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Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Balloon Fiesta Memories From The Past Twenty Four Years

 As a local Albuquerque resident, I have been attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta hot air balloon event for over 24 years. From attending as a spectator to attending as a media person, I never get bored with seeing all the colorful balloons in the sky.

 I have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for 26 years. I love so many things about living here. From the beautiful weather to awesome food all the way to the hot air balloons, this is a place that I am proud to call home. 

 I moved to Albuquerque in 1997 with my husband and 2 children. I moved from Salt Lake City as my husband was relocating here with a new job. I knew nothing about Albuquerque, except for the name from watching the Roadrunner cartoon show. 

 My husband went to the library in Utah and brought home a book about Albuquerque, that was written many years ago. The book showed a Native American lady cooking bread in an outdoor oven. I thought that I was moving to a place in the past.

The Land Of Enchantment 

 My family arrived in Albuquerque on Christmas Eve. The first thing that I noticed about Albuquerque was how warm the weather was. I believe the temperature was in the 60’s with no snow. I was so happy to celebrate Christmas without the cold snow. I was not a fan of snow as I had grown up in Chicago.  I was one happy girl.

The next week, I was outside and I saw a hot air balloon in the sky. It was such a pretty site. I later found out that Albuquerque was the place for hot air balloons. I attended my first hot air balloon event on Valentine’s Day but did not get to see the balloons launch as we arrived late to the event.

 I did learn about the many wonders of hot air balloons and about an event called the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

What is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta?

 An Event Like No Other ~ For nine days in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® creates an enchanted world of special-shaped balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies. Brisk autumnal mornings in the Rio Grande Valley create an otherworldly backdrop for the breathtaking majesty of our most popular event, Mass Ascension of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

My memories of The Balloon Fiesta over the Years

 I have been attending the Balloon Fiesta over the years for about 24 years. My family moved away for a couple years during this time. The first Balloon Fiesta that I can remember attending was in October 1999. I was very pregnant with my 3rd child at the time. 

 I fondly remember being amazed at all the hot air balloons and being able to see them up close. I remember my two children getting trading cards from the balloon crew folks. The one thing that is the best memory from that day of attending a show that had over 500 hot air balloons floating in the sky was my unborn child dancing inside of me to the music that was playing.

 Over the next 16 years of living in Albuquerque, my family attended the Balloon Fiesta every couple of years. It was a show that amazed me every time. I never grew tired of seeing all the colorful balloons, especially the special shapes of hot air balloons. 

 Some years we went to the show of hot air balloons in the morning to watch the Mass Accesion of balloons rising into the air. We always made sure to bring homemade breakfast burritos and hot coffee. While other years we made plans to watch the balloon Glodeo event at nighttime. My kids enjoyed watching the balloons light up in the dark.

I applied to be on the Balloon Fiesta Media Team

 Things all changed when I signed up to attend the balloon fiesta as part of the media team. It was the year 2016 and my family had grown to 5 children. I was a stay-at-home mom who was a blogger. 

 I decided to apply for the Balloon Fiesta Media Team. I was so excited when I received my approval notice. I was now able to attend this marvelous event of hot air balloons as a part of the media team. This meant that I could attend the event and share my experience with my blog readers.


The Balloon Fiesta Media have their own tent. This tent had a tower that allows photographers to see the balloons at higher levels so they could have better views of the balloons. While at the media tent, I love that I can mingle with other people who work for the media.

 I have met other bloggers, newspaper reporters, magazine editors, folks who traveled for a living, and so many other people who were there to take photos and videos of the balloons. I enjoyed learning about what other people did for a living. I also learned so much about photography.

My Balloon Fiesta Photos over the years

 Since I have been attending the Fiesta for a long time, I have seen many advances in the way folks captured the pictures of the hot air balloons. In the early 2000s, Kodak was a huge sponsor selling disposable cameras at the event. 

Then smartphones replaced the disposable camera but many people on the media team still used cameras and the new photo sponsor was Cannon. I remember the Cannon booth where they allowed you to rent a camera for the event. 

 I don’t have many photos from when I attended this event before 2016 but I have plenty of photos from then on. Most of my photos are on my website and I love looking at them. Over the years of being on the media team, I have had many different cameras and phones. I love seeing the quality of my photos improve over the years.


Check out my Balloon Fiesta Articles from over the years

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2022/10/things-to-do-at-albuquerque-balloon.html

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2022/01/albuquerque-international-balloon.html

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/12/the-best-ways-to-get-to-albuquerque.html

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/02/the-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-will.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2016/09/biking-to-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2016/10/the-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-is-must.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2016/08/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-is-happening.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2016/10/the-near-space-challenge-at-albuquerque.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2015/09/balloon-fiesta-starts-this-saturday.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2015/10/balloon-glow-at-albuquerque-balloon.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2015/10/having-fun-at-albuquerque-international.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2015/10/another-day-at-albuquerque-balloon.html

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2013/10/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta.html 




How To Cook Food While Traveling If You Don't Have a Microwave

You are staying at an awesome hotel and love everything about the room. Well, almost everything. The fancy hotel room does not have a microwave. How is this girl, who has multiple food allergies supposed to cook her food?


