Going on a road trip is an exciting experience that enriches the soul and helps expand our horizons. That being said, it’s often accompanied by various nuisances, from digestion problems and sleep disturbances to daunting car issues.
In this article, we’re listing travel and herbal basics you should cross off from your travel checklist. Have a look.
Travel basics
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For starters, let’s talk about some travel basics you need to keep in mind before hitting the road.
Basic car fixes
Before you hit the road, you want to make sure that your car is in good working order. Start by checking the oil – it should be changed in 5,000-mile intervals. You also want to check the levels of fluids in the car and top them off if necessary.
Don’t forget to check the tire pressure and rotate the tires (this should be done every 5,000 miles as well). They can last up to 50,000 miles, but you want to make sure that there are no punctures or bulges (in which case they ought to be replaced). Light bulbs, air filters, and brake pads may also need replacing, so check these parts too.
Insurance
Another item you need to cross off your travel checklist is insurance. Everyone likes to travel with ease, and this can only be achieved if you’ve got the right car insurance with the right level of cover.
In case your vehicle gets damaged or the passengers and other people get injured, you won’t have to worry about covering the expenses if you are insured. Before getting insured, decide what coverage is important to you and talk to the experts. You can work from there and come up with a car cover that is tailored to suit your needs.
Explore the roads
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Once you’ve made sure that your car is insured and road-trip ready, you can start planning out your itinerary. Planning takes up a major part of preparing for a trip, and it comes with its own set of challenges.
First, decide on your route and stops, and if you’re not traveling alone, make sure that all the passengers are on the same page. Fortunately, there are many tools and apps that can help you map out your trip and see exactly what your route looks like. Just make sure there are enough gas stations so you don’t run out of gas.
Herbal basics
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Of course, before you head to your destination, you want to make sure that your travel bag contains all the herbal essentials you might need. These herbs are sure to ease common travel ailments and allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Lavender
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One of the most versatile essential oils, lavender oil is often used in aromatherapy, mainly for its calming effects on the body. When rubbed onto ear lobes, it relaxes the senses. Because of its antibacterial properties, it can also be used to disinfect scrapes and soothe sunburns.
Ginger
Native to Asia, ginger is often used as a spice, adding flavor to dishes and drinks. However, ginger has long been used in medicine as a way of treating nausea, flu, cold, and indigestion. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer properties and can be quite effective for treating motion sickness.
Arnica
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Another homeopathic remedy that is quite handy to have while traveling is arnica. Whether you’re having troubles with swellings, bruises, or your muscles feel sore, arnica is a powerful pain reliever. However, it’s important not to take the herb arnica orally – rather, it’s used as a gel and applied to the skin.
Peppermint
Native to Europe, this effective relaxant has been used for hundreds of years as a way of promoting a healthy digestive system. The soothing scent helps relieve nausea while also being an effective way to freshen the breath when on the go. This antioxidant can be drank, eaten, and applied to the skin and is known to relieve pain, soothe stomach cramps, and lower blood pressure.
Tea tree oil
Another multi-purpose herbal remedy, tea tree oil is known for its antifungal properties and its power to eliminate odor. It has also found its application as an antiseptic for burns and blisters. What’s more, tea tree oil also has a soothing effect on bug bites and stings, making it many a traveler’s go-to essential oil.
Nailing down some travel basics and packing different herbal remedies is a great way to ensure your trip goes smoothly and stress-free. Follow the tips above to make sure you’ve got everything you need in order to feel your best while traveling.
