What I Pack For My Wellness Retreats
As I prepare to take a group of women on my fifth international wellness retreat in just a few weeks, it's all about final elements–and one of these is packing. Packing can be stressful–but it doesn’t have to be. There are some philosophies about packing–and there are for sure plenty of decisions to make while packing– but most of the beauty is that the things are easily sorted with a LIST. Yes, a list for all of you little-list-loving Virgos—a list is your best friend while packing. Here are my essential lists for packing your carry-on and your suitcase for an international wellness retreat–but it’s perfect for any and all travel.
Carry On Essential List
A book for the plane (preferably on your phone!)
Your readers or prescription glasses
A shawl for chilly airplane cabins
An extra pair of undies in case your luggage is lost or delayed
Tiny toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant (again, in case your luggage is lost or delayed)
A change of clothes
Your medications, vitamins, etc
disinfectant wipes to clean your airplane seat area
Bring electronics & fragile items in your carry-on bag
Cash for goodies in your hidden money pack (for countries and locales that do not take credit cards)
Your passport (this should be in your hidden money pack where it cannot be pickpocketed and a copy of the facepage should be hidden in another location along with two passport pictures in case you need a replacement stat!)
My Secret Packing Tip for your suitcase:
Lay out your clothing for each day and then try to take 30% of the items away. Re-wear pants, and use the laundry services if you are staying somewhere for a week or more. If you bring all your clothing in a similar color scheme you will pack a lot less.
Toiletry Bag
Your toiletries
Vitamins
Ear plugs
Bug repellent
Suntan lotion
Tissues
Tweezers (great for removing splinters and useful for so many other things)
The Essentials in your Suitcase
Layers (the key to a comfortable life while traveling)
Sunglasses
Your underwear, stockings, & bras
Jacket/poncho and/or tiny umbrella for rain
Broken-in walking shoes/sandals/sensible dress shoes
Sun hat
Bathing suit
Water bottle
Flashlight, alarm clock & camera (on your phone–so you are likely all set with that)
Swiss Army Knife
Ziplock bags
Lint remover
Favorite Snacks (put some of these in your carry on too!)
If it's a yoga retreat, your mat
An open mind and heart
The Feel Good Comfort Items
Your traveling altar (a pretty piece of fabric, some crystals, a folded & printed prayer that you can open and stand up, a tiny candle that smells good, pictures, and a symbol of your retreat to focus your intent – or whatever floats your boat)
A journal for your ideas, reflections, inspirations & memories
Bodum electric coffee/tea pot, coffee filters, great ground coffee or tea, and a big insulated cup (Hint: you can pack socks in the cup and the coffee pot so it doesn't take up any room!)
Your favorite comfy slippers or jammies
Special sleeping pillow
Lavender oil to help you sleep
I have now come to the end of my lists. These are the basics for traveling abroad whenever I leave home. I also always like to save room in a suitcase or two depending on where I am off to!! I love to shop and if the vintage items or local crafts are especially good in a certain area–you can be sure I will be bringing some home with me.
How about you? What are your favorite travel items that you just cannot leave home without? I would love to hear them.