 Traveling with food allergies can be difficult but I am not going to let that stop me from visiting Hawaii. When one has multiple food allergies, traveling comes with extra planning. From packing most of my food to looking for restaurants that are allergy-friendly, traveling with food allergies can be done. 

 The best way to travel safely with food allergies is to book a hotel with a refrigerator and a microwave. If you can find a hotel with a full kitchen, even better. Then head to the nearest grocery store and buy all your favorite allergy-friendly food items. That way you are prepared for those times when you can't find a restaurant that has meals you can safely eat.

 I usually eat at Poke Bowl restaurants when I am traveling as they always have plenty of dairy-free and wheat-free items on the menu. I like that most Poke Bowl places offer plenty of gluten-free choices and label which sauces are made without gluten. Thank goodness I never get tired of eating sushi bowls as I can easily bring them to other restaurants, so my husband can enjoy his favorite meal.

Tip: Food allergies are considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and you are allowed to bring outside food into a restaurant since the place is unable to provide food that is safe for you to consume.

My Hawaii Resort Does Not Have a Microwave

 While I usually book a hotel with a microwave, I chose to book a room at a fancy resort that was on the beach. I wanted to be able to walk to the beach and hear the ocean waves. So I had to get creative with making my food, like my oatmeal for breakfast and heating up meals from the store. 

So I packed a UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box in my suitcase. This compact lunch box is awesome for traveling with food allergies! 

 The UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box not only heats up food but also keeps your food cold when you place it in the fridge. Bring the UVI with me to Hawaii means I can make overnight oats and heat my breakfast up in the morning. I can also buy frozen meals at the store and heat them up for lunch or dinner. The best part is this remarkable meal container keeps food warm for 2 hours, so I can heat my food up at the hotel and then take it with me to the restaurant. That way my husband can enjoy eating out at all his favorite restaurants.

About The UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box

Unique, the UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box is the solution for enjoying hot and healthy meals on the go. It features a plug-in design with a powerful heat source that can heat refrigerated food in 25 minutes, cook rice, and steam vegetables. Other features include an integrated UV light that kills up to 99% of bacteria and a detachable power cord for easy refrigerator storage. The insulated liner keeps food hot for up to 2 hours without power, and the movable divider easily accommodates different foods. The durable, leakproof shell with odor-resistant liner makes UVI the smart and stunning on-the-go choice.


Why not ask the restaurant to customize your order?

 So many people ask me why I just tell the restaurant to cook my food without my food allergens. For some people with food allergies, alerting the kitchen to your food allergies may be ok for them. For me, I have had many incidents of cross-contamination when eating at restaurants, and I am very selective about which places I will trust with my food. One bite of a food that I am allergic to like cheese or wheat can cause a severe asthma attack.

When I traveled to Florida last year, my husband and I went to a Mexican place and I told the server to alert the kitchen to my dairy allergy. I requested no cheese on my food. My refried beans came out with cheese on them. While the server quickly replaced the bowl of beans, I think that they just scraped the cheese off the top of the beans. Twenty minutes later, I started reacting and my food allergy coughing started. Thankfully, the Benadryl that I took calmed my reaction and I only had a mild asthma attack.

Ways To Use The  UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box

The Self-Heating Lunch box from UVI can be used for so many meals while traveling.

  + It can heat up overnight oats for breakfast, just place all ingredients in the container the night before and place it in the fridge.

  + Great for heating up leftovers from restaurants.

  + Heat up frozen meals from the store. 

  + Heat up leftover pizza.

  + Will cook ramen noodles.

  + Heat up cheese dip for late-night nachos.

  + Great for warming up tortillas.

Self-Heating Lunch box from UVI Facts

  + Plug into any standard outlet.

  + Heats food in 25 minutes or less.

  + Store food in the fridge until mealtime.

  + Keeps food warm for 2 hours. 

  + Integrated UV light kills 99% of bacteria and keeps the container odor-free.

  + Comes with a movable divider that accommodates a wide range of food.

  + 32-oz. capacity.

  + Length 8.85 Width 4.92 Height 3.15 Weight 1.8lbs

Small in size powerful in heating up food

This travel lunch box is small enough to pack in a suitcase and only weighs 1.8 lbs! Using the lunch container is as simple as adding the food and plugging it into an outlet. In less than 25 minutes, you will have a hot meal to enjoy. Cleanup is a breeze also. Just wash the container and press the UV light button. You can even place your utensils inside to sanitize.

This meal container is my new must-have travel item that can also be used when not traveling. The UVI makes a great lunch container for those who work outside the home. I will be using it for transporting my meals when I eat at social events. If you like picnics in the park, now you can bring along a hot meal.

How will you use the UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box?


Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Give You More Space

 Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are amazing! These packing organizers gave me more space in my suitcase so I could pack more for my trip. More space will give me plenty of space for my souvenirs.



 As a blogger, I attend some events that provide me with samples to take home. So I usually pack light so I have extra space in my suitcase for all the goodies that I get at the expos. I do my best to organize my clothes in my luggage and my favorite travel product is packing cubes.

 I recently attended the Snack & Sweets Expo. This event was all about candy and other snacking items. It was a huge event with plenty of samples. That meant that I needed to make sure that I had room in my suitcase to bring the candy samples home. So when I packed for the trip, I did my best to make sure there was extra room in my luggage. 

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Gave Me Extra Space

So I grabbed my Gonex compression packing cubes Gonex compression packing cubes to help compartmentalize my belongings inside my luggage. I love how these lightweight packing bags help me organize my clothes for a trip. They come in different sizes so I can neatly place my clothes into each one. I use the smaller packing cubes for my socks and undies and the larger cubes for my clothes.

 Once I get to the hotel, these packing cubes make unpacking so easy and my clothes are ready for me to wear. The best part about packing cubes is how they give me more space in my suitcase. More space equals more room for my travel souvenirs.

What Are Packing Cubes?

 Packing cubes are suitcase organizers. These travel bags for suitcases come in many different sizes and can be used to pack everything from clothes and toiletries to shoes, electronics, and even food. Packing cubes can help you separate your clothes by type of outfit and they give you quick access to items without having to unpack your whole suitcase. They are also great for separating the dirty clothes from the clean clothes.

 These packing bags can also reduce the wrinkles on your clothes and they help maximize the space in your carry-on suitcase. If you are looking for the ultimate space-saver, Gonex compression packing cubes are the best for traveling. Compression packing bags have 2 zippers, so you can compress the air out of the bag just like those space-saving bags.

These compression packing cubes contain my clothes for a 5-day trip. This is a carry-on suitcase.

Use code GOSAVE15 to save 15% off your order ~ Purchase Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Here 


Benefits Of Packing Cubes

 Packing cubes offer the traveler many benefits beyond suitcase organization. As an experienced traveler, I always use packing cubes. The benefits of packing cubes can make your trip a better experience.

+ Organization: These cubes for packing offer different bags for different types of clothes, They make finding items so much easier. I like to place my whole outfit for the day in one cube.

+ Efficiency: Packing cubes gives one a neatly packed suitcase with clothes that have fewer wrinkles. This saves time unpacking and getting dressed for the day.

+ Space-saving: If you only travel with a carry-on suitcase, packing cubes help with condensing your clothes. The compression features of the cubes give you more space in your luggage.

+ Separation of Clean/Dirty: These cubes can help with keeping dirty clothes away from the clean clothes. You can even use them for packing shoes.

+ Durable & Reusable: These unique luggage packing cubes can be reused and will last for many trips. So they are great for frequent travelers.

How To Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes come in many sizes. They can be used for many items beyond clothing. Items that you can place into packing cubes.

+ Clothes

+ Shoes

+ Charging Cords

+ Toiletries

+ Food

+ Important Papers

+ First Aid Supplies

+ Bedding

Do Compression Packing Cubes Really Save Space?

Compression packing cubes do save space when compared to traditional mesh packing cubes. The compression packing cubes have an additional zipper that helps to compress the space in the cube. Simply place the items in the cube and zipper close,. Then use the second zipper to compress the bag to a smaller size.

 To see how much space the compression cubes give you, I placed similar items into both the traditional packing cubes and the compression packing cubes. Just look at the side-by-side comparison of both types of packing cubes. 


 It's important to note that while compression packing cubes can significantly reduce the volume of your clothes, they will not reduce the overall weight of your luggage. These compression cubes will make it easier to close your suitcase and it will give you more space to prevent suitcase bulge.

The space-saving advantage they provide makes them a popular choice for those who prioritize efficient packing and organization of their suitcase. The space-saving option gives you extra space for all those travel souvenirs. 

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are available in many colors and sizes. They are a must-have travel product.

 Use code GOSAVE15 to save 15%

Purchase Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Here 

How To Travel With Food Allergies

 Is it possible to travel when you have food allergies and have to carry an Epipen? Yes, one can travel with food allergies, it just takes some extra planning. Learn how I navigate traveling with multiple food allergies. 


 I love traveling and having multiple food allergies can make traveling difficult at times. A simple thing, like eating while traveling takes planning but I am not going to let that get in my way of exploring new places and having fun. I have many things that I do before my trip to stay safe and avoid the foods that I am allergic to. 

 As I write this article, I am at the airport heading to an event called Expo East. While waiting for my flight, I decided to share with you my tips to safely travel with food allergies. I want to be able to help those who are looking for help navigating the world of travel with food allergies. 

 Expo East is the fall natural products show from New Hope Network. This is a huge event for the natural & organic community to showcase the latest products that are available in stores. The event is all about seeing and trying the latest natural food, beverages, personal care, and supplements.

