplements and an emergency kit (which needed up being the most useful).
One thing I can’t recommend enough is to get a few WoundSeal packets, this magic powder comes to the rescue when you have a severe cut. Favored by many chefs, it seals the wound almost immediately. I had an unfortunate experience in Vienna when I injured my hand on a bathroom sink. Thankfully, this life-saving powder from my emergency kit spared me a trip to the hospital.
Another unexpected necessity that emerged during the trip was having DayQuil/NyQuil. Bring these with you because procuring them in Europe isn’t as straightforward. Mainstream stores don’t carry them, relegating you to specialized pharmacies. And if you find yourself in remote areas like Sardinia or amidst the mountains, the hunt becomes notably more challenging. On this trip, both my friend and I had our fair share of feeling under the weather but thanks to the DayQuil/NyQuil duo I’d packed, we were back on our feet in just two days.
The most significant takeaway from my journey is that an emergency kit is top on the priority list. And in this kit, make sure to have the bleeding-stopping powder, DayQuil/NyQuil, nasal sinus sprays (like Vicks), gas and bloating pills, vitamin C, magnesium, melatonin, and activated charcoal for unexpected food poisoning. Also, take the TerraZyme pill everyday with every meal for your digestive system to work properly.
For daily supplements, I’ve narrowed it down to a few must-haves: vitamin C (1000mg daily), magnesium, melatonin, and a probiotic (psyllium powder & probiotics). Again, if you’re wondering about the Myers IV cocktail, it’s an ingenious concoction of essential vitamins and minerals. Getting this IV before long trips (longer than 2 weeks) can ensure you’re filled with energy and saves you the hassle of packing numerous supplements.
Beyond the daily supplements, one other thing I didn’t skip was dental care. Prioritizing oral hygiene- I brought an electric brush, a traditional brush, two varieties of toothpaste, a tongue scraper, mouthwash, and dental floss. Regardless of where you are, maintaining a consistent dental routine is always important.
Navigating Festivities and Time Zones: Pills to the Rescue
Traveling often means indulging in local cuisines, sipping on regional drinks, and of course, partying the night away. If your itinerary, like mine, includes a daily dose of vibrant nightlife, you might find yourself savoring local beverages more frequently. While the allure of European nights is hard to resist, the subsequent mornings can be, well, less enchanting.
Enter the hangover pills “something for a mini rehab” by the company: Biocol Labs. These were my faithful companions as we reveled in Europe’s party scenes. Drinking can be hard on the liver, and the aftermath often includes a sluggish feeling the next day.
The handover pills contain milk thistle, artichoke and choline, which contribute to the maintenance of a normal liver function, help breaking down harmful alcohol-induced toxins and restore lost vitamins and minerals. They work wonders in cleansing the liver, ensuring that you wake up feeling refreshed and devoid of the dreaded hangover. I took them religiously and can vouch for their efficacy in ensuring that the revelries of the previous night didn’t alter our plans for the next day.
But it’s not just the drinks; the plethora of unique foods you’ll try can sometimes overwhelm your digestive system. Different cuisines, while delightful, can be a shock to the system. This is where digestive pills come in handy. Tossing a couple into your daily routine can help your stomach acclimate to the diverse culinary wonders without any discomfort. For this I took the “Bloating be Gone” by Well Told Health (these contain organic ginger + organic peppermint + organic fennel + vegan capsule shells + nothing else) and worked perfectly for me.
Finally, address a common travel challenge: jet lag. Switching time zones frequently can unsettle our internal clocks, leading to fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns. Fortunately, the “Jet Lag Chewable” was another treasured item in my kit. These chewables are formulated to help recalibrate your body clock. A quick pop post-flight, and I found myself more attuned to the local time, feeling energized and ready to explore.
Beauty and Personal Care
For many of us, the allure of looking our best, especially when traveling to picturesque destinations, compels us to pack an extensive range of cosmetics. I can vouch for this, having optimistically packed two considerable bags filled with makeup, serums, and creams. However, the reality of travel quickly taught me an invaluable lesson in minimalism.
For the Ladies: When on the move, the luxurious rituals of masks, scrubs, and intricate makeup routines often take a backseat. In the whirlwind of travel adventures, I found myself gravitating towards just the basics: eye cream, face cream, and sunscreen. As for cosmetics, the idea that I’d need an array of 10 lipsticks soon seemed laughable. In practice, just a swish of eyeliner at night, a touch of mascara, and a single glossy lipstick served me well. There’s a certain allure to the natural look, especially against the backdrop of Europe’s beautiful landscapes. Even in the most glamorous settings, I discovered that less truly was more. The subtler the approach, the more authentic and radiant I felt.
Travel has a way of distilling our beauty routines, reminding us of what’s truly essential. The journey is as much about discovering new places as it is about rediscovering oneself. Simplifying your beauty routine can be a liberating experience!
Overpacking
Let’s face it, the excitement of a lengthy vacation often tempts even the most rational minds into overpacking. So here’s the truth- I got super excited and went a bit overboard with packing… I thought I needed 20 dresses, multiple shirts, jeans, and 10 pairs of shoes and bags for my fabulous trip plans. So, what happened? I ended up with a huge suitcase that was so heavy I had to pay extra fees at the airport. In addition, I also ended up with a medium suitcase for my vitamins and cosmetics, and a petite carry-on for my prized possessions – from jewelry to designer bags and shoes. To top it off, I even had extra tote bags for items that didn’t fit anywhere else, and another exclusive bag just for hats. It’s comical in hindsight, but in the moment, it felt utterly essential.
