Vacation season can be one of the most thrilling times of the year. Not only are you going through the emotions of joy and excitement for your next adventure, but you will also have moments where you feel stressed and anxious as you prepare for the trip.
One of the biggest stressors for any trip is packing. Knowing how much to bring is always an issue, and on top of it, traveling while remaining eco-friendly can feel like a huge challenge. But packing sustainably is actually much easier than you think. Before your next trip, think about the products that you normally bring with you and how to make them more sustainable. With that said, let’s jump into some of the different ways to make your next carry-on bag greener.
Tote Bag
Reusable tote bags are great for a variety of reasons. They can store lots of items and you can also use them for a trip to the grocery store, the beach, and much more. These bags also come in a variety of styles, sizes, materials, and colors, so, whatever you are looking for, you will most likely be able to find it for your bag. Some brands even sell travel totes made of recycled materials that are more durable and made for taking on the go. Additionally, with the rise of sustainability, there are more options than ever to make sure you are remaining conscious while traveling.
In addition to your carry-on luggage, you’re also allowed to bring a small personal bag so a sustainable tote bag is perfect for storing all of your goods and personal items while traveling. Remember to pack all of your essential toiletries, and any important belongings, and travel information to ensure a safe and easy journey.
Deodorant
Deodorant is important to use every single day. Not only does it make you smell fresh, but it also helps reduce sweat or any other body odors. Although many people tend to put this into their checked baggage, placing deodorant in your carry-on is a great tip for any long-haul traveling that you may endure. Deodorant is one of the easiest things to apply, so having it in your carry-on bag is a great and accessible way to stay fresh and clean.
There are also many different ways that you can remain conscious of your eco-friendliness when shopping for deodorant. There are several different benefits to using natural deodorants over the average brand. Additionally, since they have become much more popular in recent years, they are available in stick, spray, and bar form for whatever your preference may be. Just remember that if your deodorant is liquid, or semi-liquid, it must be below the 3.4 oz rule the TSA upholds to bring in your carry-on.
Glasses
Besides deodorant, think about other daily-hygiene items that tend to be bad for the environment. Single-use products like makeup wipes (we’ll get to that later), Q-tips, and disposable contact lenses, all require a lot of plastics and packaging just to be used one time. If you use any of these items, consider cutting down on the amount you pack for your trip, or try to find reusable replacements.
It may be easy to ditch the Q-tips, but if you are someone who wears contacts you may be having a harder time finding an alternative. Instead of searching for eco-friendly contacts, just make sure you bring a backup pair of glasses in your carry-on. Bringing your glasses on the flight will help you save your contacts for the trip, instead of wasting a pair for a day of travel. Having your glasses handy will be nice in case your eyes become irritated in any way. Places that have powerful A/C systems, such as a plane or your hotel room, are sure-fire ways to dry your contacts out.
Besides being more eco-friendly, bringing a pair of daily glasses will allow you to play around with different outfits, accessories, and personal style while on vacation.
Makeup Remover
Taking off your makeup is one of the most important things that you can do for your skin each day. Traveling with makeup on can also feel gross after a while if you have been wearing it for hours on end. Unfortunately though, makeup remover wipes can be one of the most harmful items you dispose of. Makeup wipes often are non-biodegradable which makes it hard for them to break down properly in the landfill.
Additionally, there are many chemicals in these products which are not only damaging to the environment but also harmful to your skin. Instead of these harmful products, opt for more eco-friendly solutions for removing your makeup. Not only will you be positively affecting the environment with this decision, but your skin will also feel better not using so many chemicals to remove the products.
Next time you travel, try not to be nervous about packing. There are so many eco-friendly ways that you can travel in style. Once you start packing this way, you may even find it difficult to go back to the way you used to get ready for a trip. Most importantly, remember to stay safe, stay alert, and have a blast on your next vacation.
Besides packing sustainable products in your carry-on, make sure you also bring necessary items, such as your license, credit cards, and a passport if needed. If your upcoming travel plans require you to have a passport or visa, you can start the application process with us today. If you have any questions while applying, please contact us. A member of the Swift team will be happy to help!
