Essential Oils for Travel: The Ultimate Guide

Using essential oils for travel is just as popular as applying them at home, helping people to manage physical and psychological conditions on their journeys.

From calming an upset tummy or managing motion sickness to warding off insects and combating travel fatigue, essential oils can be your best friend no matter where you are.

As we head further into spring and summer, many of us are planning our summer holidays, weekend breaks and day trips, so having an alternative medicine to hand could be a lifesaver. We’ve put together an ultimate guide to using essential oils for travel, keeping you covered for journeys by land, sea or air.

Are essential oils allowed on planes?

The short answer to this question is that yes if travelling from the UK, essential oils are allowed on planes, although there are some rules you must follow. Keep the following in mind if you are thinking of using essential oils for plane travel:

• It must be kept in a container that holds no more than 100ml.
• You will need to place it in a transparent, resealable plastic bag that holds no more than a litre and is around 20cm x 20cm in size.
• This must also be kept inside your hand luggage, with no knots or ties.
• The bag must be shown at airport security.

Each person travelling is allowed no more than one plastic bag. If the container is larger than 100ml, it is unlikely that it will pass through security, even if it is not full.

Essential oils purchased at duty-free can also be carried onto the plane as long as they are sealed inside a security bag along with a visible purchase receipt.

Outside of the UK and EU, there may be different rules in place, so you should check this on the relevant government website before you fly.

Can I travel by car with essential oils?

You may want to use essential oils for travel sickness if you struggle to cope with the movement of the car on your journey.

Before you start your journey, it’s a good idea to invest in an essential oil travel case. There will likely be lots of bumps, jumps and dips along the way, and the case will keep the oil containers protected.

It’s a far better option than placing them into the glove compartment and hoping for the best. The last thing you want to have to contend with after a long road journey is a major clean-up operation.

Another good idea is to use a travel essential oil diffuser. These compact portable diffusers can be a great help on your journeys, calmly emitting your favourite scent to help you relax and de-stress. They are powered by USB (which is included in most car builds) and can emit the vapour for anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours at a time.

What essential oils work well for seasickness?

Sea sickness can happen to anyone on a boat, no matter how seasoned a traveller you are, especially in choppy waters. Travelling with an essential oil or two can help calm the queasiness, so you don't spend half the journey rushing back and forth to the toilet.

To manage motion sickness, you could try ginger essential oil, which research has found to be effective in dealing with nausea. You can inhale it through a diffuser, or rub it into pressure points on your forehead and wrists – some people also rub it onto their stomach if they are starting to feel sick.

If you are travelling by boat, be it for a short journey or a week-long cruise, it’s a good idea to store them in an essential oil travel bag. It’s a handy little accessory that will keep them safe and secure on the roughest of waters, helping to prevent spillages and wastage, so you always have enough when you need it most.

What are the best essential oils for travel?

You’ll likely already have a selection of essential oils that you can rely on to manage changes to your physical or emotional state. However, if this is your first time looking into essential oils, or you want to try something different, the following may be able to help:

• Use sage oil to freshen things up: Sage essential oil has a clean and refreshing scent, and it also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Mix it with a carrier oil and you can use it to wash off your hands, spritz onto your face or to treat minor scabs and wounds. If the journey has made you sleepy, or you have jet lag, it can also work as a stimulant to fend off any drowsy feelings.
• Settle your stomach with some peppermint oil: Many people use peppermint essential oil to manage stomach and bowel conditions as it is classed as an antispasmodic (which can help to ease gut issues). If you are experiencing cramps, bloating or increased flatulence, try inhaling a few drops of peppermint oil from a tissue or handkerchief. It can also calm the stomach if you are struggling with travel sickness during or after your journey.
• A few drops of tea tree oil could keep you bug free: If you are travelling to a tropical country or even on a day trip on a particularly hot day, tea tree essential oil can prove to be an effective insect repellent. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, with some studies showing that it can be used to ward off mosquitos. If applying topically, always mix with a carrier oil, as the oil is highly concentrated.
• Lemon essential is a must-have for all types of travel: There are quite a few things you can use lemon essential oil for if you are on your travels. For example, add a few drops of the oil to your travel diffuser (or apply it to the soles of your feet) and it can help to ease seasonal allergies, asthma and minor respiratory issues. The bright, fresh tones of the oil can also work wonders if you are feeling fatigued after your journey and for dealing with any nausea you might experience.
• Protect your skin from the sun with jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is extremely versatile and can quickly become your best friend no matter where you are travelling to. Because it’s a carrier oil, you can apply it directly to your skin to enjoy its moisturising benefits, and if you have caught a little too many rays for a day the oil works very well on sunburn. Use it to take off makeup during or at the end of the day, and it can also be mixed with a host of other essential oils you bring along for the ride.

Essential oils can be a valuable addition to your holiday or day trip, giving you a sense of normality no matter how far away from home you may be. They offer the perfect natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter medicines that contain harsh ingredients and can quickly get you back to normal so you can enjoy the rest of your break. If applying them topically, be sure to mix them with a carrier oil to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction and carry out a patch test if you are a first-time user.