health

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Friday 5: My Over-the-Counter Medication Essentials for Travel

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No one likes to be sick on the road, but it happens. It only takes one bad experience away from home without your favourite OTC medications to realize you must never make the same mistake again.

I'd much rather spend my vacation exploring than playing Where's Waldo for that little green pharmacy cross. 

I'd much rather spend my vacation exploring than playing Where's Waldo for that little green pharmacy cross. 

It’s not very fun to visit foreign pharmacies, try to describe your problem in a differnet language and leave with medication you’ve never heard of, don’t know how to use, and sometimes doesn’t work. A little preparation and a few basics can make a huge difference. Even the CDC recommends having some basic OTC medication when you travel. They have some good advice too, go take a look. Here's the link again. 

With all of that in mind, today’s Friday 5 is a quick list of the OTC basics I take on every trip.*

1. Cold Medication

I’ve gotten a cold on my last two big trips. Both times they were from sick people on the plane. On the first flight, a woman sneezed on my head. Ugh! On the second flight, I sat next to a man who was so sick that he just kind of huddled against the window sneezing and coughing for 7 hours. So I know a thing or two about the nuisance a cold on the road. I also know how utterly terrible British cold medication is for me and how French cold medication makes me feel like I’m on a different planet. Lesson learned! I take a fresh pack of my tried and true favorite now. 

2. Imodium/anti-diarrheal   

Time to get real! I rarely leave the house without some Imodium in my purse. There is a special kind of terror and panic associated with the first rumble in your stomach that signifies gastro-intestinal distress. Immodium is a like a safety blanket and insurance policy against all the the worst disasters. I like the Imodium Complete because it has an anti-gas ingredient. It's like the Rolls Royce of anti-diarrheals. I mean that in the kindest way, Rolls.

Bonus: if a traveling companion happens to need some and you have it, you will be their hero, if only just for one day. Cue David Bowie.

3. Benadryl/antihistamine

Benadryl is my go-to choice if I can only take one antihistamine with me. In my experience, it works extremely well for so many different allergic reactions. The only downside is that it makes me very drowsy. So if I can, I take Benadryl and something like Reactine, which helps with my seasonal allergies and doesn’t make me sleepy.  

4. Antibiotic ointment

Neosporin or polysporin or whatever your favourite is. It comes in handy for cuts, nicks, and blisters—all the small annoying things that can become bigger annoying things fairly quickly if left untreated. I took a tiny tube of this stuff to a music festival a few years ago. I felt a little silly and lame for tossing it my bag, but when one of  my friends got a sliver of metal in her finger (don’t ask me how, I don’t know), my annoying mom-level of preparedness saved the day. 

5. Pain reliever and fever reducer

These might be one in the same for you. I find Advil helps with muscles aches and pain for me, but it has no fever reducing qualities. Tylenol, on the other hand, helps with fevers but does nothing when I have pain. So I travel with both if I know they might be hard to find at my destination. I also know that NSAIDs can be tricky for a lot of people, so be sure you know what is safe for you and talk to your doctor. 

*Note: It should go without saying that I’m not a doctor and I have no interest telling you what medications to take. Be sure to discuss any medications you take or plan on taking with your doctor. Do your own research and do what is best and safe for you. I’m sharing my basics because it could be a good starting point for you to figure out what you need to be prepared for travel. 

It’s also important to know the rules and regulations of the country you are traveling to. Be sure to check that the ingredients are allowed in your destination. Some countries can be surprisingly strict about certain medications and ingredients. 

That's it for this week! We might be stopping by the Niagara on the Lake Icewine Festival this weekend, so I'll try to take pictures and post on Monday or Tuesday. Next week might be quiet on the blog, I'm going to take some time to plan for February and do a lot of editing for the guide!

I hope you have a great weekend. If you have any OTC basics that you always travel with, let me know in the comments.

