Best Essential Oils to Take on Vacation

Planning a trip? Whether you’re going on a week-long adventure or a weekend getaway, essential oils should be on your packing list. Why? Because there are so many benefits of bringing essential oils with you. From aiding in that tired feeling from jetlag to helping to soothe sunburned skin, essential oils are the ultimate travel companion. Read on to discover which essential oils to take on vacation and how to use them.

Lavender Essential Oil

One of the most versatile and well-known essential oils, lavender essential oil is derived from the lavender plant and has a distinct floral aroma. When it comes to travel, lavender essential oil has many uses. It’s great for soothing sunburn skin and can be used on minor cuts and scrapes when added to a carrier oil. It also can aid with sleep, relaxation, and even repelling bugs. 

How to use:

• Inhale: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to an essential oil inhaler or cotton ball. Breathe in and relax!
• Apply topically: Mix 3 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil and gently apply to sunburned areas on skin or minor cuts.
• Spray: Fill a 2 oz spray bottle with water and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake and spray to keep mosquitoes away or to create a relaxing oasis in your hotel room.
• Soak: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil 1 teaspoon of honey and mix into a hot bath for extra relaxation vibes.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil comes from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to Australia. It has a fresh, camphorous scent, naturally occurring antimicrobial properties, and is extremely versatile. Tea tree oil can be combined with a carrier oil to combat acne and prevent breakouts, and used as a natural deodorant or to keep hands clean. Additionally, it is known for soothing bug bites. 

How to use:

• Apply topically: Combine 2 tablespoons of rosehip seed oil, 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, and 6 drops of tea tree oil. Store in a travel-size container. Apply to face daily to moisturize and prevent breakouts. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
• Apply topically: In a 2 oz spray bottle add 3 tablespoons of witch hazel and 5 drops of tea tree oil and shake. Open the bottle and fill it to the top with water. Spitz on hands to keep clean.

Jojoba Oil

If air travel makes you prone to having dry skin, then look no further. Jojoba oil is a fantastic moisturizer and can be used on your body, hair, and face. It also works as a great natural makeup remover. Like lavender oil and tea tree oil, it can help relieve sunburned skin, too.

How to use:

• Apply topically: Because jojoba oil is a carrier oil, it can be applied directly to skin without having to be diluted. Use about 1 teaspoon and massage into your scalp, body, or face. Or add it to your favorite face cream, shampoo, or conditioner before use. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Refreshing and cooling, peppermint essential oil is a must-have for any traveler. It can help ease nausea from sea or motion sickness when inhaled, and aid in relieving tension headaches when combined with a carrier oil and applied topically to the temples. Beyond benefiting your body and mood, peppermint oil can also be used to freshen up a hotel room or car. 

How to use:

• Inhale: Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to an essential oil inhaler or a cotton ball and breathe deeply.
• Apply topically: Combine 1 drop of peppermint oil with ½ teaspoon of argan oil. Massage onto your temples and across your forehead to ease headaches. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
• Spray: Fill a 2 oz spray bottle with water and add 7 drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake and spray to deodorize the hotel room or bathroom.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Derived from the leaves of eucalyptus trees, eucalyptus essential oil has a pure and fresh aroma. When traveling it can be used to keep mosquitoes away, relieve a stuffy nose, as a pick-me-up, or freshen your hotel room. 

How to use:

• Apply topically: Combine ½ ounce of jojoba oil with 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Rub on your chest to help relieve congestion.
• Inhale: Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to an essential oil inhaler or a cotton ball and then breathe in.
• Spray: Fill a 2 oz spray bottle with water and add 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Shake and spray the hotel room or bathroom to freshen.