My Pre-Travel Ritual: A Wellness Routine Before Every Trip
Because peace of mind should start before takeoff…
Whether I’m flying off for a luxe wellness escape or just trying to survive a long-haul red-eye with my edges intact… travel is a whole experience before the plane even leaves the gate.
There’s the packing.
The late-night Store run.
The internal meltdown when you can’t find your passport that’s been in the same drawer for 5 years.
And if you're like me—already a bit of a perfectionist with a sprinkle of “main character energy”—you want to feel grounded, prepared, and cute while navigating TSA.
So, I’ve created my own pre-travel wellness ritual—a routine that keeps me calm, centered, and aligned before every adventure.
Spoiler alert: It includes deep breathing, snacks, and a whole lot of intention.
Step 1: Meditation, Baby. Ground Before You Fly.
Even if it’s just 5-10 minutes, I meditate before every trip. It helps me quiet the nervous energy, regulate my breath, and set a peaceful tone for my travel day. Here’s how:
I use the Peloton app or Calm—perfect for a guided, travel-focused meditation.
My go-to mantra: “I release control. I trust the journey.”
Bonus tip: Try this the night before to help you sleep better too.
Vibe Tip: Dim the lights, play a sound bath, and light an earthy candle like sandalwood or palo santo. Get your spirit travel-ready.
Step 2: Travel Snacks with Intention (And TSA Love)
I don’t play about food. A hangry travel day? Never again.
Here’s my tried-and-true meal prep system for domestic AND international travel:
Domestic Flights
Protein-rich snacks like boiled eggs, hummus + veggies, almonds
Fruit that doesn’t squish in your bag (apples, mandarins)
A real sandwich or wrap for longer flights
Collapsible water bottle
International Flights
Packing food for international travel is trickier—customs will check!
I prep snacks I’ll eat before landing
Packaged nuts, dried fruits, protein bars (check for non-meat ingredients)
Herbal tea bags (TSA friendly and amazing for inflight bloat!)
If you land and still have food, either eat it on the plane or declare it. Trust me, the customs fine is not worth it.
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Step 3: Set Your Intentions Like You Mean It
Every trip is a chance to step into a new version of yourself. Whether I’m traveling for work, fun, or something deeper, I like to set intentions the night before:
“I want to meet someone inspiring on this trip.”
“I am open to new experiences.”
“I travel in peace, protection, and flow.”
I write these in my travel journal and sometimes even tuck a sticky note in my passport as a reminder.
Pro tip: Want to level up this ritual? Try a 5-minute visualization the morning of your flight. Picture yourself already at your destination feeling rested, happy, and glowing.
Step 4: Skin + Body Prep
Look, I may be in sweats at the airport, but my skin? She’s first-class ready.
Hydrating sheet mask the night before
Hydration drops in water the morning of
Stretching or a light walk to get my blood flowing before a long flight
Lavender oil on my wrists for calm in-flight
Final Step: Organized But Not Overwhelmed Packing
Packing doesn’t have to feel like chaos. My secret?
I keep a wellness travel bag already stocked with go-to items.
I use packing cubes like a pro.
I re-pack my carry-on every trip like it’s a luxury purse I’m curating.
One Last Thing Before You Take Off...
Travel wellness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about preparing your mind, body, and soul so that when you do arrive—you’re ready to actually receive the magic of the journey.
So whether you’re flying across time zones (and need my Jet Lag Ritual blog for that) or just heading somewhere new for the weekend—this is your reminder to travel with softness, clarity, and intention.
Let me know in the comments or on socials:
What’s your pre-travel ritual?
Do you do something special before you take off?
Safe and centered travels