Celeste and I love the chance to change the scenery and we often get asked what our go-to-must-haves are when we travel. Well, it depends on how long we're going for so I'll let you in our long-held travel theory: however many hours you spend travelling somewhere; that's how many nights you should stay. So if you've driven three hours, you definitely need to stay for a long weekend. If you're sitting on a plane for 14 hours, staying for two weeks is the minimum! It's not always possible putting this theory into practise but it's helpful for planning.
To help you pack, I've come up with a few of our Natural Supply Co faves for a long weekend mini-break vs a two week holiday.
Long Weekend
Minis and travel sizes are key here. You don't need a full size shampoo bottle taking up valuable space in an overnighter bag. Double-duty products are also your best friend. Think tinted sunscreens, lip and cheek colour pots and multi-tasking skincare.
Both Celeste and I have been using Biologi's BF Restore serum for years. We love that it's a serum and moisturiser in one and it's great for sensitive skin because it helps strengthen your skin barrier. Best of all it comes in a mini 5ml size and is aslo a wonderful after-sun treatment.
Speaking of the sun, sunscreen is non-negotiable on the packing list no matter where you are going. I love Sol Sista's Butta Block which is a tinted SPF 50+ in a handy stick, meaning it won't leak all through your bag. It comes in three tints for easier skin tone matching and is lighweight enough to wear everyday instead of foundation.
Now to hair. For those who want to go completely plastic free, a shampoo bar is the way to go. Shampoo With A Purpose do these amazing bars that are a shampoo and conditioner in one. These are great bang for your buck as each bar is worth two to three bottles of shampoo. If you prefer liquid hair care, then O&M offer all your favourites in mini sizes. Or if you're in full relaxo mode and can't be bothered washing your hair, just rock one of our cute froggy Natural Supply Co caps and you've got sun protection ticked off as well.
Two Week Holiday
Lucky you, getting away for longer! You've got a bit more room in your luggage so these goodies can be added to the long weekend list, without compromising valuable shopping space.
To keep my luggage space nice and organised, I can't live without the Project Ten Packing Cubes. These are great for corralling socks and underwear so they are easy to get your hands on instead of digging around for the last clean pair. Hot tip: I put the cubes straight into the drawers at the hotel or AirBnB so that everything stays fresh and together. No one needs drawer dust on their undies.
Another space saving life saver is the Baggu Cloud Carry On, which works as the perfect airplane cabin bag. It packs down into a handy carry pouch meaning you can also put it in your check in luggage for those emergencies where you have overshopped and can't fit it into your suitcase. It happens.
Now that you've cleared security and are on the plane, let's talk inflight essentials. Hydration is the name of the game here so keep up your fluids in style with all the delicious Hydramama flavours in travel-friendly sachets. Just tip one into a bottle of water and sip away on those electrolytes while catching up on all five seasons of The Marvellous Mrs Maisel. For external hydration we love the Botanicals by Luxe Rosewater Mist to spritz for a freshen up skin as needed. Don't forget your hand sanitiser to keep travel germs at bay - I travel with the Dr Bronner's lavender version as it's lightweight and slimline shape makes it easy to fit in my handbag.
Just before you get to your destination, freshen up with a bit of deo and dry shampoo - Black Chicken is a great natural deodorant brand that offers these handy travel sizes and Abyssian has you covered with a powder dry shampoo option that has a zesty orange and peppermint fragrance. Perfect pick me ups for adjusting to a different time zone.
There's a few other goodies that are worth taking on your trip. Celeste and I find having lots of little containers for things helps us stay organised when we travel. Especially when it comes to toiletries and medical bits and bobs. We're in our perimenopausal era which means keeping track of truckloads of vitamins, pills and gels...oh my! The Tonik pill organiser gives you seven days of morning and night tablet organisation; or if you want something a bit smaller...and cuter...this little Miffy small item organiser is the answer.
Lastly, getting a good night's sleep is always the goal, even more so when you're away from home and sleeping in different habitats. For a sleep aid and to soothe tired travelling muscles, the mini Sisuu magnesium spray gives you the perfect dose of non-sticky, fragrance free rest and recovery.
There you have it: the NSCo tried and true travel packing guide for your next adventure, be it a short break in Tasmania or a long adventure in Tanzania.
Love,
Sarah x
