Holiday travel season is right around the corner! Yikes! Packing always becomes a challenge as you decide what goes in the carry on, what you “really” need versus what you “might” need, as well as what items may be available at your destination.
Today I would like to share with you a sneaky way to clear some space in your suitcase or carryon. Coconut Oil!
Coconut oil is the ideal travel companion. It can replace SO many products that might be clogging up precious space in your suitcase. Your small jar of coconut oil can be wrapped in clothing to protect it, making it an easy-to-pack product!
Quick disclaimer – I am required to clearly state that I am not a licensed medical professional nor do I pretend to be one on this site. Take what I write as a launching off point to do your own research. My advice, experience, and suggestions are not to be considered medical advice.
So what swaps can you make with a jar of coconut oil?
Soothe an upset stomach – forget that bad-for-you jar of antacids or Dramamine! The anti-microbial acids in the coconut oil will help ward off bacteria and parasites which cause stomach upset as well as soothe a stomach that is rolling for motion sickness.
Moisturizer – coconut oil is perfect to use after a bath or shower or anytime in between! It will keep your skin soft and help combat dry, flaky skin that sneaks up on you in colder climates!
Wound care – coconut oil is great at healing cuts or scrapes. Just wash the wound with water and slather on a thick layer of coconut oil!
Lip Balm – chapped lips seem to love travel. Whether it is a change in altitude, a change in climate, stress, or something else, coconut oil will soothe those lips better than any other lip balm available!
Face Wash/Make-Up Remover – why pack an extra container with make-up remover pads? Apply a thin layer of coconut oil all over your face and eye area, then wipe clean with a warm washcloth!
Eye Cream – no need to lug along your container of eye cream. Coconut oil will do the trick!
Acne Breakout – don't let the in-laws stress you out! But if they do, dab a little coconut oil on that stress blemish and no one will ever be the wiser.
Deodorant – coconut oil makes a great deodorant for all those heart pounding adventures you will be having on your travels! Add a couple of drops of essential oil if you would like a “scent” otherwise, just apply it straight up!
Sun Burn Relief – did all that fun in the sun give you rosy cheeks and shoulders? Liberally apply coconut oil to the affected areas to sooth the burn and heal the skin quickly with minimal damage!
Toothpaste – coconut oil mixed with baking soda makes the perfect travel toothpaste! Clean teeth, fresh breath!
Dry Eye Relief – apply a small dab in the corner of each eye at night to relieve dry eyes without the chemicals found in eye drops.
Control Hair Frizz – travel always brings out the worst in my hair. It's frizz gone wild! A small dab of coconut oil always gets my hair back to “normal” which isn't saying much as I rarely do much to it anyway.
Hemorrhoids – I know, I know! But seriously. If you can't lug your squatty potty with you and your peri-bottle, then dab some coconut oil on those puppies for instant relief!
Nipple Cream – if you are breastfeeding, make sure you keep up with sore nipple prevention. Leave the tube of lanolin behind and swap it with coconut oil.
Diaper cream – no need to pack extra items for those diapered bums! Coconut oil makes a great diaper rash soother, preventer, and barrier cream!
Anti-Itch Cream – bug bites got you down? Stumble into some poison ivy? Have a stress rash? Food allergy give you a case of the hives? Don't rush out and waste money on an anti-itch cream that you have to lug home. Dab some coconut oil on the affected areas!
Swimmers Ear Relief – splashing in the ocean or just goofing around in the heated hotel pool? Swimmer's ear happens. Mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day. It usually works within one or two days.
Hand, Nail, and Cuticle Cream – traveling seems to dry out my hands but especially messes with my cuticles! I think the extra hand washing is the culprit. Coconut oil can be used as a hand cream with the added benefits of sending those dry cuticles packing!
Cooking – are you able to make some of your own meals when traveling? If so, don't skip the coconut oil! There is no need to compromise your health with an inferior cooking oil.
Personal Lubricant – you and the honey have a few seconds for some “adult” time. Grab that jar of coconut oil and let the fun begin!
Are you prepared for travel this season? Be sure to check out 333 Uses for Coconut Oil to find more ways you can travel with coconut oil!
Oh, what's that you ask? My favorite jar of coconut oil to travel with is this one from Barleans and this one from Tropical Traditions!
How can I travel with coconut oil without it melting and creating a giant mess in my suitcase?
Hi there! Common issue for sure! There is no way to prevent it from melting, unless you keep it packed in ice but that is another set of problems. What I do is put the coconut oil into the best jar I can find in terms of a tight fitting screw on lid. I then bring duct tape with me and when I need to put it in the suitcase, I duct tape the lid shut. I then put the coconut oil container into a plastic bag, seal it. I have never had it leak. Hope this helps!