I’m constantly traveling---filming for TV, shooting a story for the magazine, giving a speech---so over time, I’ve learned a thing or two when it comes to making travel a bit less stressful.
When I’m packing my bag at home, I recycle old Fedex and UPS envelopes---the paper letter-size kind and the Tyvek material Pak size---to pack my clothes and toiletries. Freshly ironed shirts can be folded and inserted into a Tyvek envelope and protected while in-transit. Neckties can slide right into the envelope size and stay wrinkle-free, too. For when I’m not flying on a plane, I’ll pop lotion and sunblock into the Tyvek envelopes, too; if they leak, the mess stays contained and not all over my clothes.
When I get to the destination, I like to save the morning newspaper and use it to detox my shoes. Basically, crumple up a few sheets of newspaper (be generous!) and stuff your shoes with the paper. It absorbs odors and excess moisture and leaves your shoes a bit fresher. I also recycle the coffee grinds from the hotel coffee maker and use a palm-size amount as a body and hand scrub in the shower; just be sure to wash it down the drain! And for those truly stressful days, nothing can ease tension like a rolled up hand towel soaking in a bucket of ice; add a drop or two of essential oil, roll-up, and press on eyes. Breathe in, breathe out.
