This year I've traveled to Costa Rica, the Caribbean, LA, New Orleans, Yosemite National Park, went on an Alaskan cruise, and my last trip of the year will be spent in New Mexico for Christmas. With drastically different climates in each area, I have had to learn how to pack accordingly. It's unlikely the same outfits I wear in the Caribbean would be suitable for Alaska, likewise the things I pack for a week in the rainforest of Costa Rica wouldn't work for Christmas in New Mexico! The same can be said for the products and personal items I bring. When winterizing my purse and carry-on, Ricola® herb drops are always part of the line up.
While Miami doesn't get incredibly cold throughout the winter, it's much less humid than the rest of the year. This can cause my throat to be dry and scratchy, so I carry a few Ricola herb drops in my purse for those moments when my throat is uncomfortable. They really help!
As I mentioned, we're heading to New Mexico for the holidays, and to add insult to injury, we'll be in the desert.
In the desert, guys!! WITH SNOW...most likely.
It can get very cold there, on top of the year-round dryness, and it really does a number on me. I'll be sure to bring along some Ricola® Echinacea Honey Lemon herb drops while I'm winterizing my luggage for next week's trip! Speaking of packing for a winter trip, I'd love to share my tips on packing for a winter trip!
5 Must-Have Items for Your Winter Travel Bag
Lip Balm - Lip Balm is a must year-round, but especially important when traveling during the winter months. Choose a lip balm that not only moisturizes, but has a little SPF, as you can get sunburned even during the winter.
Moisturizer - Our course our skin can get dry and ashy during the winter, so it's important to carry moisturizer with you at all times. I like to keep a little bottle of lotion in my purse, and make sure to bring some along when I travel as well. It is SO dry in New Mexico during the winter that I actually stop by the drug store to buy a bottle of lotion on our way to our hotel. While it's important to carry a small TSA-approved size bottle in my carry on bag, 6 days in the mountains requires massive amounts of moisturizing.
Tissues - A personal package of tissues is a necessary addition for runny noses or watery eyes. You don't want to be left without something to wipe your nose on when you have a sneezing fit during the flight or drive to visit Grandma!
A Warm Sweater - I live in a subtropical climate and our "winter" this year has set in with temperatures in the low 60s. I know, I know, you feel horrible for me, right? We are all freezing! While it doesn't get very cold in South Florida, those of us who travel often know how important it is to bring a sweater no matter where we go. It could be 80 degrees when I board my flight, and 30 degrees when I land! I recommend bringing along a hoodie, thick cardigan or heavy sweater - whatever will fit into your travel bag - each time you travel during the winter. Keep it in your tote bag, as flights are downright freezing this time of year and you don't want to be the one shivering in your seat because you can't reach your carry on suitcase to get your sweater!
Ricola® Herb Drops - I have to say those are one of my absolute MUSTS. Ricola Echinacea Honey Lemon herb drops provide the perfect combination for sore throats and quiets those pesky coughs caused by nasty winter weather. It's refreshing without being bitter or "medicine-y". Plus echinacea has been used for centuries to stimulate the immune system and give it a boost to fight against cold and flu symptoms.
Ricola offers a variety of drops, so you've covered for whatever ails you!
There are Ricola Original Natural Herb Cough Drops, Ricola Echinacea Honey Lemon, & Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint and the NEW Ricola Revitalizing Herb Drops I told you guys about in this post. My throat was all kinds of bothered while in Costa Rica and I carried them with me everywhere I went!
For those of you that prefer a different flavor, there are many from Ricola® to choose from such as: Glacier Mint, Swiss Cherry, Green Tea, and others. Regardless of your flavor choice, each is made with a special blend of 10 Swiss alpine herbs that are meant to help you feel better, faster!
Head over to Ricola.com to learn more about the company, the herbs, or play games and answer quizzes. There's even an interactive guide that explains the benefits of Chrueterchraft, an herb used in Ricola recipes. You can also follow @RicolaUSA on Twitter and like the Ricola Facebook Page to stay up to date on new product offerings and promotions!
What makes your "Must Pack" list during the winter?
Karen Glatt says
Ricola is my favorite cough drops because they are all nautral. All of these 5 must have items in a travel bag are very important! I know I need the lip balm from all the dry heat this time of the year.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I need some new moisturizer. The stuff I have is great for the summer but not so much for winter.
Ty says
Sounds like a great list! I've never had Ricola before but I'll be sure to check it out on my next shopping trip.
Liz Mays says
I have to have chapstick too, lots and lots of it. I have some Ricola ready for action over here too.
HilLesha says
I hardly use anything but Ricola for coughs. They also help soothe my throat whenever I'm having a sore throat.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
This is a great list. I am totally addicted to lip balm!
Debbie Denny says
Perfect list of must haves. Love Ricola
Jaime says
I've had the Ricola drops on hand for weeks as I've battled coughing fits. This is a great list (the lotion is also a must-have!)
Pam says
I always carry cough drops with me in the winter. They're a must have with all this dry, cold air.
Kecia says
I'm pretty sure chapstick and moisturizer are the first two things I pack when traveling during the winter. Why do we have to dry out so much during this beautiful season?!
Dawn says
Tissues and herb drops are a must during the winter months. Runny noses and coughs are no fun!
Jennifer says
I always keep an extra sweater with me when I travel during the winter. I get cold really easily.
Catherine S says
This is a great list. I always have lip balm and moisturizer packed when I travel. You have been to a lot of great places.
Shell says
This sounds like the perfect things to have in your bag. The Ricola drops are especially important to help stay healthy.
Ann Bacciaglia says
Ricola is a great product for when you feel a cold coming on. It helps sooth your throat and ease congestion.
Jeanine says
Great must have items! Ricola have saved me many times, they are great!
Theresa says
Definitely the lip balm and lotion! My skin gets so dry in the winter, I need all the moisturizing help I can get. These Ricola drops will have to get added in too. They look tasty!
Christie says
I always keep some cough drops with me too. I always seem to pick up a bug when traveling!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I always have to have Lip Balm with me but I go through it like crazy in the winter! Love those Ricola herb drops!
Amber C. says
That list is the truth! Last year we went to the in-laws for Thanksgiving and really could've used this list! Thanks for the tips!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
Ricola work so well, but dang it, I hate the way they taste. I still buy them though.
Emily says
I usually hate cough drops, but the honey lemon flavor sounds so good! Herbs in cough drops sounds interesting!
Donna says
I have all 5 of these handy all the time during the winter, actually. I can't make it without chapstick. I keep Ricola on hand for my husband because he's always got an itchy dry throat in the winter.
Chrysa says
I love your winter travel bag ideas. I truly need to get those Magic 10 Herb Ricola for this time of the year!
Veronica says
A big thick sweater is top of my winter bag items, I get cold so easily
Kiwi says
Riccola is an awesome brand! I need to go somewhere nice this winter for a vacay!
Amanda says
Yes! All good things! I always have lip balm for me and the kiddos this time of year!
Felicia says
Ricola is definitely a great option for winter travel. I also have to travel with gum!