What Should a Crunchy Traveler Pack?

A Packing List for Domestic Flights, Carry-On Only

When packing for a trip, the details are all that matter.

Where are you going? What is the weather forecast? Where are you staying? Which activities are planned? How long is the trip?

And of course, what is there to eat?

(Good food is a really enjoyable reason to travel, so make sure to pack clothing that is comfy and stretchy.)

Packing options seem endless, but the capacity of your bag is limited.

Simplicity and ease should be the top goals for short trips with only a carry-on.

You want your bag to be tightly edited, with a teeny bit of space for prized souvenirs.

But maybe you’re also CRUNCHY???

You know…drinks from glass jars, eats organic food, and believes in the power of Manuka honey?

Travel can be a REALLY important source of novelty in our lives.

Each trip is packed with new sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and touches.

All these sensory stimuli create memories that will last a lifetime.

So especially on short trips, DO NOT worry about the usual crunchy things.

Like…no air purifier, showering in chlorinated water, continuous blue light exposure, being surrounded by Wi-Fi signals, or conventionally-grown meals.

While it feels nice to have all the bits and bobs, don’t bring the WHOLE crunchy routine on short trips.

Trying to control EVERYTHING is a reliable road to disaster.

As crunchy travelers, we should try to “make do” with what’s available.

Yes, some of us are genuinely sensitive to certain ingredients and exposures, and need to bring our own haul of personal care products.

But otherwise, you can trust that your regular crunchy habits have built enough resilience to overcome any hurdles.

Your stockpile of health can withstand a short vacation from local, organic, biodynamic, natural everything.

In fact, we SHOULD be challenged regularly to keep improving.

Lean on a few non-negotiables, pack a couple of creature comforts, and leave the rest to chance!

Uncertainty and discovery are unavoidable (yet FUN) elements of travel.

Note: for minor illness or injury, crunchy REMEDIES are soooo difficult and time-consuming to track down in an unfamiliar city.

So make sure to ALWAYS bring those natural remedies with you!

Essential Items in a Backpack or Tote (AKA “Personal Item”)

Wallet

Phone, charger, wired earbuds

Non-toxic wipes for the airplane seat and hotel room high-touch surfaces

Small zip pouches for supplements and first-aid

Book or small craft to work on

Small notebook or journal, pen

Empty stainless steel water bottle (fill after getting through security), water filter, strap

Snacks: meat sticks, hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, cheese crisps, sprouted nuts, bars, fresh or dried fruit

A warm hoodie

Travel frame with photos of loved ones

Items for a Duffle or Rolling Bag

Packing cubes to keep stuff organized

Underwear, pajamas, slippers for inside the hotel room (please, no outdoor shoes inside!)

An outfit for each day (ideally used at least twice), plus ONE spare or dressy item

Personal care products, first-aid, salt, electrolyte sticks (LMNT is a good one)

Travel size flashlight (doesn’t seem essential but totally is)

Small foldable bag

Thin Turkish towel (so many uses, but especially when hotel towels are too fragranced)