Even though home is where the heart is, I’ve always had a thirst for travel.

Traveling post brain injury has been challenging. I’ve cancelled several trips, spent countless hours in a hotel room with a migraine/feeling dizzy, nauseous, motion sick, or simply too weak/overstimulated to leave my bed. This has given me a whole new appreciation for travel and how to take care of myself whether at home or away.

This week, I have two trips (Seattle for LoveYourBrain teacher training last Thursday to Monday, and a road trip to Tucson this Friday-Sunday!). Since I need extra organization, extra TLC, and minimal stress I’ve gotten very good at my self care on the road.

Today, I’m sharing my tips with you!

Item number one:

Luggage must be functional and easy to navigate.

I took my lululemon Cruiser backpack to Seattle, because I have to carry on medications, noise-cancelling headphones, brain-friendly snacks, my vision therapy homework pieces, my laptop (so I can keep blogging), and of course airport souvenirs (Brian has some chocolate covered cherries coming his way — don’t tell!).

The Cruiser backpack has multiple pockets, two side pockets (my hot water bottle for tea and my cold water bottle keep me hydrated and handy!), a chest strap, a hard shell for my sunglasses, and a padded laptop sleeve. The backpack was super secure and didn’t aggravate my neck or back. I highly recommend it! This backpack is from the lululemon SeaWheeze, but its available in black and gray online HERE (as a member of the lululemon collective, I will make a commission on purchases made through this link. Thank you for your support!).

I started wearing a fanny pack rather than carrying a purse. I keep a spare battery, hand sanitizer, epi pens, wallet, ID, and lip balm right on my hip. I’m so glad these have made a comeback! This is the Everywhere Belt Bag and it’s available HERE; there are eight colors to choose from. I am a camo girl for sure.

item number two:

I fill up my backpack with my favorite items to make my travel and hotel stays smooth. Healthy snacks, instant tea, noise-cancelling headphones, my travel gravity blanket, a journal, and good books make my heart happy. This trip, I brought a travel diffuser, some lavender essential oils, and a weighted eye mask for better sleep. I’m definitely using these items at home now, too!

Click the buttons for details or to purchase!

item number three:

Have comfy clothes, will travel.

lululemon’s office-travel-commute line is my go-to for on-the-go adventures. I’m wearing On the Fly Joggers made of luxtreme (think quick-dry, sweat-wicking, and four-way stretch) with a pima cotton tee and a warm cuddly duster.

The men’s line is equally fantastic; Brian and my umpires swear by the ABC pants and 5 Year Basic Tees!

item number four:

Travel yoga mat for stretching, yoga, unwinding from the flight, anything/everything. This is the Carry Onwards mat (it folds up!) and I’ve linked all sorts of other mats too.

that’s all for today, friends! I hope you found some useful tips and new LOVES. I would love to hear your travel secrets, too!

Til next time, I’ll be sitting here dreaming of my next adventure….