Venturing through the cobblestoned alleys of Puglia and other old towns in Italy, the struggle was real. Since cars can’t enter these historic areas, we had to pull our heavy bags uphill. And guess what? When we reached Sicily, our luggage was delayed for three days. Most would freak out, but I had an “aha” moment. Luckily I had packed an extra dress, panties, and a bathing suit in my carry-on- I ended up wearing the same outfit for those days and people still complimented me! Wearing that same dress made me feel so free. Sometimes having less options can be liberating.
Also, in some peculiar twist of fate, my hotel in Sicily lacked an elevator, and my room was situated three floors up. Had my bags arrived on time, I’d have faced the daunting task of heaving them up those flights of stairs at midnight, with no help in sight. Observing others struggling with their luggage from my balcony, I felt a wave of gratitude towards the universe. In those moments, my delayed bags felt less like a misfortune and more like a cosmic intervention.
Keep in mind that when you’re traveling, you’re likely going to shop. This means you don’t really need to pack every single thing. I found myself in a predicament where my shopping ventures led to an additional bag of purchases, which added to my baggage count. So, with two weeks left in my trip, I decided to ship two massive bags home. The process, however, was nothing short of tedious. A day was entirely consumed by paperwork, measurements, weight checks, and other formalities. And while they refrained from transporting cosmetics, one bag was mistakenly flagged for containing some. The airline returned it to Paris, where I was fortunate enough to retrieve it five days later. This shipping ordeal not only cost me an exorbitant sum of money but also a valuable day of my vacation.
The big takeaway from this adventure? Traveling light is true freedom. We often think we need all our stuff to enjoy the journey, but it can actually get in the way. This trip reminded me to let go — not just of too much luggage, but of holding onto things mentally too. Vacations are about refreshing, letting in new energy, and making room for new memories and experiences.
Quick Travel Tips
Based on my experiences, here’s a list of travel hacks to keep in mind for your next voyage:
Embrace Minimalism in Packing: It’s tempting to pack everything, but remember simplicity is both chic and practical. Whether it’s cosmetics or clothing, less is often more.
Vitamin Infusion Before Travel: If your journey is stretching beyond a couple of weeks, consider getting a Myers cocktail IV before leaving. It’s packed with essential minerals and vitamins that’ll keep you energized.
Emergency Kits are Paramount: Always keep an emergency kit handy, especially one with the bleeding-stopping powder and DayQuil/NyQuil.
Hangover Pills: If you’re going to indulge in the nightlife, don’t forget your hangover pills from Biocol Labs. They’re great for detoxifying the liver and ensuring you’re fresh the next day.
Digestive Supplements: With the array of foods you’ll be sampling, having a digestive pill like the one from TerraZyme can be a game-changer.
Jet Lag Solutions: Combat jet lag effectively y with a chewable tailored for it.
Cosmetics and Skincare: Keep it simple. For most, an eye cream, face cream, and sunscreen will suffice. Let your natural beauty shine!
Dental Care Essentials: Don’t forget your oral hygiene tools. An electric brush, a backup regular brush, toothpaste, tongue scraper, mouthwash, and floss should be enough.
Limit Your Luggage: Overpacking not only incurs additional costs but can also be a logistical nightmare in places with limited car access.
Safekeeping Your Passport: Once you’ve checked into your hotel, lock your passport in the safe. Having a second phone is also a wise decision to stay connected in case of emergencies.
Let Go and Experience: Your trip is as much about the external sights as it is about internal growth. Learn to let go, shed your baggage, and immerse yourself fully in the experience of being a new place!
Last but not least, whenever you’re staying at a hotel, take advantage of the spa amenities right away. Whether it’s an indoor steam room, sauna, or a sunlit pool, these facilities can be incredibly rejuvenating, especially after a long journey. They not only help reset your body clock but also leave you feeling energized and refreshed. I swear by this, having frequently used all three during my trips!
Coaching Sessions
I am currently offering one-on-one coaching sessions to help individuals who may be facing challenges in achieving their goals independently. My goal as a coach is to guide and support you in every step of your journey, while also holding you accountable for the actions you take towards achieving your desired outcomes.
Whether you want to improve your health and wellness, establish better habits, or achieve personal and professional growth, I can provide you with personalized attention, a customized approach that suits your unique needs, and the necessary tools and motivation to help you reach your full potential and transform your life.
Conclusion
Looking back at my trip through Europe, I realize that travel isn’t just about the places we see or the photos we take. It’s about the moments we live and the experiences we gain. My adventure with oversized suitcases, highlighted a deep insight: the things we hold onto, no matter how carefully picked, can sometimes become the heaviest burdens we carry.
It’s interesting how, in our eagerness to prepare for every eventuality, we can miss out on the very spontaneity that travel invites. By clinging to the comforts and securities of home, I inadvertently placed barriers to other possible experiences. Travel is as much about shedding our excess baggage, both literal and metaphorical, as it is about discovery. It’s about learning to prioritize essentials, to adapt, to find joy in simplicity, and to let go of the anchors that weigh us down. Whether it’s rethinking the need for multiple lipsticks or appreciating the beauty of wearing the same dress for three consecutive days, every traveler will find their unique “aha” moments that redefine their journey.
In the end, my European adventure wasn’t just a trip across continents; it was a journey inward. It was about embracing the imperfections, celebrating the unplanned, and understanding that sometimes, the best way to move forward is by letting go. As you plan your next adventure, remember that the lightness of your luggage can often mirror the freedom and fulfillment of your travels!
With a positive approach and a motivation mindset, you will reach your health goals, no matter how hard they may seem at first. Learn more about my one-on-one coaching program here.