Friday 10: 3-1-1/TSA Bag Essentials

A few of weeks ago I did a Friday 10 of my long-haul flight essentials. Another tricky part of packing a carry-on is meeting the 3-1-1 Rule when flying out of the US or Canada.

What's the 3-1-1 Rule? All carry-on liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be:

  • In a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less
  • Put in 1 quart clear plastic bag
  • One bag per traveler 

It's not always easy to pare down, so I put together a list of easy essentials that will to get your through the flight. 

tsabagessentials

I might be a little different in that I don't fully unpack my 3-1-1 bag when I arrive. There have been many times in my life I've been thankful to have something like a small deodorant or wet ones with me! 

As you will see, I also pack the bag so I have access to enough basics to freshen up and put on some minimal makeup if my luggage is lost or it's too early to check in at the hotel. It just makes life easier.

5 scents in 0.5 oz jars | $18.00 USD | Bergamot+Lime, Ylang-Ylang+Calendula and Lavender+Sage are my favorites!

5 scents in 0.5 oz jars | $18.00 USD | Bergamot+Lime, Ylang-Ylang+Calendula and Lavender+Sage are my favorites!

#1 Travel Deodorant

Because I want to arrive at my destination smelling good. I usually just pick up whatever is available at Walmart or Target in the travel section, which is what's shown in the above photo.

However, my favorite natural deodorant company, Schmidt's, recently started selling travel sizes on their Etsy store. I might do a separate post on Schmidt's one day because I love their scents and it's the only natural deodorant that works for me. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't stain my white shirts since it doesn't contain aluminum. 

Stick deodorants don't need to be in the TSA bag, but I put mine in there anyway just to keep everything together. Since Schmidt's is more of a cream, though, it would have to go into the bag anyway.  

#2 Travel Toothpaste 

I also carry a small toothbrush and travel-sized floss. I usually keep all of this in my purse after I land for those spinach-in-the-teeth moments.

It's not a problem, it's a collection. Yeah. 

It's not a problem, it's a collection. Yeah. 

#3 Hurraw! Lip Balm

Yep! I'm including this again (and probably again at a later date). Planes = dry air, dry lips, dry skin, etc. and Hurraw! is the only lip balm that doesn't irritate my lips. I carry at least two with me: one with SPF and one delicious smelling one without SPF.  Prices vary. I usually pay under $4.00 CAD. 

#4 Clinque Black Honey Almost Lipstick

This is such a wonderful product! It looks scary in the tube, but it has a cult following for its nearly universally flattering shade. It goes on sheer and is build-able. It adds that lovely, elusive "my lips but better" touch of color. The formula is moisturizing and feels fantastic on. It's one little thing that can help make you feel a little more put together after a long, tiring flight.

#5 Mascara

Having very blonde--almost invisible--eyelashes means I rarely leave the house without mascara on. Even if I put on some long-lasting, waterproof mascara for flights, I usually end up wanting to touch it up before we land. I stick to L'Oreal Voluminous ($7.29 USD) or Cover Girl Clump Crusher ($7.99 USD).

#6 Makeup Removing Cloths

I use these near the end of a long flight to freshen up and then apply the following sunscreen and moisturizer(s) before landing. I love Burts Bees Sensitive ($6.00 USD). Alternately, if there isn't much room in the bag, I will take a couple of dry Olay 4-in-1 Daily Facial Sensitive Cloths ($6.99 USD).

#7 Moisturizer(s)/Tinted Moisturizer

I love this NARS Perfectly Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. So much! It has a little more coverage than most tinted moisturizers, feels fantastic on, actually moisturizes, and has SPF 30. The only downside is the cost.

So as another option, I recommend a light moisturizer like Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel under a broad spectrum sunscreen. It's soft, lightweight and doesn't leave me feeling greasy. 

I also carry an unscented lotion for my hands. 

#8 Sunscreen

Being very pale has made me something of a sunscreen expert. I believe everyone should wear sunscreen daily, especially on their faces, to protect their skin and keep it healthy.

Not a believer? Watch this video. 

