You probably don’t know this about me, but I get so excited in the springtime because it’s when I start planning my next big summer vacation! Yippee!

I just LOVE to travel to other parts of the world where I can jump into the ocean to swim, snorkel or stand up paddle. I’ve actually lived near the ocean my entire life… from Korea, to Monterey and now the Pacific Palisades, and I have a deep love and respect for the ocean and marine life.

In fact, my family and close friends call me the “Sensitive Voyager ” – not only because I have a strict rule to explore beaches and oceans wherever I go, but also because of the “way” I travel.

I’m very organized and prepared with all of my food, supplements and healthy travel paraphernalia.

My philosophy is that I want to have the best experience possible at every moment in my life – including during my travels – and if it takes an extra bag of goodies to do that, I am all for it!

Preparation is key for healthy traveling, whether it’s for a business trip or a fun-filled adventure.

On Nature’s Secrets today I will share my top healthy travel essentials for you and your family, so you can maintain your energy and mental focus, be free of allergies and avoid any potential health disasters that are so common for people when they travel.

First let’s pack a Healthy Travel Paraphernalia Kit for you!

Daily essential supplements of vitamins and minerals allow you to travel guilt-free – you may not be getting enough fresh vegetables and fruit backpacking in the Alaskan wilderness. Which ones to take? A Multi-vitamin and mineral formula for sure and take extra Vitamin C and Vitamin D for extra energy and immune boosters. Also important are probiotics that you don’t have to refrigerate, especially in areas that commonly cause traveler’s diarrhea such as South America, Asia and Africa!

1. Instead of toxic hand sanitizers, colloidal silver spray is an excellent alternative to sanitize your hands, also can be spray on cuts to prevent infection! Best formulation is one that has been manufactured with SilverSol® Technology you can find Silver Sol Power on my drsusanne.com website
2. Broad spectrum anti-microbials such as olive leaf and oregano oil for viral, bacterial and fungal infections
3. Calendula and arnica ointments for cuts and bruises with a few extra Band-Aid’s
4. Tropical environment means more exotic insects that can bite you! Wear light long sleeve shirts and long pants to protect your body and pack a mosquito netting for your bed. Dengue fever is more common than you think!
5. Don’t forget non-DEET bug repellent you can apply to your skin found at your local health food store. It will keep the mosquitoes and sand flies away. Another great bug repellent is Magnesium oil! This was my own discovery while I was traveling in Mexico. They hate the taste of it, and at the same time you can have extra Magnesium that will absorb though the skin.
6. My favorite ointment for itchy bug bites? Tiger Balm! Get the one that is white in color, to prevent stains

Other healthy travel tips:

• A “green” or eco-friendly hotel could be more suited for your family – those are more conscientious about chemicals and allergen that can be aggravating to your health.

Today, many hotels and restaurants all around the world now accommodate for the sensitive traveler. Even if you do not have allergy symptoms, being mindful of your environment and nutrition will make your travels so much more enjoyable and memorable.

Hotels are now equipped with air purifiers, feather free bedding, non-chemical cleaning products, you just need to ask for it.

Also, check if the resort is “pet friendly.” You don’t want your sensitive child sneezing and coughing through the night.

• Weather or not? Look online for the weather of your destination; you can see the next 10 days, but also check out the average temperatures for the month, including the ocean’s water temperature. I take my snorkel gear, shortie wetsuit and underwater camera on every trip!

• Travel with healthy snacks! I love packing foods that will sustain my energy and brain power, just in case we are stuck somewhere without a decent restaurant. Worst situation is when a child is hungry! We all know that a hungry child is not a happy child!

What are my healthy snack favs?

1. Organic turkey jerky- high protein, low sugar and helps keep the blood sugar balanced and reduces sugar cravings
2. Gluten free granola for breakfast or a snack
3. Organic seed bars (with pumpkin, sunflower, chia and hemp seeds)
4. Almonds, Macadamia nuts and Hazelnuts
5. Individual packs of unsweetened almond milk (yes, they will weigh down your bag, but love that I will be dairy free and add it to my breakfast granola or morning ginger and cinnamon tea
6. Individual green drink packets and veggie or egg protein powder shakes that can be mixed with a bottle of purified water
7. Herbal organic teas, such as chamomile and Rooibos with a drop of liquid stevia

Last minute tips for the plane ride:

1. Bring on board plenty of purified water- drink 8 ounces of water for every hour you are up in the air. Flying dries your eyes, nasal and lung tissues as well as your skin!
2. Colloidal silver throat spray for before, during and after flight to ward off viral and bacterial infections.
3. Before boarding your flight, apply a thin layer of “unpetroleum” jelly to moisten and protect nasal passages – It will keep nasal passages moist, help collect dust, dirt and possible harmful microbes. Don’t forget to eventually blow your nose after the flight!
4. Socks and a scarf. Even if you are dressed appropriately to go to the islands, the plane ride can be brutally cold. Covering up will prevent you from catching a draft and weakening your immune system!
5. If you are flying to a different continent, best to make your flight arrangement over night so you can wake up fresh and ready to go when you arrive at your destination! Don’t forget to bring on board loose & comfortable clothing to sleep in such as long sleeve shirt and sweats, it can get very cold in the plane!

Also pack your eye mask, earplugs and natural sleeping formulas such as gaba cream and melatonin with 5-HTP to help you relax and get deep uninterrupted sleep of at least 7-8 hours. The worst flights are when you can’t get the rest you need and half of your vacation is trying to get used to the jet lag!

Again, preparation is key for healthy travel! When you do, you’ll have the best experience wherever you go! Isn’t having fun what it’s all about? Bon Voyage!