My Travel Essentials - Bruce's Roots

Tulum - stayed in a condo for 10 days. 

I love being immersed in different cultures, exploring new areas and eating at new spots. Packing however, is not something I enjoy. I thought I would share some of my travel essentials to help packing going smoothly. Animal friendly, of course. 
 

• Be United & FreeShampoo and Conditioner
  
  I got a couple samples of Be United & Free and I'm loving this natural hair care line. The conditioner is made from rosemary and peppermint essential oil, the best smell ever. The shampoo is sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) free, something I've been avoiding since my early 20's. Normally, I would take re-usable travel bottles and fill them up with my big bottles to reduce waste. If you haven't been to the Soap Dispensary, it's a must visit in Vancouver because you can bring your own jars and fill up! If you have a man in your life, I highly recommend Be United face wash.
   
• Dr Bronners
  
  Dr Bronners has been a staple in my life ever since I backpacked for a few weeks in Asia. You guys, you can use this castile soap for EVERYTHING! From cleaning your toilet, washing clothing, your face, body, hair or even your floors. I love the peppermint, but this is intense if washing your face with it. 
   
• Coconut Oil
  
  This is great for your hair, as a makeup remover, to shave, brighten those teeth, pretty much everything. It can also be added to any recipes you make or in that delicious matcha latte. Winning!
   
• Yoga Towel
  
  They're thin, light and multi-purpose. You can have a picnic in the park, use it at the beach or as a towel after the shower. These babies dry quickly and roll up small, win win. Mine is from lululemon and it's last me years!
   
• True Cinnamon
  
  If you follow along on my instagram, you probably know I'm a bit of a cinnamon addict. Not only is ceylon "true" cinnamon delicious, it's good for you. It's a warming spice (great for my dosha, vata), it's anti-inflammatory, support heart health, blood sugar balancing, contains antioxidant polyphenols and it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. My favourite place to buy spices is Eternal Abundance on Commercial Dr. 
   
• Matcha
  
  If you love a slow start at your hotel or airbnb, then bring your favourite morning drink so you don't even have to leave the room. I like to wake up slowly on vacation and this means sipping on matcha in my pyjama's catching up on current events. Bring your reusable mug and water bottle too!

All layered up in Montreal, -11 feels like -20. 

• Layers! 
  
  I like to bring a big blanket scarf, a cardigan, denim shirt, heavy sweater.. you just never know! I also pack my slippers if it's Fall or Winter because I run cold (my dosha!)
   
• Tea Tree Oil
  
  I bring this every time I travel, from Montreal to overseas. It's anti-bacterial so it's great for any abrasions or cuts. I also find it's great for bug bites and pimples. Plus, it smells great and it's all natural. I grab my from London Drugs because I can walk there from home. 
   
• Ear Plugs
  
  In the last few years, I've started wearing ear plugs to help improve my quality of sleep. There are mixed thoughts on these, but they help me adjust to any new weird noises and fall into to a deeper sleep quicker.  Also, these are great for on the plane. That means I can pack more into my day... such as visiting more restaurants for vegan food or crushing a workout. 
   
• My Pillow
  
  Am I weird? If i'm road tripping, I always bring my pillow. I guess i'm picky because I dislike big pillows as they give me neck pain. 
   
• A Candle and Palo Santo
  
  On my most recent trip to Montreal, I packed palo santo because it is tied for my most favourite smell in life. However, the airbnb didn't have a lighter or matches.  A tin candle with a lid is a great travel option to help you unwind and remind you of home. 
   

• Technology
  
  Sometimes, it's nice to just relax and watch some Netflix on your laptop in bed (or maybe you'd rather read a book). I brought my laptop to Montreal and used it to map out routes to delicious restaurants. With respect to photography, I used to bring several lenses with me on vacations and I'd always stress about damaging them. I love my 50 mm prime lens, but it's just smart to bring the basic 18-55 mm if you're only taking one lens.  I went to Montreal this December and decided to only bring my Iphone 8 plus and I have no regrets. I'm a very basic manual photographer so it wasn't worth the extra weight on my daily adventures.
  
  
  What are your must have travel items? 
  
  xx Jordan, Bruce's Roots

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