 

I'm currently using a broad spectrum, SPF 50, matte-finish Vichy with Mexoryl SX.  La Roche Posay's Anthelios Ultra-fluid Lotion SPF 60 (with Mexoryl) is also nice. They are both around $25 here in Toronto, but I don't think products with Mexoryl are available in the US.

I'm less picky about what goes on the rest of my body, though.  Sometimes I throw in a small travel-size sunscreen or sunscreen wipe if there's room. I worry less about this when going to Europe, especially France, because they have the good stuff when it comes to suncreens. 

#9 Hand Sanitizer

Any kind will do. I try to get unscented ones out of respect for the other people I'm packed into a metal tube with for hours on end. Not everyone likes the smell of juniper berry bliss or whatever. 

#10 Wet Ones Antibacterial

For gross tray tables, gross hands, gross anything that you might encounter on the plane or anytime afterward (I'm looking at you, public washrooms). I usually find the thin travel packs for about a dollar at the drugstore/Walmart/Target.

That's it for my essentials. If there's room leftover in the bag, I might toss in some extra stuff from time to time like a small travel-sized perfume (like these La Vanila ones). 

There are some reusable 3-1-1 bags on the market, like this one at REI or this one on Amazon.  I think $5 is a little steep for a plastic bag. I just us a Ziploc freezer bag. They've never let me down, and I like being able to replace them easily. 

I'd love to hear what you put in your 3-1-1 bag!

Hope you have a great weekend!

*Always check the rules and regulations of your departure country before your flight, just in case something has changed recently.

 

 

 

Friday 10: Staying Fit While Traveling

I'm back! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day. We had a wonderful long weekend, but it went by far too quickly. Doesn't it always, though?

On Saturday, I went dress shopping with my Matron of Honor, mom, and aunt. Such a lovely day! Then, S and I went antiquing in Freelton, Ontario and found some fun stuff, like an old Oriole's helmet. You better believe I will be wearing it when we go to the O's/Jays game at the end of the month. It looks so ridiculous. Love it!

On to the Friday 10 for this week! It's a topic near and dear to my heart: fitness. Over the past couple of years I've been focusing on finding a fitness routine that I enjoy. It was no small feat, but it paid off in spades. Not only do I look better, but I feel better, and I look forward to working out (really!). 

Since I enjoy workouts now, I like finding ways to stay active on the road. Don't worry, there's nothing hardcore on my list. It's just 10 easy, quick, and fuss-free ways to fit in workouts. Remember, travel workouts should be an extension of what you already love to do. 

Hiking through the clouds on Mount Mansfield in Vermont

Hiking through the clouds on Mount Mansfield in Vermont

#1 Walk or Hike or Run

This may seem obvious, but sometimes I overlook how much walking I do on trips. Get up early and go for a walk to get breakfast. Wander around with your post-lunch ice cream in hand. If you're in a beautiful, walkable city, plan your day so you can use minimal transit. If you're close to trails, go for a hike. Or use a site like All Trails to find one nearby. It all counts! I recommend using a pedometer app like Argus to put it all into perspective. You might be surprised at how many miles you can cover in a day.

Just like walking, running is a great way to see a new place while staying active. I used to run a lot, but now I save it for when the scenery is extra enticing. Like that time in France I ran through the woods from Beynac toward the neighboring castle at Fayrac.

It's a nice way to start the day energized yet relaxed. Unless you start thinking about crazy axe-weilding murderers from the 15th century popping out of the deserted woods to chase you. Then you start the day really, really energized. You might have a less. . .active. . .imagination than I do, though. 

Need help finding routes? Check out Map My Run. Or there's always running tours. I've never been on one--they don't seem like my cup of tea--but there are so many options for cities around the world like: City Running Tours in the US, or Paris Running Tour, or Go! Running Tours Barcelona. 

Heading home to Beynac via canoe. Nothing quite like this view coming into sight!

