The Expat Diaries - Travel Tips

Today I'm participating in my first link-up party hosted by postcardsfromrachel.com, lostintravelsblog.com, totheseablog.com, and rhymeandribbons.com! I'm hoping that this will attract a few more blog followers.  

Also, side note, it seems like forever ago when I mentioned transitioning over to a new domain... that is still in process!  I still plan on doing it, but I haven't had the resources quite yet.  But my goal is to get the site up by the end of the month.  You're going to love it.  :)

I'm supposed to share a travel story or tip.  So here we go.  This is actually a repost from about 6 months ago.  I never followed up with a Part 2, but I have plans to soon.

Julie's Tips for Traveling Overseas

- Part 1 -

I have traveled a lot around the world, and most recently moved with my husband to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  I thought I'd share a few things I have learned from all the packing, airports, customs, and eating I have done around the world.  I hope this is beneficial for at least one person reading!

1.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Flying dehydrates you!  There are several reasons why I get dehydrated while traveling. You can't bring water past security and bottled waters are expensive in airports!  I often don't drink anything until I'm on the plane and the flight attendants bring around the beverage cart.  And then it's just a tiny cup of water.  I subconsciously don't drink a lot because I have the world's smallest bladder.  (These are all horrible excuses btw.)  Airplanes recycle air which is very drying.

Staying hydrated is important not only for looking and feeling great, but to keep your immune system functioning, flushing out toxins, regulating your bowels, and much more.  Drink lots of water before you leave!  Buy a water bottle at the airport and ask the flight attendant to refill your water bottle when you get on the plane.

Flying also dehydrates my skin.  I already have dry skin, so flying just makes it worse!  If you also have this problem, I suggest using a hydrating face mask the night before you leave.  I used a Mary Kay moisturizing mask and my skin felt amazing!

Contact Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Ruth Smith to order*

2.  Stock up on healthy snacks

A couple of days before we left I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on healthy snacks. Airport food is expensive, flights are long, some airlines don't serve meals and, if they do, they might be nasty, gross, or unhealthy.

A couple of items that saved my sanity this past trip:

An apple

Gluten Free Crackers

Vegetable chips (not the overly processed ones from Trader Joe's, but the actually real, dehydrated veggies from Whole Foods)

KIND fruit + nut Almond and Apricot bars

Click on the picture to purchase

Justin's Honey Almond Butter (Great on gluten-free crackers, apple, celery, etc)

Click on the picture to purchase

Other items you could bring;
Fresh veggies such as carrots and celery
Fresh fruit such as apples and bananas
Trail mix
Seed and nut mix (I like to mix almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, craisins, raisins, and chocolate chips)


3.  CALM

CALM is a natural supplement that does just want is says: calms.  This is great for people who suffer from bowel issues (any kind) that are aggravated by travel or other stressful situations, including packing, mentally preparing for a major life change, or anything else that may cause stress.  I have a canister of it at home, but I picked up a couple of individual packages to easily pack it in my carry-on.

Click on the picture to purchase

Thanks for reading!  Do you have any other tips you'd like to add?  Any travel problems in particular you'd like me to address in Part 2?   Leave a comment below.

* I am not receiving compensation from Ruth Smith or Mary Kay.  I mentioned the product because I want to bring awareness to my mom's business, and not for any other purpose or personal gain.

 Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Read my disclaimer here.