In this article I write about travel. I love to travel myself but I know how stressful it can be. That’s one of the reasons why  I developed my Carry-On Travel Oil – to combat the feelings of anxiety and act as a support in new places.

I love travel. I joke with my pals that one of my favourite places is the Departure gate at Dublin Airport!

Holidays are a wonderful time to sit back, day dream. Put aside work demands, say goodbye to the boredom of domestic chores, park some worries and just let it all go.

Of course, Anticipation is a big part of a holiday. I know an eight year old who is very excited about her holidays. There is a blackboard in her house with a number on it. Everyday she rubs out the number and subtracts one. She is one day closer to her holidays.

That being said, for the parents, actually getting there can be so stressful.

Will all the work deadlines be met and finished in time? Have I brought everything? Will the house be ok? Cancelled deliveries? Told the neighbour? Are all the passports up to date?

Whether you are travelling for work or pleasure there are certain things you can do to avoid those anxiety pitfalls. From my experience, travelling the world for fun and function, these are my top five tips for a smooth journey this summer. Naturally I recommend my specially blended Carry-On Travel Oil, my REST Oil and Velvet Skin Body Oil for super relaxed travelling but there is much else besides. Read on and please add in your own tips in the comments below!

The Checklist

Like the eight year old friend, do a countdown. You may not have to countdown the minutes as she does but certainly think about milestones you must hit or deadlines you have to reach before you can put your feet up. Make a plan and a to-do list to help you reach those milestones. Definitely start making a checklist now of things you must do or remember before departure:  I have a checklist that is divided into Work: Personal: Pack.  (Often on a back of envelope but carry it with you and jot it down whenever you think of something).

Keep your eye on the prize.

If you are feeling stressed, a few drops of frankincense  on a tissue will bring some calm. Its exotic aroma, traditionally from Somalia, will put you in mind of far off places and help you remember why you are on the move. Its soothing and relaxing properties are documented and it is a key ingredient in my REST Oil.

Digital Companions

Choose your books (I always bring a few actual books), or download an audiobook or ebook and up load those playlists,. The great thing about using digital downloads is that they don’t take up any extra space in your precious carry-on luggage.

1. 1. I love www.audible.co.uk for audio books. Since discovering it, It has given me such enjoyment and magical moments. You just sit there and someone is reading to you! Perfect for flights/train journeys and often a very handy way to fall asleep. I love using them for the Classics: Dickens, Tolstoy, Jane Austen, The Brontes… Check out Juliet Stevenson, she is a wonderful narrator and brings an extra sparkle to every book.
   2. BBC Radio 4 podcasts are endlessly enjoyable and so varied.  RTE Doc on One are brilliant too.
   3. A friend recommended The Stitcher app for listening to podcasts, easy to use and easy to search to find podcasts of interest to you. One recent find was 36 Questions, a podcast musical in 3 Acts about a couple working their way through a rough patch. Also check out 99% Invisible a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. Sounds nerdy but is full of humanity.

Bring a Natural Support

Bring the Carry-On Travel Oil. I have received rave reviews of my Carry-On Travel Oil: Elaine from Holland writes “The Travel oil comes everywhere with me. It is always in by bag” Designed to meet the requirements of carry on liquids, this 10ml roller ball is your security blanket. I have researched this formula for 8 years to source oils that are historically known to have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Ravintsara, Sweet Marjoram and Niaouli provide strong support and these are holistically balanced by zesty Lemon and sweet Red Orange. It smells divine and it works! Whether on short haul/ long haul flights, just pop it in your bag. I made it as protection against the stuffy, bug-filled atmosphere of all modes of transport. Roll it on your wrists and neck regularly and breathe in deeply. One regular user, Mairead, says, “ It is lifesaver on flights”.

Take a Moment

Lastly and most importantly, remember to Take A Moment.

Carve out some quiet Metime when on your holidays.  For me; it is the early morning swim when no one is around swimming in cool water looking at a blue sky; sitting under the shade of a tree sipping a morning coffee listening to the birds; In the early evening after a shower, rubbing after sun body oil over your skin and just enjoying the aroma and sensory experience. Of course I would recommend my Velvet Skin Body Oil (!) rosehip, prickly pear and apricot oil are perfect to hydrate and soothe heat rashes or itchy skin post sun. The vetiver is a natural insect repellent which is bonus to help fight off the mosquitoes.

If you like to do some meditation, I use my REST oil to tackle a whirling mind and those anxious moments. Essential oils can be a wonderful asset when you combine them with meditation. Just roll on the palm of your hand, gently rub together and breathe in deeply 3-4 times. Or roll directly on inside of wrist and over neck area. Take a moment to enjoy the powerful aroma, tune into your senses and take a rest. Again it comes in a 10ml rollerball so perfect for carry-on luggage. Ideal for long haul travel where you intend to catch a few winks and arrive refreshed and ready to go at your destination.

There are some of our top tips for travelling for work and pleasure. How do you combat the stress of travelling and being away from your home place? I’d love to hear any tips you might have for the excited but weary traveller.

p.s  I forgot to say.. heat can make everyone a little cranky! My grandmother’s advice.. before you react. take a deep breath and count 10!

Happy Holidays  x