07-05-2025
Stay Healthy on Your Next Trip With Our Wellness Editors' Must-Have Travel Essentials
Summer is approaching, which means it's almost peak travel season -- and it's no secret that travel can be tough on our bodies. Sharing close quarters with others on a plane and in public spaces exposes your immune system to new germs and viruses. Tack on increased stress and changes in your sleep and diet, and your body may not be happy. Our wellness editors at CNET constantly test new health products and trends to see what works. Here are the tried-and-true items in our bags to keep us in tip-top shape, along with some expert travel tips.
CNET wellness editors' top travel essentials
Nature Made Collagen Gummies
"I hate being sick while I travel, so I like to take daily vitamins. I try to take Nature Made's Collagen Gummies every day, but I'm especially on top of it the week before I travel," says Caroline Igo, wellness editor. "The gummies taste like citrus candy and contain vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and biotin. In addition to boosting collagen production, these vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in supporting a healthy immune system."
To boost your immunity before your next trip, check out the best multivitamins of 2025.
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Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray
"Whenever I travel, I make sure I have this throat spray with me to provide immune support and soothe my throat. It contains bee propolis with vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. The product is also third-party lab tested to ensure it doesn't contain pesticides or chemicals. However, while propolis has shown potential as a treatment for human diseases, more studies are needed. Regardless, I still enjoy taking it and find that it does soothe my throat after a long, dry flight," says Anna Gragert, wellness editor.
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Barrière Travel Patches
"As someone who takes a handful of vitamins daily, I dislike taking bulky boxes to store them when I travel. I like that these patches fit anywhere in my backpack or luggage, and I don't have to worry about finding extra space for them. I also struggle with swallowing big pills, so the fact that I can just place it on my skin is a plus for me," says Nasha Addarich Martínez, managing editor.
Barrière's peel-and-stick patches release the ingredients over 8 to 12 hours. Its Travel Well Patches include ashwagandha, horse chestnut, elderberry extract, vitamin D3 and zinc citrate -- all intended to support immunity and circulation while combating stress and tiredness.
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
If I could only take one item with me on my next flight, it would be the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones. Not only are they super comfortable, but their noise-canceling capabilities ease my flight anxiety (especially during turbulence). Wearing these headphones helps me tune out the world so I can relax and eventually doze off. Catching some zzz's on the plane prevents me from feeling like a walking zombie after landing.
These headphones have accompanied me on every trip for the past four years and will for the foreseeable future.
Read more: How I Use Noise-Canceling Headphones to Reduce Flight Anxiety
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TriggerPoint Core Foam Massage Roller
"I always throw my foam roller in the trunk if I'm traveling by car. (If I could fit it in my carry-on on planes, I would.) After long hours of sitting in one spot, it's excellent for relieving muscle tension and loosening up the body," says Anna.
Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, spinal and orthopedic surgeon, explains, "Sitting for more than 90 minutes without movement places sustained pressure on the spinal discs, especially in the lower back. This pressure can cause the discs to lose fluid, reducing disc height and limiting the ability to absorb shock."
Simple micro-movements you can practice during long-distance travels include shoulder rolls, heel lifts, pelvic tilts, neck nods, weight shifting, shoulder blade squeezes and elongating your spine.
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Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes
"I use the Wet Ones sensitive skin hand wipes regularly and during travel because they are gentle enough to use on my toddler. After a day at the park or in a public area where we've been touching everything, these wipes are convenient and a good soap-free alternative. They also come in single packets, so I don't have to worry about them drying out," says Giselle Castro-Sloboda, fitness and nutrition writer.
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Kirkland Signature Aller-Flex
"My allergies spike whenever I travel to a new place with different plants and trees than I'm used to. That's why I always travel with allergy pills to ensure I can enjoy my trip, rather than sneeze the whole time. If you have allergies, you know how expensive allergy medicine can be, especially if you pick it up at a grocery store. I recommend the Kirkland Signature Aller-Flex antihistamine because it's the same active ingredient as the popular brand Allegra, but for much cheaper. I can get a 180-day supply for only $34 rather than $28 for only 70 tablets," says Taylor Leamey, senior wellness writer.
Read more: Allergy Season Survival Guide: Symptoms and Relief Tips
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Loop Switch 2 Earplugs
"I like to use earplugs whenever I travel by train or am on a plane (plus, they help me sleep better, too). I like that these earplugs snap onto your keychain so you don't forget them, and the design makes it look more like an accessory than an earplug. They offer three modes and multiple ear tips to ensure they're extra comfortable," says Nasha.
For more, check out our roundup of the best earplugs in 2025.
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Systane Dry Eye Drops
"I have dry eyes as it is, but traveling always makes my eyes feel like a desert. That's why I carry these preservative-free eye drops in my bag. They were also named CNET's best over-the-counter eye drops for dry eyes," says Anna.
