We’ve spent so much time dreaming about traveling again and now that we’re back to getting on airplanes we’re also realising we need to remember how to pack! There are many reasons to carefully think about what you bring with you when heading on your dream trip and what goes in your carry on bag is of the highest importance.
Let’s face it, a bad flight definitely sets the tone for your vacation and can impact that first day. So why not be prepared to ensure you eat healthy (or not!), vegan (always!) and support our planet (yes!) at the same time?
Here are some of the vegan self-care essentials we recommend packing for a long flight:
1. Vegan Sanitizer
If you weren’t already obsessed about germs, the past few years have taught us that we should all step up our game and take better care of both ourselves and those around us. Airplanes see A LOT of people. Keeping your hands clean is the best way to ensure you stay healthy and also is good for you not spreading bacteria onto your face which can lead to breakouts.
Some of our favorite vegan sanitizers are Hempz Triple Moisture Hand Sanitizer, Milani Rose Hand Sanitizer, and Lemyn. Not only do you get rid of bacteria but the refreshing scents of these products will be a welcome boost to your senses while in flight!
2. Cruelty-Free Face Lotion
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The first thing you do after checking in is fill your reusable water bottle so you can have fluids on the flight, right? Well, your skin is going to get thirsty too and there is no one who doesn’t benefit from added moisture on their face while in flight.
Now, we’re not suggesting a white sheet mask for the day which may look scary to those around you. Buuuut, if you are traveling overnight you could sneak on Sephora’s Masque Visage Coco Coconut face mask which is not only vegan but also comes in recycled packaging. If you want to be a little more low-key then applying a hydrating face lotion before take-off is the secret to walking off your flight Instagram-ready! We recommend Acure Ultra Hydrating cream for serious glow, Public Goods for skin that just needs lightweight coverage or Vegan Milk Moisturizer by Milk Makeup which contains fig milk and oat milk to help soothe your skin.
3. Plant-Based Snacks
While plant-based food selections continue to expand, sadly there are typically not too many options other than fruit on most planes. Nothing kills a vibe like being hungry, especially if you end up on a flight that gets delayed. So, always be prepared with a light cooler bag and some quick easy snacks that are filling and delicious.
1. If you are up for sampling some new vegan products, try a Vegan Snack box from Vegan Cuts. These curated subscription boxes are perfect to take on the go and to discover new products you may not have seen in stores yet.
2. It goes without saying that one needs hummus at all times and lucky for us Sabra has created the perfect marriage of pretzels and hummus AND you can almost always find this in your local airport snack stores. You might want to consider buying two; one is just never enough!
3. And don’t forget we live in a magical time where you can buy vegan cheese sticks! Pack ahead and you too can enjoy cheese and crackers while watching movies on the plane with Daiya cheese sticks or Violife mini slices – both of which come in cheddar and mozzarella flavors and are perfect for snacking with crackers (or on their own).
4. Vegan Sleep Masks
One of the best ways to make a flight feel fast is to sleep through it! Unfortunately those overhead lights or a passenger who leaves their window shade up can make getting a good power nap very difficult. Whether you’re traveling day or night you should always have a good eye mask with you so that nothing gets in the way of those important zzz’s. A good mask should not only block out light, it also should feel comfortable on your eyes and use materials that are good for both you and the planet. Lucky for you there are multiple options and materials to choose from!
1. We recommend this Vegan Silk Eucalyptus Eye Mask from Olive and Crate. Made from eucalyptus, this mask is breathable due to its eucalyptus fiber which “wicks moisture away from the body, reducing bacterial build up.”
2. Or if you prefer the feel of satin check out this Vegan Satin Eye Mask by Arabella, a company that designs products for women by women. The low absorbency of satin also means that your eye cream will stay on your skin rather than get pulled off by your mask.
3. Last but not least, check out this Organic Bamboo Sleep Eye Mask by All About Sleep. Made with bamboo, this mask is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic and also has a wrap-around band that helps to muffle noise and is held together by covered elastic making it more kind to your hair too!
5. The HappyCow App
And the final one on our list of vegan self-care essentials for travel is the HappyCow app – make sure it is downloaded on your phone! You can find great recommendations for both restaurants and shops in airports, along with suggestions from the community on what can be veganized in terminals all over the world. We never want to compromise on good food OR good ethics and using the app makes it so much easier to navigate and experiment wherever you go!
Speaking of vegan travel, here are some related articles you might enjoy!
– 10 Dreamy Vegan Hotels for Your Next Vacation
– 10 Vegan Workaways Around The World
– 10 Vegan Sushi Restaurants for Your Culinary Bucket List!
– 6 Traditional Eco-Friendly Solutions we can Learn from India
– 10 Eco-Conscious Vegan Restaurants In The World
– Spotlight | Shivya Nath, Vegan Traveller and Author
You can always count on the HappyCow blog for useful vegan tips, guides, recipes, and more inspiring content. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter to stay in the loop!