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Smart Travel Tips

by Myron Mariano

1. Know before you pack. 

All of the kits in this round-up fulfill the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 3-1-1 policy on carry-on liquids. Meaning, they are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less each, and could fit in a one-quart-size Ziploc bag. (Each passenger is allowed one of these bags.) For updated travel advisories, head to www.tsa.gov.

2. Hydrate!

The dry cabin air causes dry, parched skin. “Airplanes can have as little as 10 percent of the humidity found on the ground—that’s drier than Death Valley in June!” says renowned author and travel authority Peter Greenberg of www.petergreenberg.com. Pack a small tube of moisturizer, and apply as often as you can while on the plane.

3. Recover from jet lag with sleep and water.

Like your skin, water is your best friend when adjusting to a new time zone. “One of the best techniques to combat jet lag is to stay hydrated,” says Greenberg. Before, during, and as you land, increase your water intake. Licensed acupuncturist Ted Ray, L.Ac. recommends eight ounces of water for every three hours you’re airborne. (He also suggests ditching the airline earphones in favor of noise-canceling ones.) Try to start sleeping on the local time once you land, so your body gets used to the location faster. Products containing lavender or chamomile would help you get some well-deserved shut-eye, says Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale. Rub Badger’s certified organic sleep balm ($10, www.badgerbalm.com) on your temples and your neck as you settle into bed.

4. When in doubt, pack your own.

If you’re traveling to a developing country, be wary of where you get your drinking water—you don’t want to spend your vacation in a hospital bed, after all. Greenberg recommends the SteriPen (from $89.95, www.steripen.com), which uses UV rays to destroy any bacterial microbes in your drinking water. Another option is Pure Water 2 Go (from $7.95, www.purewater2go.com). “A sixteen-ounce bottle with an advanced filter costs only about thirteen dollars and can treat up to forty gallons of water,” he adds.


Editor’s Product Picks

Arcona Basic Five Travel Kit

FACE, $87 | A change in location—be it the temperature, humidity levels, or pollution—can wreak havoc on those with very sensitive skin. Use this no-fuss set to help calm it down. Includes cleanser, exfoliator, toner, moisturizer, and night serum.

Dionis Travel Kit

HAIR & BODY, $9.99 | The paraben-filled toiletries provided by many hotels are not cool. Replace them with these organic goats-milk-formulated bath products instead. Includes shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and body wash.

Kahina—Giving Beauty Travel Basics

FACE & BODY, $65 | The all-purpose, 100-percent-organic argan oil moisturizer is as effective in moisturizing a dry face as it is softening rough elbows and calloused feet. Includes cleanser, lotion, and moisturizer.

Korres Delta-Inspired Travel Essentials Value Set

FACE, BODY & HAIR, $12.99 | This kit has everything you can possibly need for a week-long sojourn. Includes lip balm, shower gel, body milk, shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser, cooling gel, moisturizer, and eye cream.

Pevonia Botanica Spa-At-Home Essentials Pack

BODY, $44 | Make even the most run-down motel feel like a 5-star hotel with this cruelty-free collection of bath and body essentials. Includes scrub, bath salts, shower gel, moisturizer, and palm oil-based candle.

Thymes Daily Commute Experience Kit

FACE & BODY, $26 | Don’t neglect your kisser while on the plane! Continued application of the organic beeswax lip balm assures you of soft, kissable lips upon touch down. Includes hand cleanser, toning mist, and lip balm.

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