5 Preventatives to Bring While Traveling during “Flu Season”

Anytime large amounts of people are gathered together, the chances of catching a cold or a flu is fairly easy. The stress of traveling can lower the immune system and leave us more susceptible to catching what that guy at the back of the plain is coughing up.

(Gross, dude.)

I’m traveling later this week for a few days and have started my packing check list. Some of the first things I always make sure I pack are items to help keep me from getting sick as I travel. No one wants to come home from an adventure with unwanted germs!

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Personal Water Bottle and Straws

Staying hydrated is a key role in everyday health. I prefer to avoid the waste of plastic bottles and don’t want the extra germs of who ever has touched or coughed on them at the airport! I always bring my own straws to use while out and a stainless steel water bottle I can refill and reuse.

I prefer this model of Kleen Kanteen for ease of drinking both water and tea/coffee. It’s a 16 oz bottle and I haven’t had any issues with coffee shops filling this instead a disposable cup.

I prefer silicone straws while traveling because they fold up nicely for storage (and I don’t have to worry about accidentally impaling myself on a stainless steel straw).

Elderberry and Zinc Drops

If you haven’t seen my blog on the benefits of elderberry, make sure to catch up here!

While at home, I prefer keeping up with our homemade syrups but traveling with a syrup is risky business! No one want’s to open their suitcase to spilled goo everywhere! I opt for purchasing remade lozenges that are fortified with zinc as well. I prefer to go with Zand HerbaLozenge.

Zinc helps regulate the immune system and is needed to activate T cells in the body. The Mayo Clinic also recommends Zinc during the first 24 hours of symptoms to reduce the duration and severity of a cold.

While I normally do not take elderberry syrup on a regular basis as a preventative, I know I am prone to getting sick while traveling. Because of this, I do make an exception and will take the lozenges daily to help keep away illness.

Vitamin D and K2

Keeping up on nutrition is vital to a healthy immune system. During the cold winter months, I take Thorne Vitamin D and K2 supplement. Both Vitamin D and K2 work synergistically together in the body for optimal performance. They both hole a pivotal role in immune balance.

Norwex Travel Envirocloth

I picked up a pack of these handy Norwex envirocloths to wipe down any surfaces I have to touch or eat off of. During a plain ride, my seat belt, arm rests, and table will get wiped down with only the envirocloth and water. The Envirocloth helps by removing debris and contains self-cleansing properties in it’s fibers.

(I am not a Norwex Representative; however, if you’re looking to purchase a pack of your own, this link will take you to a good friend of mine that does work with Norwex!)

Thieves Spray

This small bottle packs quite a punch at freshening and cleaning surfaces. A quick spray in the area and it’s filled with a warm, rich aroma that helps keep my space clean. I will spray my hands with this before eating, using door handles, or anytime I don’t have access to easily wash them on the go. But my favorite use for this is on toilet seats in public restrooms!

You can find Thieves Spray here! (I am a distributor for Young Living! Feel free to contact me if you’d like more information about getting your products at wholesale price!)