14 months ago I was itching to travel but I kept putting it off.
“Only when my skin gets better.”
“Only when I have more money.”
“Only when I have more clients.”
“Only when I’m over my allergies.”
Then I can go…
Mainly, I was using my sickness as an excuse not to live my life the way I wanted. I was playing it safe.
Sure, there was a large period of time, maybe nine months, where I was so sick it would’ve been impossible. But in the following three months I’d overcome so many allergies, and improved my skin significantly. To the point where I was comfortable going out in public, I could travel interstate without a care, and I could eat at some restaurants without having an adverse reaction.
It was time.
But for three months I kept thinking to myself I have to hurry up and get better so I can do this, that and the other.
Sure some excuses were legit, but most of them were bullshit. My body and my mind were screaming for me to get going. But I was ignoring them. Until I started moving away from ‘in the Ra’, losing my energy, and feeling unhappy. Then I knew something was seriously up.
Intuitively I decided, I’m going to Thailand on my own, and it freaked. me. out!
I couldn’t ignore this calling any longer so I did it. I decided to make it happen and within a week I was on a plane.
And if I’m honest, at first it was no walk in the park! I’ve struggled and shared some of those with you on Instagram, and others I’ve yet to share.
But for the most part, it’s been an adventure of a lifetime!
To keep up-to-date with my travels and adventures you can find me on: @jessicaranwyl @in.the.ra or medium
If you want to travel too and get passed your own excuses, in this post I want to share some travel essentials that have helped me both emotionally and physically!
Food for the skin:
Spray bottle
a clear bottle with filtered water
When travelling between countries or within countries, a lot of the time you’re in air-conditioning with no access to fresh air, which dehydrates the skin. For me, this is a nightmare.
On my trip from Melbourne to Bangkok (10 hours) my skin went from being moist to raised, inflamed and very itchy.
TIP: the spray bottle gave me relief, but I wished I’d added some essential oils in there (frankincense or lavender) to add more moisture and calm it down further.
Since, on buses, trains and the like, it’s been brilliant.
Aloe Vera Gel
brand I use: Herbalife
I wish I wish, I wish I had this on the plane! If you’re taking a long flight, or even a couple of hours this is important. Even people without skin conditions get dryness on the plane. So aloe gel put into a clear container is a skin saver!
Also, travelling in the sunny areas getting burnt is highly likely. I’ve gotten burnt a few times and this has made the process almost painless.
Back home I put fresh aloe (from the plant) on every night before bed to tighten the skin and hold in the moisture. But because I can’t take my pot plants with me, I’ve been putting the gel on instead.
Himalayan Pink Salt
To keep up your electrolytes, remain hydrated, ward off bad bugs and boost your immune system, himalayan pink salt is a must.
I put a pinch in my water every day to maintain my electrolytes. But in Thailand when I first arrived, the unusual food and the atmosphere thew off my immune system and I got a cold for the first time in five years. For oncoming colds I usually put 1 tbsp of salt in a litre of water and skull it (gross I know…) but the next day my symptoms are gone.
Unfortunately, I didn’t pack enough for this, so I had to see my cold out to the end.
Probiotics
brand I use: prescript assist
I take my soil based probiotics every day anyway because they boost the immune system and help heal the gut. I won’t go anywhere without them.
Besides, when traveling we’re exposed to so many new types of bugs in the food, air, and water which increases our chances of getting sick. I’ve been super careful since overseas and been lucky not to get any type of food poisoning, but if I did, probiotics would be essential to rebuild the disrupted flora – especially for those with gut conditions!
Digestive Enzymes
The brand I use: ‘now’ super enzymes
Some people think this is excessive, but I’ve met people with gut issues along the way who have used my enzyme tablets and benefited from them.
In some places, there are few options for people like us, and sometimes it’s a struggle to digest the food. I use it as a precaution. Plus, I’ve saved some friends from digestive upset too.
I don’t use them all the time, only when I have no other choice than to eat something that’s oily, with grains or when my stomach feels a little upset.
They help the rest of your digestive system do its job so I highly recommend them.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
I use doTerra, and also brought cocoswish which is a delicious way to ward off sore throats!
