Top Questions on Travel-Friendly Health and Beauty Solutions

I have the opportunity to talk with many women who travel … women who travel for business, conferences and pleasure. When I share what Smart Women Travelers is all about, I get asked many questions on health and beauty while on the road. For this edition of Pearls of Travel Wisdom, I'm sharing these questions and solutions with you:

Q: I really do not want to check a bag. So how do I bring my favorite facial care products with me in 3 oz. sizes or less?

A: Look at all of the facial care products you would like to bring, and find ways to consolidate them into a lesser number of items with a few simple solutions:

Instead of packing a facial scrub, instead bring just your facial cleanser and mix in a package of raw or white sugar to create a facial scrub. 

Instead of packing shaving cream or gel, use the hotel-supplied hair conditioner.

Instead of packing a body scrub, use the hotel's body lotion mixed with a packet of raw or white sugar. Rub this all over, then shower. Goodbye dry skin!

Q: I forgot my skin care lotion, and my skin is very dry due to the travel and different climate. The hotel does not offer skin care lotion in my hotel room. Do you have another suggestion?

A: Instead of packing body lotion (or if the hotel does not provide body lotion), ask the hotel restaurant for a small container of olive oil. Massage a small amount of olive oil on extra dry areas such as elbows or heels, as well as legs and arms. Olive oil is also great in the bathtub for a moisturizing soak, but be careful with as the tub may be slippery.

Q: I like certain toothpastes and/or shampoos that are difficult to find in travel-friendly sizes. Do you have a source for these products?

A: I like minimuz.biz for many travel-friendly products. They offer a wide variety of items and offer free shipping for orders in the U.S. over $20.00. I have also found a great selection of travel-sized items, including hair mousse which is not as easy to find in 3 oz. sizes, at Bed Bath and Beyond stores in the U.S.

Q: What do you suggest for getting rid of the dark circles under the eyes that seem to come from too much travel and too little sleep?

A: Hotel supplies to the rescue again! Apply cool tea bags, an ice cube wrapped in soft cloth, or cucumber slices (ask your hotel restaurant) to your eyes daily. The tannin in tea bags has been shown to reduce swelling and discoloration, and cucumber slices have long been used to reduce puffiness and refresh the appearance of skin around the eyes. Lie down, preferably in the morning, and leave fresh cucumber slices or cool, damp caffeinated tea bags (you can keep them cool on ice overnight so they'll be ready) over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes. Keep your eyes closed.

Q. Any suggestions for facial cleansing products that do not need to get in the TSA-approved clear plastic bag?

A: Pack dry face washcloths, such as Olay Daily Facials, for each travel day. These are perfect for travel. They are feather light, contain no liquid and pass the TSA test with flying colors. Dry when they come out of the box, they lather up when moistened. They work as a cleanser, toner and exfoliater, all in one!

Q: How do you stay healthy with so much travel when dealing with different timezones, climates, airplanes and exposure to many people?

A: I eat lots of fruits and vegetables and try to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep on most nights. On travel nights this is not always possible, but it's what I strive for. Sufficient sleep along with healthy eating helps keep my immune system strong. I also mix 1 to 2 packets of Emergen-C Energy Booster Dietary Supplement into bottled water each day. Emergen-C contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C plus lots of minerals and B vitamins. Airborne is another popular choice for warding off a cold. 

I also drink lots and lots of water to keep hydrated (watch what pilots ask for on the plane … it's almost always water!)

I hope these simple solutions help you keep your liquids to a minimum when packing your bag and yet give you the comfort of having everything you want with you on your journey.