 I will start by sharing some details about my food issues. I am allergic to dairy, wheat, soy, and mushrooms. My food allergies cause severe asthma attacks so I have to be careful with eating outside of the home. For the most part, I don't eat out at restaurants as I don't feel safe as I have had accidental food allergy exposure several times in the past. 

 So, I bet you are wondering why I would travel to an event where I would be trying food. Expo East is an event where I can learn about food that is allergy-friendly and the brands there are open about the ingredients in the products. While I feel safe attending this natural product event, I still have to take precautions so I don't accidentally eat any of the foods that I am allergic to.

This post may contain affiliate links

10 Things I do to safely travel with food allergies

1. Pack plenty of allergy-friendly food

When I pack for any trip, I always pack plenty of food that I can eat. That way I don't have to buy food at the airport, that may not be safe for me to eat. I also pack healthy food that I can eat for my meals like breakfast. I like to pack vegan protein powder to eat for my breakfast. I also pack nuts, dried fruit, and granola.

2. Stay at a hotel with a kitchen

 I try to stay at a hotel with a kitchen so I can cook my meals. A hotel with a fridge and a microwave is also a good choice. That way I can stock the fridge with food that I can eat and avoid eating out at restaurants.

3. Shop for food when I get to my destination

 After I check into my hotel, I find out where the nearest grocery store is located. I then go shopping for food that I can cook at the hotel for my meals. Good choices for hotel meals, when you don't have a fridge, are cans of tuna, gluten-free crackers, and fresh fruit. Since my hotel has a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, I will buy plant-based milk, frozen dinners, frozen vegetables, and sushi rolls.

4. Exercise in the morning

 I always start my day with exercise for many reasons. Since I have asthma, exercise helps me clear the mucus from my lungs so I can breathe better. Exercise also is great for my mind and it helps me focus better, so I can manage my food allergies. Since I exercise in the morning, I like to fuel my body with a delicious caffeinated energy bar. The snack bars have caffeine in them from green tea, the same amount as a cup of coffee. The bars give me great energy to get my workout done and I don't experience a sugar crash from them like I did when I drank energy drinks.


9 Effective Ways To Clear Mucus For Better Breathing

5. Eat breakfast

 I always start my day with breakfast at the hotel, that way I don't arrive to the event hungry. I can make better food choices when I am not hungry. For breakfast, I drink a protein shake along with some gluten-free cereal an some fresh fruit. My favorite protein to pack for trips is an allergy-friendly plant-based protein powder. I love that this protein is available in travel packs and a small 10-serving size container that is perfect for my travel bag. Nuzest is free of wheat, dairy, soy, and nuts. Each serving has 20 grams of protein so it keeps me full, so I don't go to the event hungry. 



Save 15% on Nuzest with code MOMKNOWSBEST15

6. Always carry my emergency medicines

 My number one rule, when traveling with food allergies, is to always carry my emergency medicines. I have a special travel pouch that is made to hold Epipens. This pouch has plenty of room to hold my Benadryl tablets and other medicines that I might need. That way I am prepared for a food allergy exposure if it accidentally happens. 



7. Ask questions

If you have a food allergy, you need to not be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients in the food. Your life depends on not eating the food that you are allergic to. So speak up and ask questions about what is in the food and how the food is prepared. 

 If I do eat out, I choose to eat at places that serve sushi bowls as they, for the most part, do not contain dairy and they serve plenty of gluten-free options. When I am at the event, I try to sample foods that I am familiar with. I also do not eat any of the wrapped samples, until I can read the ingredient list on the package or visit their website to learn more about the food. 

8. Pack snacks

I also pack plenty of snacks in my bag when I am at the event or out site seeing. That way I have something that I know is safe to eat if I get hungry. My favorite snacks to take on the go are packages of nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars. 

9. Know the signs of accidental ingestion of my food allergies

 It is important to know the signs of accidental exposure to a food that you are allergic to. For me, if I accidentally eat something with dairy, soy, mushrooms, or wheat in it, I have an asthmatic cough. My voice may also change. Once I recognize these signs of food allergy exposure, I take 2 Benadryl and a cup of coffee. This helps keep my airway open so I don't experience any breathing problems. If I have breathing problems, then I will use my Epipen. Thankfully, I have not had to use my EpiPen but it comforts me to know that it is there for emergencies. I have only had one anaphylaxis episode from dairy exposure and that is the reason that the doctor prescribed the EpiPen.

10. Use my natural inhaler

 I always carry my natural inhaler with me when I travel. This inhaler helps open up my airway so I can get the mucus out of my lungs after I have an asthma attack. I also pack menthol lozenges in my bag as they help calm my asthmatic cough.

 These are the many ways that I travel safely with my food allergies. Managing food allergies while traveling can be done. It just takes learning what best works for you. I have been managing my food allergies for 5 years and I am still learning. It was discovering my dairy allergy through a food allergy blood test that has helped me learn how to manage my severe asthma symptoms. 

