Jaded by Olivia Jade

Airplanes, Breakouts & Bloating — Let’s Chat Travel Hacks

Jaded Issue #22

I love to travel — especially being on a plane. Where my travel money comes from? Honestly, I don’t know. But that’s not the problem here.

The real problem is everything that happens to my body when I travel. The constipation? Insane. The breakouts? Relentless. The dehydration, exhaustion, and unnecessary $17 beef sticks at the airport? Criminal.

This used to be my norm before I figured out some tips and tricks for myself. Now, I have my little travel rituals that keep me calm, hydrated, nourished, and not spending an entire paycheck at Hudson News.
So let’s begin.

Before You Travel: The Prep That Saves You

A travel day starts with intention, not perfection. A few small preparations can completely shift how your body feels when you land.
Here’s what’s in my carry-on — my in-flight survival kit:

1. Reusable Water Bottle
Planes are basically flying deserts. Cabin humidity is extremely low — sometimes under 20%. Every breath you take, you lose moisture. That’s why so many people get headaches or bloating in the air — your body is holding onto every drop of water it has.
Tip: Fill your bottle after security and sip throughout the flight, not just once an hour. Hydration should be steady, not sporadic.

2. Bee Throat Spray
My holy grail. I will never travel without it. Airplanes are germy, dry, and full of recycled air — your immune system needs a little extra love. I use bee propolis spray daily, but leading up to travel (and especially on the plane), I’m extra diligent.

3. Antibacterial Face Spray + Gua Sha
Let’s be honest: planes do your skin no favors. Between the recycled air and dehydration, my skin tries to overcompensate by producing oil. I use an antibacterial face mist before, mid, and post-flight to refresh, hydrate, and help my skin chill out.
Then I use my gua sha — just a few light strokes to move lymph and de-puff. It’s like a tiny act of self-care when I’m stuck in the middle seat.

4. Snacks + Real Food
If you’ve ever dropped $50 on airport snacks that made you feel worse, I see you. Most airport food is salty, sugary, or just… confusing. And when you’re dehydrated, that combo can make you feel even more sluggish and bloated.
My go-to travel snacks:

  • RX or Aloha bars
  • Grass-fed beef sticks
  • Fresh fruit (apple, berries, cucumber slices)
  • Chia pudding or overnight oats
  • Trail mix with nuts and coconut flakes

Think hydrating and protein-based.

5. Pack a Meal
If you can, bring your own meal. I’m not always perfect at this, but it makes a huge difference.
Morning flight? Eat a balanced breakfast before you go. Later flight? Pack something like a bowl, wrap, or salad. Having real food helps your digestion stay on track and keeps hanger away.

6. Natural Oils + Supplements
Flying is stressful on your nervous system. I like to bring simple support tools that calm and ground me:

  • Magnesium (for relaxation and muscle ease)
  • Lavender oil roll-on (for instant calm)
  • Chamomile tea or melatonin (for longer flights or overnight trips)

A few drops or capsules can make a world of difference when you’re running on little sleep or navigating travel chaos.

Flight Coffees: A Love-Hate Relationship

You’re tired— I get it. I need my coffee worse than anyone else probably. My rule of thumb: for every cup of coffee, drink two cups of water or one cup of electrolytes.

I love natural coconut-water-based electrolytes, but for packets, here are my go-tos:

  • Cure Hydration (made from coconut water and pink salt)
  • Thorne Catalyte
  • Earth Fed Muscle Hydrator
  • Nature’s Truth Electrolytes

Avoid the super-sugary ones. You want minerals, not syrup.

Let’s Talk About Travel Constipation

It’s real, it’s common, and it’s so not fun.
Between the altitude, dehydration, time-zone shifts, and all-day sitting, your digestive system literally slows down. Your body’s confused — new routine, new food, new stress.

Here’s how to help your gut keep moving:

  • Hydrate deeply: Water and electrolytes, not just plain water.
  • Gentle fiber: Add chia or flax seeds to yogurt or smoothies.
  • Move your body: Walk before boarding, stretch mid-flight, stroll when you land.
  • Keep your rhythm: Try to eat and wake up around similar times when you can.

And honestly? The best thing you can do is enjoy yourself. Your gut thrives when your nervous system feels safe and happy. Joy is medicine.

In Short

Travel doesn’t have to mean bloating, breakouts, or burnout. With a few intentional rituals, you can land feeling light, radiant, and at ease — no matter how long the flight.
So pack your bee spray, sip your electrolytes, and travel like the well-nourished woman you are.

xoxo, Olivia Jade

Comments

Leave a comment