Traveling is fun, but navigating it while trying to stay non-toxic? That’s an adventure in itself.
From that strong bleach explosion in hotel rooms to airport food that is always wrapped in plastic, the struggle is real.
The good news? With a little planning, you can keep your trip as non-toxic as possible without overpacking like you’re preparing to being away for six months (I always overpack anyway!)
Here’s your ultimate guide to staying low-tox while traveling, broken down by where you’ll be and what you’ll need.
🧴 Non-Toxic Toiletries
Most travel-size toiletries are a disaster… parabens, synthetic fragrance, and a whole lot of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Bringing your own is the way to go.
✅ Shampoo & Conditioner: Use travel-size silicone bottles or solid shampoo bars to bring your non-toxic faves.
✅ Body Wash or Soap: Even a mini bottle of Castile soap works for everything, body wash, shaving cream, even laundry detergent to wash something in the sink in a pinch.
✅ Toothpaste: Choose fluoride-free and sulfate-free toothpaste in a recyclable or glass container.
✅ Deodorant: Stick to an aluminum-free option.
✅ Face Care: Bring your non-toxic cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. And definitely pass on the hotel freebies!
✅ Hand Sanitizer: Choose an alcohol-based sanitizer with essential oils instead of triclosan-filled versions.
Pro Tip: Pack everything in a leak-proof, reusable silicone bag instead of a plastic Ziploc. it’s TSA-friendly and eco-friendly.
✈️ Non-Toxic Essentials for the Airplane & Airport
Air travel exposes you to recycled air, germs, and mystery food. Here’s how to survive the journey.
✅ Filtered Water Bottle: Airport water is full of who-knows-what. Bring a bottle with a built-in filter. Get some bottled water and put it in your water bottle.
✅ Healthy Snacks: Avoid overpriced airport food with non-toxic snacks like oranges, dried fruit, and protein bars.
✅ Essential Oils: Peppermint for nausea, lavender for stress, and eucalyptus for that stale airplane smell.
✅ Non-Toxic Face Wipes: Or, and I have done this, pack a washcloth in your carry on and use warm water in the bathroom to wet the cloth and drape it over your face. Totally rejuvenates you during and after a long flight!
Pro Tip: Don’t drink the airplane coffee or tea. It’s made with unfiltered tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
🏖️ Packing for the Beach: Stay Safe Without the Toxins
Sunscreen chemicals, plastic overload, and mystery ingredients in the ocean air? Here’s what to bring instead.
✅ Mineral Sunscreen: Ditch the oxybenzone-filled sunscreens and go for a reef-safe, non-toxic version.
✅ Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Hydrate without microplastics.
✅ Reusable Snack Bags: Perfect for packing fresh fruit, nuts, or homemade energy bars.
✅ Toning Face Mist: Another great refresher when you feel like you got too much sun.
Pro Tip: If you forget your non-toxic sunscreen, look for a local store that carries mineral-based options instead of grabbing the first thing you see. Badger is one that can be found easily even at the supermarket. And, make sure to stay away from any spray sunscreen (risk of inhalation).
🏨 Staying Non-Toxic in a Hotel Room
Hotels = questionable cleaning products and weird-smelling linens. Here’s how to detox your stay.
✅ Charcoal Bags or Small Air Purifier or (here is an even smaller one): Helps absorb VOCs and freshen up musty hotel rooms. You can even ask at the front desk if they have an air purifier for your room. Some hotels do, some don’t but it is worth asking.
✅ Non-Toxic Room Spray: A DIY mix of water, witch hazel, and essential oils works wonders.
✅ Essential Oil Diffuser: If you have space, diffuse lavender or eucalyptus to freshen the air.
✅ Your Own Pillowcase: Hotel detergents are loaded with fragrance. Avoid a skin reaction by bringing your own.
✅ Reusable Coffee Mug: Hotel coffee makers aren’t the cleanest. Bring your own mug and run down to the lobby.
Pro Tip: Open the window right away and don’t have the staff clean every day.
🚗 Car Travel: Keeping It Non-Toxic on the Road
Road trips mean gas station snacks, fast food stops, and car air fresheners that smell like chemical overload. Here’s how to prepare.
✅ Stainless-Steel Food Containers: Pack homemade meals or fresh fruit for easy snacking.
✅ Non-Toxic Cleaning: Mix up a small spray bottle with vinegar and water and wipe down all surfaces instead of whatever the gas station sells.
✅ Charcoal Air Freshener: Ditch the synthetic pine tree air freshener and use an all-natural charcoal bag instead.
✅ Filtered Water Bottle: Car trips = random water stops. Bring your own to avoid questionable sources.
Pro Tip: Scope out healthier food stops along your route before leaving so you’re not stuck choosing between fried fast food or a gas station granola bar.
🏡 Non-Toxic Airbnb or Vacation Rental Hacks
Airbnbs and vacation rentals can be better than hotels if you know what to bring.
✅ Your Own Cleaning Spray: Rentals are often cleaned with heavy-duty chemicals. Bring a small non-toxic multi-purpose spray like I said above (vinegar and water) or fill it with your favorite non-toxic cleaner.
✅ Your Own Sponges or Dish Soap: Avoid washing dishes with a sponge that’s been used 100 times before and toxic soap. You can even use the castile soap from your toiletries bag which can be used for everything!
✅ Filtered Water Bottle or Pitcher: Some rentals have filtered water, but don’t count on it.
✅ Bug Spray: Some rentals = mosquito central. Avoid chemical sprays and bring a natural option.
Pro Tip: If the place reeks of air fresheners or strong cleaning products, open windows, turn on fans, and set out a bowl of baking soda to absorb the smell.
Better Yet?: Check out Sensitive Rentals. You can find rental locations throughout the world that don’t use toxic cleaning supplies, air fresheners, pesticides and might just have a great water filter.
🌿 Keep It Simple & Prioritize What Matters
The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to minimize your exposure to toxins where it actually makes a difference. Pick the essentials that work for you and make traveling easier, not more stressful.
Now go enjoy your trip (without the chemical overload!)
✈️ What’s your #1 non-toxic travel must-have? Let me know in the comments! 👇
Want More Non-Toxic Tips? Download the Free “7-Day Home Detox Guide”
Looking to make changes in other areas of your home? My free “7-Day Home Detox Guide” offers simple, low-cost steps to make your home healthier, one day at a time.
Get it here to start building a non-toxic lifestyle that works for you!
Where to Go from Here: Resources to Keep You Empowered
Your non-toxic journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one.
You can stay connected on social media Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram where I share daily tips, product recommendations, and encouraging messages to keep you inspired on your journey.
And if you’re looking for trustworthy, non-toxic products to add to your routine, my online shop is curated with only the best low-toxic and non-toxic items I personally use and recommend.
Get started:
– Follow on social media: Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
– Shop Curated Non-Toxic Products.