The past five years have been all about healing my body from food allergies, seasonal allergies, and mold exposure. You can read more about my healing journey through these links.

~ My mold sickness journey

My Personal Experience with Allergy Shots

~ Healing my lungs from trauma




10 Best Holiday Airline Travel Tips With Name Bubbles

The Christmas holidays are always the busiest time for travel. The airports are super busy and crazy. Things can go wrong, so be prepared with these holiday travel tips.



 The holiday season is here and this time of year always seems busy. Your time is consumed with shopping, decorating, baking, parties, and even traveling. There is so much to do to get ready for that one special day called Christmas. There never seems to be enough time to get it all done. 

 If traveling is included in your holiday plans, you might be feeling even more overwhelmed. So take a deep breath and discover some holiday travel tips that might make things a bit less stressful. These travel tips are ones that you need to know about.


Best Holiday Travel Tips

1. Pack Wisely ~ The first thing that most people do for their holiday travel adventures is pack a suitcase. To start packing, I recommend making a list of everything that you may need for the tip. From clothes to toiletries, think of everything that you need. Make this list several days before you pack. That way you can add things or eliminate items from the list. Pack smart with your clothes and bring items that can be worn more than once. Remember that most airlines only allow one suitcase. If you are traveling on Southwest Airlines, you can bring 3 suitcases. 

2. Ship The Gifts ~ I know it may seem easier to pack the presents in your suitcase as it will save you money. Before you pack the gifts in your suitcase, make sure that you have room and they will not break. Do not wrap the gifts as security may have to unwrap the gifts. I recommend shipping your holiday gifts as it may be the most cost-efficient than paying to check another suitcase. When shipping Christmas gifts to your destination, you can wrap them ahead of time.


3. Label Everything ~ The most important thing that you can do when traveling during the holidays is to label your suitcases with contact labels. That way if your suitcase gets lost or left behind, someone can call you if they find the suitcase.



 Contact labels are also great to stick on many other items like computers, phones, tablets, and water bottles. Make sure to buy durable and washable contact labels so they will stay put. The best place to buy contact label stickers is from Name Bubbles. Name Bubbles has labels that you can personalize to your style. So not only do the labels have the important info on them, the bright photos make it easy to spot your suitcase in the baggage claim area.

Use coupon code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off at Name Bubbles



These bold contact labels from Name Bubbles are durable and washable. So they stay put for many trips. I have labels on my suitcase that have survived at least 10 vacations. When selecting your contact labels, make sure to add information like your name, cell phone, and email. That way there is more than one way for the person to contact you. Another tip is to place a contact label sticker inside of your suitcase, just in case someone removes your label from your suitcase.

4. Arrive Early ~ Holiday travel means more people at the airport. Most of these people may not have traveled in a while so they are not prepared for the airline rules. These things can make lines longer, especially the security lines. So instead of giving yourself 2 hours to check in, make it 3. Airlines will allow you to check your bags three hours before your flight. Save yourself the stress and use the extra time to get through the long lines. If you get to your gate with time to spare, relax with a movie or better yet get some exercise and walk around the airport.


5. Be Prepared ~ Be prepared for the airport by looking at the travel requirements for your airline and for the airport. Make sure to check in for your flight before you leave for the airport and either print your boarding pass or download it to your phone. Remember to place your small liquids in a quart-size bag and place them in the front pocket of your suitcase, so you can remove them easily. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and place important items like your ID and cash in a safe place. I love wearing this travel waist pouch when I travel. This waist pouch has 4 compartments for my phone, cash, and emergency medicines for my asthma. 

6. Charge Devices ~ Charge all your electronic devices before you get to the airport. Most airports never have enough charging stations. Plus you may not have enough time at the airport to charge your devices. It would not be a good flight if your phone battery was dead and you could not watch the movies that you downloaded.

7. Expect The Unexpected ~ Expect the airport to be busy and crowded. Be prepared for flight delays. More people are traveling and that can lead to flight delays. The winter season can also mean staff shortages with all those germs. So pack extra snacks and a blanket, that way you are prepared if you have to sleep at the airport.

8. Protect Your Health ~ The holidays are during cold and flu season so take extra steps to protect your health. Take a high-dose vitamin C supplement before your flight and the day after to boost your immune system. Also, pack hand sanitizer and disposable gloves in your carry-on bag. I like to wear a pair of disposable gloves when going through security and when boarding the plane. Once I buckle my seatbelt, I take the gloves off. Germs are everywhere so protect yourself. Also, make sure to wash your hands often.


9. Work In Exercise ~ If you have extra time at the airport, use it to get a brisk walk in. Exercise is good for your health and stress. You will be sitting for several hours on the plane, so get some movement in before that flight. Your suitcase has wheels and is so easy to push while walking. 

10. Bring Healthy Snacks ~ Make sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks in your carry-on suitcase. This not only saves you money, from buying food at the airport but is better for your health. Make sure to pack more snacks than you will eat, that way you are prepared for flight delays. I like to pack delicious vegan protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, and crackers. The protein bars will satisfy your hunger for several hours.

