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Clair
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July 13, 2026
Is the preparation for your summer break overwhelming you?
Do you have a sunny holiday that you are looking forward to? There is nothing like the anticipation of a sunny holiday as you count down the days in preparation to the big day. Whether you are heading to the golden beaches of Europe, exploring historic cobblestone streets, or simply enjoying a relaxing staycation here in Ireland when the weather behaves, a summer break is the ultimate way to recharge your batteries.
But as much as we look forward to these sunny escapes, the preparation can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. From trying to figure our what to pack to worrying about travel delays, flight anxiety, and how our skin and tummies will adapt to a completely new environment, there is a lot to think about.
Over my years at the Natural Health Store, I've spoken with countless holidaymakers looking for natural ways to stay healthy, comfortable, and relaxed while abroad. We believe that being prepared is the key to a successful trip. By packing a natural travel kit filled with gentle remedies that can help to keep minor issues from putting a damper on your well deserved getaway.
Here are some of my favourite tried-and-tested tips and natural products to keep you and your family feeling your absolute best from takeoff to touchdown.
Calming the Pre-Travel Jitters
Do you find yourself feeling anxious, restless, or slightly overwhelmed before a flight? You are certainly not alone. The hustle and bustle of busy airports, the fear of flying, or simply the disruption of your daily routine can trigger stress, making it hard to enjoy the exciting build-up to your trip.
To help calm the nervous traveller, I highly recommend flower essences. They are incredibly gentle, completely natural, and very easy to use. My absolute go-to is Healing Herbs Aspen. This flower essence is traditionally used to help ease vague, unexplainable fears, apprehension, or a general sense of unease, The kind of feelings that can creep up on you when you're waiting at the departure gate or even days before your trip. You simply add a couple of drops to your water bottle and sip it slowly throughout your journey and in the days before your trip. It may help you feel more grounded and relaxed.
If you find that your travel anxiety hits you in sudden, acute waves, then Rescue Remedy is another essential for your hand luggage. This famous blend of five different flower essences is fantastic for restoring inner calm during moments of sudden panic or high stress. It is available in a handy spray or dropper bottle, making it incredibly convenient when you are on the move. A quick spray on the tongue can work wonders in helping you regain your composure so you can ease into your holiday headspace. If you prefer there are available in lozenges too.
Sun Protection the Natural Way
Once you arrive at your sunny destination, enjoying the sunshine safely should be your top priority. We all know how important sun protection is, but many of the conventional sunscreens on the market contain chemical filters that can irritate sensitive skin and even harm marine ecosystems when we go for a swim.
Our customers absolutely love the Biosolis range. The Biosolis Sun SPF 30 and Biosolis Sun Milk SPF 50 offer exceptional, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Because they use natural mineral filters, they start working the very moment you apply them-no need to wait 30 minutes before stepping into the sun. They are free from synthetic filters, biodegradable, and water-resistant.
For the little ones, Biosolis Kids Sun Milk SPF 50 is a must-have. It is specially formulated for delicate, young skin, free from synthetic fragrances, and enriched with nourishing organic aloe vera and vegetable oils to keep their skin hydrated and protected. Several parents have told me it is the only sunscreen that doesn't trigger their children's eczema, which is the ultimate seal of approval.
Dealing with Heat Rash and Hives
Are you prone to itchy heat rashes or hives when the temperature rises? It can be incredibly frustrating to have your holiday spoiled by uncomfortable, bumpy skin reactions. Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping perspiration under the skin.
To help support your body's natural response to these environmental triggers, you might want to consider Lifeplan Nettle. Stinging nettle has a long history of traditional use for supporting the body's natural histamine response. It is packed with natural active compounds that can help soothe seasonal skin sensitivities from the inside out.
Over the years, I have suggested starting to take Lifeplan Nettle capsules a few days before you travel, and then continuing to take them every day throughout your holiday. This proactive approach gives your body a head start, helping you enjoy the warm climate without the dreaded itch.
Keeping the Bugs at Bay-Naturally
There is nothing quite like a swarm of mosquitoes to ruin your holidays. Many conventional insect repellents contain DEET, a strong chemical that can have a harsh odour, irritate the skin, and even melt plastic.
