Summer Travel Essentials
It’s been great to take a breath and just relax this week at the beautiful Treebones Resort in Big Sur after a month of fast paced travel. As I prepare for some exciting Summer adventures, today seems like the perfect time to share some of my current travel essentials with you. Often people ask about hiking gear and photography equipment (and I certainly love sharing about those), but I seek adventure everyday even when it’s just in my own backyard…and the items and brands listed below play a role in my adventures both small and big.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps in offsetting the cost of running this site so we can continue to provide you with free content to help you plan your next adventure. 😊
Bite Toothpaste Bits
Did you know that over 1 billion plastic toothpaste tubes end up in our oceans and landfills every year? Bite was created as a plastic free alternative for a very important part of our every day routine. Good oral and dental health really translates into good overall health…so no matter where I’m going, taking care of my teeth is always a top priority. Bite is great for the environment using glass bottles, compostable refill pouches, and fully recyclable craft envelopes and corrugated cardboard to ship products. I love the toothpaste and mouthwash bits because it’s as easy as bite, brush, and done – there’s no paste, no waste, and I never worry about squeezing that last bit out of a messy tube of toothpaste anymore.
Bite is great for travel, but it’s also part of my regular daily routine at home. Bite offers bamboo toothbrushes, dental floss, and whitening gel, along with the toothpaste and mouthwash bits. The classic clean mint flavor is my personal favorite, but there are multiple flavors to choose from…from whitening charcoal to berry twist, there’s a flavor for everyone (even kids). With the clean ingredients, cruelty free, and zero plastic packaging, this is a company I love supporting…and bonus, it makes my life a little bit easier!
For more info and to purchase, visit: bitetoothpastebits.com
Use promo code SUBSCRIBE1 for $5 off your first subscription purchase.
HiBAR
Another company I admire that’s on a mission to help rid the world of plastic pollution is HiBAR shampoo and conditioner. This is salon quality natural shampoo and conditioner that comes in bar form. It also ships in fully recyclable and compostable packaging. I love that these products don’t contain any sulfates or parabens…they’re gluten-free, vegan, and never tested on animals. I love that when I’m traveling I can just pat the shampoo and conditioner bars with a towel to instantly dry and they’re ready to pack away for my next adventure. Each small bar is a great space saver and lasts longer than my old bottles of shampoo or conditioner.
While HiBAR products are all natural and biodegradable, if you’re using this or any other washing product while out adventuring in nature, it’s important to remember to stay well away of any natural body of water such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean…and only use washing products on dry land to help protect and respect aquatic life and natural water chemistry where you are.
For more info and to purchase, visit: hellohibar.com
Cliq Chair
Cliq Chair has fast become a favorite travel companion of mine. I discovered this product in January when I was looking for a rugged, reliable seating option for my Yosemite trip to this year’s Firefall. I needed something durable and compact that could stand up to the snow and freezing temperatures, and Cliq Chair fit the bill. These chairs are weather proof, super sturdy, and can hold up to 300 pounds. However, this Cliq Chair is smaller and lighter than my water bottle, making it perfect for traveling and hiking. My favorite part, though, is the ease of set up. The chair easily expands once the velcro strap is released…then you just “cliq” each telescoping leg into place – and you’re done!
In full transparency the first time I set up my Cliq Chair I found it challenging to click the legs into place. The spring loaded telescoping legs were brand new and very tight, but as soon as I set it up for the first time the issue completely resolved as the spring loaded pins settled from first use. Both set up and take down has been an absolute breeze ever since (even in extreme hot & freezing temperatures). I love that you can set up and take down these chairs in under 30 seconds. Nate and I have two chairs that fit perfect in our Cliq carrying case. We’ve used our chairs at the beach, in the mountains, and in the snow…and we always keep them in our car so we’re ready to explore.
For more info and to purchase, visit: cliqproducts.com
Use promo code FLYINGDAWN15 for 15% off
ION*Sinus
Story time - I grew up plagued by allergy and sinus issues (in my teens and twenties when I was studding opera as a classical vocalist, I was often on high powered antibiotics to try to manage my debilitating symptoms). Years ago I suffered a ruptured blood vessel in my sinuses adding migraines, severe nose bleeds, and nasal dryness to my already challenging allergy issues. Over the years traveling and adventuring through desert mountains and oceans often added to my irritating symptoms. Last year I discover ION*Sinus, which was basically a miracle in a bottle for me. Just a puff or two twice a day has completely alleviated my extreme issues. I never travel without this sinus spray…it helps clear and protect my sinuses from dust, pollen, and other irritants wherever I am without any harsh chemicals or drugs. Since our sinuses are connected to our gut, this is my micro biome friendly ally year-round, and I think of it as my sinus’ first line of defense when I head outside.
They also have a line of incredible ION*Gut Health products, which are specifically formulated for adults, kids, and pets! For a limited time, you can click here for a free ION*Gut Health Travel Bottle with the purchase of a 32oz bottle. And for their full assortment, check out the link below!
For more info and to purchase, visit: ionbiome.com
Leefy PRANA
Last but certainly not least, I’m so excited to share Leefy PRANA with you. From years of training as a competitor figure skater, as well as teaching and performing as an aerialist, pain management has become an important part of my daily life (I definitely hope to get a full blog post up about my full pain management support system as an athlete at some point). With all my travel and adventures, there’s plenty of late nights, early mornings, sore muscles, and more than the occasional bumps and bruises. Leefy has been a lifesaver more times than I can count. I really try to opt for natural pain and inflammation relief whenever possible, and Leefy is made of organic turmeric root, organic ginger root, and organic black pepper fruit. Just a dropper or two of this liquid supplement can be a game changer in how I’m going to feel throughout my day. I love that its organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. I use this little liquid dropper both at home and when I’m on-the-go (I never travel without it). In fact, it’s the first thing I pack whether I’m just heading out on my daily errands, or a week-long National Park adventure. Leefy is always what I reach for first in my own personal pain management…from dislocated spinal cord facets & knee caps (yep I’ve had both), to mild sprained ankles and headaches. I can’t recommend Leefy enough.
For more info and to purchase, visit: leefyorganics.com
Use code FLYINGDAWN15 for 15% off!
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me as I share some of my current favorite travel essentials today. While I love, use, and fully endorse each of these products, I know there’s rarely a one size fits all solution for everyone…so I’d love to hear your favorite travel essentials in the comments below. For a closer look at each of the above mentioned products, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
For even more of my favorite products and brands, check out my products page here!
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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