 These are my favorite travel tips that I use every time I travel. I hope that you found them useful for your holiday travel adventures. So get planning for that trip. Make sure to check out the contact labels in Tip #3 as these labels are amazing beyond traveling. 




10 Healthy Travel Products That I Always Pack

 I am so happy to be able to travel again. It has been a busy month with several trips.

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases 

 I am so happy that I am back to traveling by plane again. The last time I flew on a plane was two years ago, when I went to Atlanta for a conference. The past 18 months have been quite interesting and I have avoided traveling in general due to my asthma. I was hesitant to go anywhere as wearing a face mask with asthma was hard for me. Then at the height of the pandemic, people were using hand sanitizer and cleaning products like crazy. Those things cause an asthma attack for me, so I have been staying at home. There was that one time I traveled by car during the pandemic, to visit my mom but that took a lot of preparation on my part so I could feel safe.

When an opportunity came up to travel to a huge natural product expo, I could not pass it up. I was glad that my husband wanted to tag along as I was super hesitant to get on an airplane. I wasn't sure that I could wear a face mask for that length of time. I was worried that people would be using tons of hand sanitizer on the plane and I would have an asthma attack. 

 Thankfully, no one near me used hand sanitizer. I did experience some asthma problems during takeoff due to the change in air pressure but my natural essential oils inhaler help me through my breathing problems. I survived my trip to Philly and now I am ready to travel solo again. This time it is to visit my mom and help her with computer problems.

10 Healthy Travel Products That I Always Pack

 When I travel, I have many health products that I always pack in my travel bag. These are my standard products that I take with me to keep my body healthy. They are my essential must-have travel products that I always pack.

1. Prebiotic Fiber Blend

 Traveling can mess with your digestion and affect your bathroom habits. That can lead to constipation and other stomach issues. So I always pack a prebiotic fiber supplement in my suitcase. I discovered this amazing fiber supplement many years ago and love it. When you use it daily, it helps you stay regular in the bathroom department. I just mix Regular Girl into any liquid and I don't experience any bathroom problems. This tasteless powder helps me to go #2 daily. 

Save 10% with my code MOMKNOBEST10 at ~ Regular Girl


2. Multivitamin

When I travel, I want my body to stay healthy. So I make sure to pack my multivitamin. There are so many different multivitamins out there and it can be confusing on which one is right for you. So I like that Vous Vitamin automatically matches the right multivitamin blend to my needs. I simply take their online survey and I don't have to guess about what my body needs. This simple vitamin blend also contains vitamins to help my immunity system, which is so needed for traveling.


This multivitamin is made for my body's needs and is so easy to take. I like that I get the vitamins and supplements that I need and not something that I don't need. Now that I am older my body does not need as much iron, so my vitamin formulation contained less iron. The label on the bottle shows exactly what is in my vitamins.

3. Vitamin C

 Traveling on a plane exposes your body to lots of germs. So I always pack some sort of vitamin C supplement. One that I am enjoying is an easy to take capsule that provides 1000 mg vitamin C and 20 mg of zinc. The zinc in this supplement is from zinc sulfate, a more bioavailable source of zinc than zinc oxide. I like that this supplement is a powerful antioxidant and helps support immune function.

 Viva Naturals Vitamin C capsules are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and free from artificial dyes, salt, soy, or dairy. Since they are in capsule form, I don't have to have a spare bottle of water with me to mix up those messy vitamin C powder supplements. I love the large-sized bottle as it has 250 servings!

4.  Homeopathic Nasal Remedy

 The nose is where most germs latch on and begin to replicate, making you sick. So I like to pack this unique Homeopathic Nasal Remedy. Cold Bee Gone is a homeopathic remedy that you swab in your nose to fight colds and flu. The nose is where most germs latch on and begin to replicate, making you sick. This super honey blend, which includes raw Manuka Honey, is antimicrobial, soothing, probiotic, prebiotic and helps you retain moisture. It’s also infused with known cold-fighting homeopathic ingredients to alleviate active symptoms. All of these things combined are what make Cold Bee Gone so effective at fighting cold, flu, and allergies.

This honey-based remedy did not irritate my nose and I did not even notice that it was inside my nose. There also was not any scent to the nasal remedy. The product also is available in an allergy formula and ones for kids.

5. Plant-Based Protein Bars

 I get hungry when traveling and since I have a severe dairy allergy, that limits my options of buying food at the airport. I simply can not chance that the food does not contain and milk products. So I need to always have safe food options on me. Nuzest plant-based protein bars are the perfect size to toss into my backpack and they are allergy-friendly. These delicious protein bars contain plenty of protein and fiber, so they take care of my hunger for hours.