Fortunately, you don't need to rely on heavy chemicals to keep biting insects away. I am delighted to let you know about Incognito Insect Repellent Spray. This is a clinically proven, award-winning insect repellent that is 100% natural. It uses a blend of organic Java citronella and PMD (a natural active ingredient derived from lemon eucalyptus) to provide strong, long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, midges, sandflies, and ticks.
What I love most about Incognito Insect Repellent Spray is its gentle formulation. It is completely DEET-free, has a fresh, pleasant citrus scent, and is safe enough to use on babies from 6 months of age. It is a true family holiday essential that really works, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy those balmy summer evenings.
Supporting Your Digestion Naturally
One of the best parts of a holiday is indulging in delicious local food and perhaps a few refreshing cocktails or a glass of local wine. However, our digestive systems are creatures of habit. When we suddenly introduce richer foods, late-night meals, and more alcohol than usual, our livers and digestive tracts can feel the strain, leading to sluggishness and bloating.
To support your digestive system through these indulgences, I highly recommend packing A.Vogel Milk Thistle Complex. Milk thistle is renowned for its ability to support liver health and aid digestion, helping your body process rich foods and alcohol more efficiently. While A.Vogel Yarrow Complex is a traditional herbal remedy that helps soothe digestive bloating, wind, and that uncomfortable, over-full feeling. You can take one or both of these to help keep your digestion happy and comfortable.
But what about the dreaded holiday tummy? Picking up a stomach bug while abroad is incredibly common, and it usually happens because our systems are exposed to unfamiliar strains of bacteria in local water, ice, unwashed salads, or undercooked foods.
To protect your gut, I always suggest taking a high-quality probiotic supplement before and during your trip. Look for a formula that contains Saccharomyces boulardii such as Optibac Probiotics For Travelling Abroad. Saccharomyces boulardii is a unique, hardy, beneficial yeast that is highly resilient. It doesn't need to be refrigerated, making it perfect for travel. It works by binding to harmful pathogens in the digestive tract and supporting your gut's natural defence barriers, significantly reducing the risk of traveller's diarrhoea.
Quick Tips to Avoid Tummy Bugs Abroad:
Only drink bottled water, and use it to brush your teeth too.
Be cautious with ice in your drinks unless you are sure it's made from purified water.
Avoid raw foods like salads or pre-peeled fruit that may have been washed in tap water. Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals.
Preventing Swollen Ankles
Have you ever noticed that after a long flight, a car journey, or a busy day walking around sightseeing in the heat, your ankles and feet look swollen and feel heavy? This happens because gravity causes fluid to pool in your lower legs, and the heat dilates your blood vessels, making it harder for your veins to pump blood back up to your heart.
To keep your legs feeling light and active, I highly recommend keeping a tube of A.Vogel Venagel in your holiday bag. This cooling gel contains fresh plant extracts of horse chestnut, which is traditionally used to support healthy circulation in the legs. Applying A.Vogel Venagel provides instant, soothing relief. It has a wonderful cooling sensation that feels like bliss on tired, hot, and heavy legs.
In addition to using the gel, try these simple lifestyle tips:
Circle your ankles and stretch your calves regularly during long periods of sitting.
Keep hydrated, as drinking water actually helps your body flush out excess fluid.
When you get back to your hotel room, lie down and prop your feet up on a couple of pillows for 15 minutes to encourage fluid drainage.
Hydration Inside and Out
When you are spending time in a hot climate, your body loses moisture rapidly through sweat, making proper hydration absolutely essential. We often forget that hydration isn't just about the water we drink it is also about what we put on our skin.
Keep your hydration levels up by drinking plenty of clean, filtered water throughout the day, and incorporate water-rich snacks into your diet. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries are delicious, cooling, and packed with natural electrolytes that help keep your body balanced.
But remember, your skin needs moisture too. Sun, wind, and chlorine can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and parched. To replenish your skin's moisture barrier, I love Weleda Skin Food Light. This is a lighter, fast absorbing version of the classic, deeply nourishing cream. It is packed with soothing organic chamomile, calendula, and pansy extracts, making it a fantastic after sun moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft, hydrated, and glowing.
If you do happen to get a touch of mild sunburn despite your best efforts, you can create a wonderful, soothing DIY remedy. Simply mix a drop or two of Tisserand Lavender Essential Oil into a generous dollop of pure Aloe Vera Gel and gently smooth it onto the affected skin. The aloe vera instantly cools and hydrates the sun-damaged skin, while the lavender oil brings its famous, soothing properties to help calm redness and irritation.
