Essential Oils Make Great Travel Companions

Anit Hora, herbalist, Ayurveda practitioner, and founder of natural skincare brand Mullein & Sparrow, makes a list of her travel essentials.

I was raised on the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of traditional medicine. After a career in fashion left me feeling disconnected from home and wildly curious about the world, I put on a backpack and embarked on a solo soul-searching journey through South America. Of course, it took traveling to foreign lands to reintroduce me to the power of plant-based healing that my parents' had raised me with all along. I returned to New York with the intention to study herbalism, aromatherapy, skincare, and yoga — which eventually led to the creation of Mullein & Sparrow.

Making my way in a foreign environment was a great perspective-shifter for me. The departure from my daily routine, coupled with spontaneity and the excitment that comes with the unkown, allowed me to see and experience and grow. It may sound cliché, but that's what travel does for me.

These are my nine travel essentials.

Photo courtesy of Mullein & Sparrow.

1. Mullein & Sparrow Balancing Essences Trio, $174.

Oils are great travel companions. Each blend serves a different purpose. Kapha is an energizing boost best used to beat fatigue on long travel days. Pitta is a calming blend that's perfect for stressful situations like lost baggage or delayed flights. I like to use it on my temples when I have a headache, but it can also be used to perfume hair. Vata is a grounding blend that can be used to help remain present and meditative during those reflective moments on long journeys.

Photo courtesy of Baggu

2. Baggu Weekend Bag, $74.

For travel bags, I like something that I can get dirty and not care about — like Baggu's sturdy, recycled cotton totes. They are easy to clean and come in a variety of patterns.

Photo courtesy of Europa Editions.

3. My Brilliant Friend, $11.

A good book is a necessity. I have been obsessively reading Elena Ferrante and feel like my next adventure may have to be a trip to Naples.

Photo courtesy of Mullein & Sparrow.

4. Mullein & Sparrow Dry Shampoo, $9.

Washing hair is not a priority when traveling; dry shampoo for dark tones freshens-up my hair and creates texture.

Photo courtesy of Bose.

5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones, $299.

Noise-canceling accessories lead to peaceful travel. These are well worth the expensive price tag.

Photo courtesy of Wilderness Poet.

6. Wilderness Poet Wild Mixes, $6.

I never know where my day will take me, so I like to have a stash of organic nut-based trail mix on hand for sustenance.

Photo courtesy of L.L. Bean.

7. L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Sock, $20.

Comfy socks are definitely needed on cold flights, long bus rides, and treacherous hikes. L.L.Bean socks are a classic.

Photo courtesy of Mullein & Sparrow.

8. Mullein & Sparrow Mini Immortelle & Myrrh Facial Serum, $32.

Our lightweight facial serum is great to use on the go because of its size and rollerball applicator. It works as a quick moisturizer, especially on planes where the air can be super dry. I've even used it as a deodorant in a pinch.

Photo courtesy of DryLite Towel.

9. DryLite Towel, $13.

.As a frequent backpacker, a microfiber fast-drying towel is great. When I'm on the move, I don't often have the luxury of waiting for things to dry before I can pack up and leave. This one is small and in a color (eucalyptus) that hides how dirty it really is.

SHOP MULLEIN & SPARROW

Shop Anit's luxury, vegan beauty line Crafted with Care in Brooklyn, New York.

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