Those gorgeous smells are useful for more than just feeling good…

Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with its share of challenges; jetlag, fatigue, anxiety, and unfamiliar environments. Essential oils offer a natural way to address these travel issues, helping you stay calm and energised during your journey.

Whether you’re dealing with long flights, road trips, or hectic schedules, including essential oils into your travel routine can make a significant difference.

For high-quality options, check out pure oils from Aromatics.

Why use essential oils while travelling?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic properties. They can help manage physical discomforts like nausea or headaches while also addressing emotional concerns such as stress and anxiety.

Their portability and versatility make them ideal companions for travel, offering solutions that range from boosting energy to promoting relaxation.

Benefits of essential oils for travel:

There are many benefits of essential oils. Some of them are:

• Alleviate jet lag and fatigue
• Reduce travel-related stress and anxiety
• Combat motion sickness
• Refresh stale air in hotel rooms or vehicles
• Support immune health in crowded spaces

Top essential oils for travel

1. Lavender: The Calming Companion

Lavender is a must-have for travellers prone to stress or sleep disturbances.

Its soothing aroma can calm the mind and body, making it easier to relax during long flights or adjust to new time zones.

Dab a drop on your pillow or use it in a travel diffuser to promote restful sleep.

How to Use:

• Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale during stressful moments.
• Mix with a carrier oil and apply to your temples for relaxation.

Read more: How to travel solo and enjoy it

2. Peppermint: The Energy Booster

Peppermint oil is perfect for combating travel fatigue and motion sickness. Its invigorating scent helps clear the mind and provides an instant energy lift.

It’s also effective in soothing digestive discomfort caused by unfamiliar foods or long journeys.

How to Use:

• Inhale directly from the bottle to fight drowsiness.
• Dilute with a carrier oil and massage onto your abdomen to ease nausea.

3. Lemon: The Mood Lifter

Lemon essential oil is known for its uplifting properties, making it great for maintaining a positive mood during travel.

It also acts as a natural air freshener, eliminating odors in confined spaces like airplanes or hotel rooms.

How to Use:

• Add a few drops to water in a spray bottle for a refreshing room mist.
• Rub onto your wrists for an energizing scent throughout the day.

4. Eucalyptus: The Respiratory Aid

Eucalyptus oil is ideal for supporting respiratory health, especially when traveling through polluted or crowded areas.

Its antimicrobial properties can help purify the air around you while easing congestion caused by dry airplane cabins.

How to Use:

• Add a drop to a warm cloth and inhale deeply.
• Mix with water in a spray bottle to refresh your surroundings.

5. Ginger: The Nausea Reliever

Ginger oil is highly effective in combating motion sickness and digestive discomfort. Its warm, spicy aroma provides comfort during turbulent flights or bumpy car rides.

How to Use:

• Apply diluted ginger oil behind your ears before traveling.
• Inhale directly from the bottle when feeling queasy.

6. Rosemary: The Mental Stimulator

Rosemary oil is excellent for maintaining focus and mental clarity during long journeys. It’s particularly helpful if you need to stay alert during business trips or road travel.

How to Use:

• Diffuse rosemary oil in your hotel room while working.
• Massage onto your temples for an instant mental boost.

Practical tips for travelling with essential oils

1. Pack Smartly: Ensure your essential oils are securely sealed in leak-proof containers that comply with airline regulations. Keep them in your carry-on bag for easy access during flights.
2. Dilute Before Use: Essential oils are potent and should always be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba before applying them directly to the skin.
3. Use Roll-On Blends: Pre-mixed roll-ons are convenient and mess-free, allowing you to apply essential oils quickly without worrying about spills.
4. Carry An Inhaler Stick: A personal inhaler stick filled with your favourite essential oil blend is discreet and easy to use on the go.

DIY travel-friendly essential oil blends

1. Jet Lag

   Relief Blend

Combine:

• 3 drops lavender
• 2 drops peppermint
• 2 drops lemon

Use this blend in a diffuser or mix with a carrier oil for topical application on pulse points.

2. Motion sickness remedy

Combine:

• 3 drops ginger
• 2 drops peppermint
• 1 drop lemon

Apply behind the ears or inhale directly from the bottle during travel.

3. Hotel room freshener

Combine:

• 4 drops eucalyptus
• 3 drops lemon
• 2 drops rosemary

Mix with water in a spray bottle and spritz around your room for an instant refresh.

Creating aromatic rituals while travelling

Including essential oils into daily rituals can enhance your travel experience by grounding you amidst unfamiliar surroundings.

For example:

• Start your day by inhaling an energizing blend like rosemary and lemon.
• End your day with calming oils like lavender diffused in your room.

These small practices can make even the most hectic trips feel more manageable.

More than just wonderful scents

Essential oils are versatile tools that can transform how you experience travel, helping you stay calm, energised, and comfortable no matter where you go. From easing jet lag with lavender to boosting energy with peppermint, there’s an oil for every traveller’s need.