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SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Spray
"When I travel, I wash my hands as often as possible or sanitize them with a bottle of hand sanitizer. However, I have eczema-prone skin, and my hands, especially, are sensitive to repetitive washing, alcohol and other strong ingredients. I recently switched to SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy spray and noticed quite a difference. My hands don't get red, itchy and dried out. It doesn't contain steroids, alcohol or any fragrance, and it even calms scratchy skin. Made of pure hypochlorous acid, the spray kills 70% of bacteria linked to eczema. While it isn't entirely a switch for hand sanitizer, it is helpful to use afterward or in between. Best of all, it is accepted by the National Eczema Association," says Caroline.
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Airborne Immune Support Tablets
The days before a trip, I take the Airborne Immune Support Fizzy Drink Tablets to ensure I'm getting sufficient vitamin C and zinc. I also bring the little tube and pop a tablet in my water throughout my travels to give my immune system the extra boost it needs. If I have any early signs of sore throat or congestion, these tablets help kick the symptoms to the curb. I also like the orange flavor and enjoy its fun, fizzy sensation.
Read more: The Best Food Sources for Every Vitamin You Need From A to K
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Touchland Hand Sanitizer Spray
"Another wellness essential always with me everywhere I go -- especially when traveling -- is a bottle of hand sanitizer. While any hand sanitizer works great, I love the Touchland ones because they are quick and easy to spray, smell good and are hydrating. It's perfect for when an airport or plane bathroom is out of soap," says Anna.
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Sprouts Women's Daily Probiotic
Probiotics can improve your gut microbiome and help keep bowel movements regular, which is why they're part of my travel essentials. One of my least favorite side effects of taking a trip is getting "off schedule." I try to take probiotics as regularly as possible, but I always take them consistently in the weeks leading up to and during a trip.
While traveling, you often eat food and drink water that your body is not accustomed to. A well-balanced gut microbiome can help prevent digestive issues and even promote stronger immune functioning, contributing to a more enjoyable experience. I have been taking the Sprouts Women's Daily Probiotic 20 Billion CFU, and they've made a noticeable difference. Check out our roundup of the best probiotic supplements for other quality recommendations.
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Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes
"I never travel anywhere without a pack of antibacterial hand wipes in my purse. Whether on a plane or train or driving in a rental car, I will use these wipes to clean my seat and every surrounding surface. You'd be surprised how dirty I've seen these wipes get from cleaning a tray table on an airplane," explains Anna.
Studies show that some of the germiest places in airports and on airplanes are the self-check-in touch screens, lavatory surfaces (such as the flush button), tray tables, seat back pockets and overhead storage latches.
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Tips for staying healthy before and during your travels
In addition to using our favorite wellness products while traveling, there are other simple measures you can take to ensure your best health possible. Dr. Barbara Bawer, family medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, recommends the following:
Choose a window seat (over middle or aisle) to minimize exposure to others
Wear a mask when using public transport and in crowded areas
Wash your hands consistently and wipe down surfaces with alcohol or wet wipes
Eat well-balanced meals leading up to and during your travels
Stay hydrated and always have water accessible
Carry healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables instead of snacks high in sugar or salt
Keep the same level of physical activity you had before instead of stopping completely
Make sure to get adequate sleep leading up to your travels
Plan your travel so that you can sleep when you normally would (such as an overnight flight)
Give yourself time to get acclimated to the new location instead of compromising on sleep
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Why does traveling make you sick?
Sharing public spaces: You can get sick during and after travel for many reasons. One of the most common reasons is being surrounded by more people than usual, often "in enclosed spaces with others who may be passing things on to you when sneezing, coughing, etc.," says Bawer.
Lack of quality sleep: Traveling can cause your immune system to kick into overdrive due to higher stress levels and lack of sleep. Changing time zones affects your circadian rhythm, which in turn affects sleep patterns. Not getting enough quality rest can weaken your immune system, so it's important to prioritize sleep while you're traveling.
Changes in diet: "Most people do not eat well-balanced or nutritious meals when they are traveling. Many will also increase the amount of alcohol they consume or other substances, which can increase our chances of exposure to pathogens and weaken the immune system," Bawer explains.
Check the country's travel requirements
Bawer also emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date on immunizations, especially if you're traveling to a different country.
"Every country may have different recommendations for vaccinations based on where you are going, even within one country or the time of year. Many travel clinics can provide you with these vaccines and scripts for things like traveler's diarrhea or motion sickness medication to have on hand. Your physician's office can also help with some of these, but please note they often do not carry more specialized vaccines, as these often have to be obtained through a specific travel clinic," says Bawer.