When I got my sore throat I was gargling coconut oil and cocoswish (a beautifully packaged coconut oil with pepperminty freshness) because it kills bad bacteria and the whitens teeth.
Fractionated coconut oil is perfect because it remains a liquid.
For more on this read: one weird thing you wouldn’t expect to clear your skin.
On top of this I use it to cleanse, or moisten my skin on occasion.
Anti-Inflammatory Spice Blends
brands I use: ‘heal’r’ and ‘beyond latte’
My first week away was the greatest struggle – emotionally and physically.
I was in a new place and it was harder than it had been before (when I was well). My joints were all swelling, my skin was red and raised. It felt like my body aged 50 years!
I forgot I brought my anti-inflammatory spices containing: turmeric root, ginger root, dandelion root and black pepper. So I bought some soy milk from the 7-11 and made my turmeric latte, and sure enough everyday until it finished I felt better.
Inflammation has gone right down since too. My legs, arms and face have reduced swelling, and my skin is improving.
I ran out a month ago, bought the spices and combined them and add it to my oatmeal every morning (where I can). This has been a great little life hack I feel I’d never want to travel without.
Things I wish I’d brought…
Peppermint oil beads
This stuff wakes you up, helps you focus, kills bad bacteria, boosts the immune system and more. I miss it, I want it, I’d so use it.
I did bring the On guard beadlets from doTerra, but for me, they don’t do much and I’m not a huge fan of the taste.
MORE himalayan salt
it’s so expensive in SE Asia!
When I got sick I didn’t want to do much and I’d also had an accident with my hand. At this time it was hard to find himalayan salt and when I finally did… my cold was almost over.
The consequence? I got a cold for the first time in five years.
Lesson: pack more.
Sunscreen
The good kind, the kind you’d buy from my naturopathic skin clinic.
Sunscreen is not only expensive here, it’s packed full of chemical nasties…
I don’t normally use sunscreen because most of them are awful for the skin, and I love to get my vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to skin conditions so if you suspect you have it start to gradually expose your skin to the sun!
At home I have the luxury to gradually and safely build up a tan, but in Asia and whilst travelling I’m out for hours and often all day.
Yes, I cover myself up with a hat and clothes, but with my hands still exposed they’ve gotten severely sun burnt.
So my suggestion is to find, buy and pack a good quality sunscreen.
Things I’ve found…
Tanaka
A sunscreen, face mask, and overall skin protection all in one.
More on this in another post.
Food for the mind and soul:
Writing
Writing is therapeutic.
But everybody writes differently. I’ve been told to journal one thousand and one times. And to me that meant writing with a pen and paper, which seems romantic but I just couldn’t keep to it.
I’ve realised I’m a laptop kinda gal who loves to blog and write scrums. So that’s what I do daily.
For me it’s the most cathartic and interesting process. Because it helps me get over things quickly, whilst giving me a greater understanding of myself.
If you want to try something similar, find a way that works for you. It may be videos, audios or written expressions. And it could be public, private, or both.
Personally, I find writing for you guys to be the most rewarding.
Reading
Victor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’
A great book to help you get through any tough time.
Written by a psychoanalyst and prisoner at Auschwitz, who shares his story and method for overcoming some of life’s most horrendous experiences.
If he can do it, we can do it.
This book has taught me more about how to thrive and look for the meaning behind my healing, than most books I’ve read combined! And I’ve read a lot of books…
Prepare to be inspired.
Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’
The perfect travellers companion. I’ve read it once before, but only remembered how much I enjoyed it.
A famous book about a Andalusian boy’s journey to realise his “personal legend” and the process of how he became more and more attuned to his intuition.
It’s a classic because within this story are so many truths all humans can relate to.
It’s reinforced to me the importance of trusting in my own intuition. Something that is especially important on the road.
And I’m sure very shortly I’ll have many more things to add to the list. But for now I hope this has helped you make the decision to follow whatever’s in your heart. Whether it’s travel, start a business, change career, study something new, or look after yourself better.
Live your life the way you want to now as best you can. No excuses.
Lot of love from me as always!
xx Jess
PS. if you have anything you’d like me to write about, share or questions you want answered, please comment below or write me a message!