 These bars are free of dairy, soy, gluten, and nuts. They are the perfect snack for those with food allergies. They come in many delicious flavors. Use my code MOMKNOWSBEST15 to save 15% at ~ Nuzest

6. Migraine Relief

 It seems like traveling always brings on a migraine headache for me. I am not sure if it is the pressure in the plane, the jet lag, or something else. So I always pack a Migrastil Migraine Travel Kit with me. I like that these products are made with safe natural vegan ingredients and are so easy to use. The Migraine Stick® & Nausea Inhaler have a pleasant scent made from essential oils that helps my head and body feel better. While the capsules contain herbs that support normal neurological functioning. I love using the cream, even when I don't have a headache as it helps me relax. 

These natural migraine relief products were developed by migraine sufferers, for migraine sufferers and the travel kit is perfect for traveling and to keep in your purse for day-to-day life. All the migraine products are vegan, ethically sourced, cruelty-free, all-natural, and made in the U.S.A.

7. Natural Inhaler

 I have many triggers that can bring on an asthma attack, from food to fragrances. So having a natural inhaler on me, at all times, is important. I simply never know when I might have trouble with my breathing. On my last trip, the pressure in the airplane caused me to struggle with my asthma. So by taking some deep breaths with Redd Remedies Lung Care™ Aromatherapy Travel Diffuser, I was able to breathe freely again. I am glad that this essential oil blend diffuser is small enough to keep in my pocket, so I can always carry it with me.

8. Lung Support

 Traveling with asthma can be tough at times, so I also pack a lung support supplement in my travel bag. ClearLungs helps me to manage my asthma naturally without having to rely on prescription medicine. This amazing herbal formula supports my breathing and helps my airways to stay open. This breathing supplement also helps maintain balanced mucus levels in my body. I take this herbal lung supplement daily and if I have an asthma attack, I will take it again as it helps my body cough up all that mucus that I have from my asthma attack.

9. Hair Tyes

 This next product is not really a health product but it helps me stay cool when traveling. That helps me not get stressed out. I always pack a couple of hair scrunchies in my suitcase and my carry-on bag. One never knows when they might need to put their hair back. When I feel hot, having my hair tied back seems to help. When the plane is on the ground, waiting to take off, the air always seems to be hot. So I grab my favorite adjustable athletic scrunchie and put my hair back. Having my hair out of my face always makes me feel better.

 I also love Hair Strong adjustable scrunchie for getting my daily exercise in. I always pack my running shoes when I travel so I can exercise. Exercise not only helps my body stay healthy but it also helps keep me in a great mood. These unique hair scrunchies can be customized every time I wear them. Some days my hair is thicker when there is more moisture in the air and I like that I have a hair tie that stays in place.

10. Beauty Treatment

 I am not going to let travel get in the way of maintaining my healthy skin. So I love that my facial laser device is small enough to pack in my suitcase. This facial device is my secret to young-looking skin. It is so easy to use and it really works to reduce those fine lines! Thanks to this amazing laser facial device, I look years younger than my actual age.

 I love that the Nira laser facial device charges by a USB cord so I can charge it on my computer. The Nira is also super quiet so I could even use it on the airplane. 

Use discount code MOMKNOWSBEST10 to save 10% at https://niraskin.com/

11. The perfect footwear for your travel adventures

 It does not matter the season, cold or hot, I always toss a pair of flip-flops into my suitcase. Flip-flops are the perfect shoe for your travel adventures. Flip-flops can be worn in many ways while you are on your trip. They are so easy to slip on and they are so comfortable. I usually pack several pairs. That way I can wear my flip-flops to the hotel pool or to the beach. I also wear my flip-flops while I am walking around my hotel room, especially the bathroom. While they may clean the bathroom floor, the carpet probably does not get cleaned that often.


 SlipsAfrica flip-flops are so easy to pack in my suitcase and they don't take up that much space. I just love all the mix of amazing unique designs that these sandals come in. The colorful designs on the flip-flops capture the culture, beauty, and soul of Africa as a continent. I love that they are durable & recyclable materials. These flip-flops are so comfortable and pretty. They look so cute with my summer dresses so I love wearing them when I got out to eat. Once I am back at the hotel, I keep them on so my feet stay clean and comfortable. When I go to bed the flip-flops stay near my bed so I can put them on if I have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. You must head to Slips Africa to see all the cute sandals and flip-flops.

What's in your travel bag?

Those are my favorite travel products that I always pack when I am traveling. There are so many more things that I pack in my travel bag, when flying, to stay healthy. I discovered that disposable gloves are great for keeping the germs off your hands when using the bathroom. I simply put on a pair and then I toss them after I leave the restroom. I also make sure that I drink plenty of water to keep my body hydrated. I am not a huge fan of hand sanitizer but I will pack a bottle of natural hand sanitizer, so I can use it when I can not wash my hands. I also pack disposable hand wipes which are great for keeping my hands clean. 

Do you have any favorite items that you always pack?



The Neato Robotic Is a Must Have Travel Product

 This Neato Robotic vacuum is a must-have travel product. This unique intelligent robot vacuum is essential for returning to a clean home after vacation.