Blocked Ears
Finally, let's talk about the journey itself. Flying can sometimes cause a build-up of pressure in the ears, particularly during takeoff and landing, leaving them feeling blocked, painful, or uncomfortable.
To help equalise the pressure in your ears, try simple techniques like swallowing, yawning, or chewing natural gum. These actions help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing the air pressure to balance out. Staying well-hydrated throughout the flight is also crucial, as it keeps the mucous membranes in your nasal passages and ears moist, making it easier for pressure to equalise naturally.
Your Holiday Health Q&A
1. What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and release them from the skin. Mineral sunscreens (like Biosolis Sun Milk) use physical blockers, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away like a mirror. Mineral sunscreens are generally gentler on sensitive skin and are ocean-friendly.
2. How can I prevent travel anxiety naturally before a flight?
I highly recommend using flower essences like Healing Herbs Aspen for general, vague apprehension, or Rescue Remedy for sudden waves of panic. You can add them to your water bottle or drop them directly onto your tongue to help restore inner calm.
3. Can probiotics really prevent traveller's tummy bugs?
Yes, certain probiotics can be highly effective. The beneficial yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (found in Optiback Probiotics For Travelling Abroad) is well-researched for its ability to bind to harmful pathogens in the digestive tract, supporting your gut's natural defences and reducing the risk of traveller's diarrhoea.
4. How does nettle help with heat rash and hives?
Stinging nettle possesses natural properties that support the body's natural histamine response. Taking a daily supplement like Lifeplan Nettle can help soothe the inflammatory skin reactions associated with heat rash and prickly heat.
5. What is the best way to soothe swollen, tired feet after walking in the heat?
Applying a cooling gel like A.Vogel Venagel, which contains horse chestnut extract, helps support circulation and provides instant cooling relief. Elevating your feet above your heart for 15 minutes and staying well-hydrated also helps reduce fluid buildup.
6. Is there a natural bug spray that is safe for babies?
Yes! Incognito Insect Repellent Spray is a 100% natural, DEET-free repellent that is clinically proven to protect against mosquitoes. It is gentle enough to be used on babies from 6 months of age and has a lovely citrus scent.
7. How can I support my liver and digestion if I indulge in rich food and alcohol on holiday?
To help your body process richer foods and alcohol, try taking A.Vogel Milk Thistle Complex to support liver health. You can pair this with A.Vogel Yarrow Complex to help ease bloating, wind, and digestive discomfort.
8. What is the best natural remedy for mild sunburn?
A fantastic DIY remedy is to mix one or two drops of Tisserand Lavender Essential Oil with pure Aloe Vera Gel. The aloe cools and hydrates the parched skin, while the lavender helps soothe redness, irritation, and discomfort.
9. Can I use Weleda Skin Food on my face after being in the sun?
Absolutely! Weleda Skin Food Light is fantastic for the face and body. It is a lighter, faster-absorbing formulation than the original cream, packed with organic botanicals that deeply hydrate and soothe dry, sun-exposed skin without leaving a heavy residue.
10. Why do my ears block when flying, and how can I ease the discomfort?
Ears block due to rapid changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing, which can cause a pressure difference across the eardrum. You can ease this by swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, and staying well hydrated to help open your Eustachian tubes.
11. When should I start taking supplements like probiotics or nettle before my trip?
For the best results, I recommend starting both your probiotic (like Optibac Probiotics For Travelling Abroad) and Lifeplan Nettle about 3 to 5 days before you travel, and continuing to take them daily throughout your holiday.
12. Is Incognito Insect Repellent as effective as DEET-based sprays?
Yes, Incognito Insect Repellent Spray is clinically proven to be highly effective against biting insects. It uses PMD (derived from lemon eucalyptus), which is recommended by health authorities as a powerful, natural alternative to DEET.
Wishing You a Wonderful Trip!
With a little bit of preparation and some natural essentials packed in your suitcase, you can look forward to a relaxing, healthy, and memorable holiday in the sun. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect products for your travel kit, please call into our store or check out our online shop. We are always here to help you live your healthiest, happiest life!
