Summer Holiday Travel Essentials Sorted

The Kiwi summer is finally here… and for many of us, that means holiday time! 

Whether you plan to spend the summer lounging on the beach, hiking our beautiful trails, or visiting friends and family, 

As much as we love this time of year, travel comes with a few challenges: crazy weather, long road trips, and the demands of staying healthy and energised while on the move. Packing the right essentials can help make sure that your time off is as relaxing as possible. 

Digestive support: staying comfortable on the go

Few things can dampen your holiday more than sluggish bowels! Bloating, gas and other tummy troubles are very common on summer holidays, particularly if you’re dehydrated. Sweating a lot and not drinking enough water can slow down the passage of food and waste through your intestines. Long hours of sitting in a car or on the beach (or at the picnic table!) and being out of your usual routine can also affect your bowel movements. 

Keeping regular over the summer is as simple as drinking plenty of water each day and adding some extra fibre to your daily diet. Fruits are abundant in New Zealand over the summer: bananas, kiwifruit, berries, pears, and plums are great for getting your bowels moving. 

Try:

• Metamucil MultiHealth Fibrecaps and Powder
  If you’re struggling to stick to a healthy eating regime while on holiday, Metamucil MultiHealth Fibrecaps could help. These convenient capsules or ready-to-mix powder are made with 100% psyllium husk, a type of soluble fibre that supports bowel health and regularity. Gut health support wherever you go!
  
  

• Wanderlust Turmeric Drops
  Made with bioavailable turmeric, these great-tasting drops are designed to soothe the digestive system and support overall gut health. Versatile and easy to administer, they’re great to have on hand when tummy upsets strike. 

Sun protection for the whole family

Sunscreen is a no-brainer in New Zealand. Our UV levels are about 40% higher than most other countries, partly due to our geographical position and our much thinner ozone layer. Wearing sunscreen helps to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays which can damage the skin and cause serious diseases like cancer. 

So, what makes a good sunscreen? It should have a high sun protection factor (SPF), which is a measure of how long it takes your skin to burn when you’re wearing sunscreen compared to how long it takes without it. For example, if you're wearing sunscreen with SPF 15, your skin will take 15 times longer to burn compared to having no protection. With SPF 50, it will take 50 times longer. Higher protection is recommended if you’re out in the sun for long periods as you won’t need to re-apply as often.

Try:

• Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion Pump. This 500ml pump is a must for any household. It’s a broad-spectrum, non-greasy formula that offers up to four hours of water resistance - perfect for beach days or poolside lounging. Lightweight yet effective, it’s suitable for most skin types and keeps you feeling moisturised and protected.

• Ego Soov Range Burn Spray is your go-to for skin that’s suffering the effects of too much sun exposure. This gentle spray-on soothes minor burns and sunburn, as well as cuts and grazes, helping to prevent irritation.
  
  

Energy and immune system support

While there’s no substitute for a healthy diet to support your energy levels, holidays can upset your usual routine. Festive indulgences, long days of travel, and generally being out of the 9-5 can lead to missing out on important nutrients. 
A quality multivitamin is a convenient way to fill any gaps in your daily diet. Look for a product that contains the full spectrum of nutrients, including B vitamins to support energy release from food, along with vitamins A, C, and zinc to support immune function. 

Whether you're exploring new destinations or simply relaxing, multivitamins can provide a quick, reliable way to maintain your health while you enjoy the season.
Try:

• Nature's Way High Strength Adult Vita Gummies are delicious, chewable multivitamins ideal for busy summer holidays! They contain key vitamins and minerals to support energy production, nervous system function, immune health, and other body systems. For active kids burning extra energy with outdoor adventures, VitaGummies for Kids offer a delicious, easy-to-pack solution for nutritional support.
  
  

• Wanderlust Ginseng Multi is a high-potency blend of Korean, American, and Siberian Ginseng to support energy and vitality. These traditional herbs have been used for centuries to help relieve feelings of tiredness and mental fatigue while supporting the body’s response to stress.
  
  

Motion sickness support

Cars, planes, trains, and buses can be especially challenging when motion sickness strikes. The mismatch between what your brain perceives and what your inner ear and eyes detect can trigger symptoms like dizziness, queasiness, and even vomiting - making the journey uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Staying hydrated, focusing on the horizon, and keeping snacks light can help to curb feelings of nausea when travelling. There are also some great products designed to support your tummy on long journeys. 

Try:

• Sea Bands acupressure bands. These easy-to-wear bands are designed to apply gentle pressure to specific points in the wrist, supporting the connection between the brain and the stomach. 

• Multichem Travel Relief can be taken the night before travel or when you feel nausea coming on to help support comfort while on the move. 

Travel toiletries for keeping fresh

Travel doesn’t have to mean abandoning your beauty routine - nor does it have to mean lugging around a truckload of cosmetics. But if a shower isn’t convenient (or available) on outdoor adventures or long journeys, be sure to pack some dry shampoo. A few sprays can quickly absorb excess oil and add volume without water. Perfect for maintaining your hair routine while saving time and space in your luggage. 

Try:

• Batiste Dry Shampoo. This easy-to-use dry shampoo spray is a game-changer! Available in a wide range of scents and sizes, Batiste refreshes hair between washes while adding texture for a breezy, beachy look.

Whatever your plans over the festive break, be sure to stock up on the essentials at Bargain Chemist before you head off. Have a great summer! 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Travel Relief may cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol and driving.