Sponsored post with Neato Robotic

 In a couple of months, my husband and I will be taking a trip without the kids. The teenage boys will be staying home by themselves. We have plenty of neighbors who will be will checking in on them daily, so I know that they will be safe. My neighbor across the street has a security camera that faces our house, so he can keep an eye on the house.  My oldest daughter lives in town also. I know that the boys will be ok as they will be going to school. They are responsible kids and have been very independent for quite some time.

 As I write this article, I am having some doubts about leaving two teenage boys home alone for several days. My husband says that they will be fine and everything related to the trip is paid for. So I will try to remain calm and use the next three months to prepare my boys about the rules while we are gone.

Keeping the house clean while on vacation

 The one thing that I don't have to worry about while we are on vacation is returning to a messy house. My teen boys help with many of the housekeeping tasks on a daily basis so they know how to clean the house. The daily chores for my boys include emptying the dishwasher and taking out the trash. They also know how to run the washing machine and how to cook. In the past when I went on trips and the college kid was in charge, my older son always had his younger brothers clean the house while I was gone. So I would return to a clean house.

 I discovered a unique intelligent robotic vacuum that will help my teen boys keep the house clean with little effort on their part. This robot vacuum will keep the floors clean so that is one less thing that I have to worry about while my husband and I are on vacation. While my teenagers know how to clean, that does not mean they will clean to my standards. Teen boys like to eat and they can make a lot of crumbs that fall to the floor. So the Neato D8 Robotic vacuum will be an essential item for a clean house.


Save $200 off the Neato D8 through July 24, 2021 (no code needed).

What I love about the Neato Robot Vacuum

 The thing that I love best about this robot vacuum is that it does the work for me. So, I can get my floors vacuumed when I am not home. I can schedule the automatic vacuum to run at set times with the Neato Robotic app that is on my phone. So, I can schedule the vacuum to run every day for messes that my boys make. I also love that I can also open the Neato robot app on my phone and have this intelligent vacuum clean up a mess any time of day with no need to wait for its scheduled run time.

 So, while I am away the Neato Robot vacuum will clean the house and my boys won't have to do a thing. Now if the boys make a mess, they can get on their phones and head to the app to have the Neato Robot clean it up. So, mom will never know about the mess. The boys are always on their devices anyway so operating the Robot vacuum will be super easy for them.

Check out some other amazing features of the Neato D8 Robot Vacuum

+ Easy set up: The Neato D8 Robot is simple to set up straight from the box. If you can use a smartphone, you can operate this smart vacuum. Only 6 easy steps to get the Neato vacuum to start cleaning your floors.

+ Effective on any surface: The Neato D8 Robot Vacuum cleans up messes on hardwood, carpet, tile, and even throw rugs.

+ Bigger dirt bin: The large 0.7-liter dirt bin holds plenty of dirt, dust, and dander, so that means you don't have to empty it that often. I love the notifications to the empty dust bin!

+ Big Spiral Combo Brush: A brush that is up to 70% bigger than those round robots.

+ Long run time & auto-recharge: The Neato D8 has up to 100 minutes of runtime, but if your robot needs more power to finish a long cleaning run, your robot can Auto-recharge & resume to finish the job. This robot vacuum can clean up to 750 sq. feet on a single charge 

+ Allergy-Friendly: The Neato D8 is a good choice for those with allergies as it traps allergens. The high-performance filter is designed to trap the stuff that makes us sneeze and itch, capturing up to 99% of allergens.

+ You are in control of the cleaning: Control your robot remotely through the MyNeato app. Schedule cleaning with Routines and create virtual No-Go Zones to define areas you want your robot to avoid. So the vacuum will stay away from the stairs. You can even control the vacuum through your Alexa or Google smart device.

+ Turbo mode for bigger messes: For those extra tough areas, just shift into Turbo mode for a deep, clean with extra pickup. It increases suction and speeds up the Spiral Combo Brush, getting into every last crack and crevice.

Save $200 off the Neato D8 through July 24, 2021 (no code needed).

The clear choice for clean

The Neato D8 comes with the signature Neato quality and D-shape you've come to expect from our robot vacuums. Using LaserSmart navigation, the Neato D8 cleans with precision, even in the dark like those hard-to-reach places under furniture. The choice is clear—Neato cleans your home when you want, how you want, and reaches where round robots can't.

 





The Neato Robot keeps the house clean while you are away

The Neato Robot vacuum is a must-have travel item that you leave at home. So, while you are away, enjoying your vacation, the Neato Robot will keep the house clean, This cute square-shaped robotic vacuum will clean up all the dust and dirt from your floors. If you have a cat at home, the vacuum will take care of all the pet dander!

 So, when you come home from your vacation, you may have dirty laundry but you will have clean floors to set it on. Having the Neato D8 robot vacuum cleaning all your floors means one less chore for you to do. Now if they would make a robot to do the laundry!

Save $200 off the Neato D8 through July 24, 2021 (no code needed).

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