Heading home to Beynac via canoe. Nothing quite like this view coming into sight!

#2 Canoeing

Canoeing the Dordogne is one of my favorite trip memories. My dad and I shared a canoe. We had lots of time to talk, he got to teach me how to actually canoe, and we stopped off at the picturesque village of La Roque-Gageac for lunch. The great thing about canoeing is that it can be as easy or as adventurous as you want it to be. 

#3 Cycling

Cycling also allows you to choose your level of adventure. Look into bike shares or rentals and do as the locals do in cities like Amsterdam. Or check out Frommer's World's 10 Best Bike Trips and sign up for a full cycling tour. 

#4 Yoga

There's something wonderful about doing a small yoga practice at the end of a travel day. It doesn't have to be much, just a few poses to unwind and release tension after lots of walking, sightseeing, and time on your feet. 

I recommend the Yoga Studio app for classes of all levels and lengths. If you have a computer or ipad with you, I also love YogaGlo, Kathryn Budig is my favorite teacher. She makes every class fun. Looking for some free options?  Doyogawithme.com and Erin Motz have some nice classes for beginners to advanced yogis. 

#5 Nike Training Club

A iPhone and Android app from Nike that focuses on women's fitness (although, I think anyone can do the routines). There are over 100 workout options. I find the Get Lean high interval cardio drills and Get Focused 15 minute workouts are excellent on the road because they usually don't require any extra equipment. Plus, who doesn't love a fast 15 minute workout instead of a long, boring cardio-fest when you're trying to get out and about? 

#6 Greatist WOD

Lately, especially when I'm short on time, I've been doing Greatist's Workout of the Day (GWOD). They are super-quick, bodyweight-based workouts you can do anywhere. Challenging, fast, and perfect for travel. 

#7 Fitness Blender

Fitness Blender is a website run by a husband and wife team, Daniel and Kelli. It's become my go-to site for high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. They have a substantial library of free videos that use bodyweight only. The search function allows you to narrow down the options by focus, difficulty, and duration. Bonus: Kelli and Daniel often do the workouts, too, so you can suffer with someone. 

#8 You Are Your Own Gym

Another app I love by Mark Lauren who focuses on bodyweight only workouts. The app lets you choose a quick workout based on how much time you have. What I really like, though, is that it also has 10-week programs for three different levels. I did the intermediate level recently and saw great results, especially in my upper body strength. He also has a book, You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises, that I've heard great things about, but the app has been enough for me. 

#9 The 7 Minute Workout

All you need is your body, a wall, a chair, a timer, and these 12 exercises:

  1. Jumping Jacks
  2. Wall Sit
  3. Push-up
  4. Crunch
  5. Step-ups onto a chair
  6. Squat
  7. Tricep Dips using a chair
  8. Plank
  9. High Knees
  10. Lunge
  11. Rotational Push-up
  12. Side Plank

Perform an exercise for 30 seconds and then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next one. That's it. The New York Times ran an article about the science behind it in 2013. Naturally, the concept took off and now there are a ton of apps for Android and iPhone. There's also this online timer, but you don't need any of that, a good watch will do. 

Lazing on the dock at the cottage this summer

Lazing on the dock at the cottage this summer

#10 Just Relax!

That's right! Number 10 is to not workout. In the end, sometimes it's better just to relax and enjoy your trip. Rest--and recovery--can be just important as a good workout. If you've been going full throttle back home, it can be great to take some time to catch up on sleep, eat delicious food, and then, head back home fresh and ready to go.

That's it for this week, but these 10 just begin to cover all of the ways you can stay active. The other week I was talking to a friend who does Crossfit and she told me all about an app called Wodify that lets you find the nearest Box (gym) to work out in while traveling. She loves it!

What it boils down to is staying fit while traveling is about finding what you love to do and adapting it to fit your travel plans. Make it part of the adventure.

Do you try to stick to a fitness schedule when you travel? What are you favorite ways to workout on the road? 

Happy Weekend Everyone!