Traveling, while often exhilarating and rewarding, can also be riddled with a fair share of discomforts. Issues such as lack of legroom, uncomfortable seats, and paresthesia (or when your leg “falls asleep” during long-haul flights/rides often make trips less enjoyable. At times, it can even become unbearable when the discomfort interferes with your breathing, such as when you experience sinus congestion and nasal dryness due to the changes in air pressure and dry air in the cabin. Another discomfort that inevitably comes with traveling is jetlag and its accompanying fatigue. And don’t forget the classic health problems that travelers often encounter, like traveler’s diarrhea, motion sickness, travel anxiety, and exposure to new allergens. Fortunately, these issues come with an easy fix—one that can easily fit in your pocket and can be readily found in nature—CBD.
Understanding CBD and its Benefits
Travelers seeking natural remedies to alleviate travel discomforts and enhance their well-being will surely be enamored with what cannabidiol can offer. CBD has gained much traction in recent years thanks to its numerous healing properties. Moreover, unlike its well-known counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t induce a “high” or mind-altering sensation, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with psychoactive effects on your way to your dream destination.
Derived from the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its potential anxiolytic, anti-emetic, analgesic, relaxing, and decongestant properties, among others. It exerts such effects by interacting with the receptors of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. The ECS plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including mood, sleep-wake cycles, stress response, and many more. Due to its effects on the ECS, research suggests that CBD may be a promising remedy for various ailments, such as stress and anxiety, pain and inflammation, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and nasal congestion. By incorporating CBD into your travel routine, you can tap into these potential benefits and enhance your overall well-being while on the go.
Choosing the Right CBD Products for Travel
As the popularity of CBD continues to grow, the market is flooded with an array of products, from oils and capsules to gummies and topicals. When selecting CBD products for your travels, it’s essential to consider factors such as potency, convenience, and legality.
CBD oils and tinctures are a popular choice for many travelers due to their versatility. They can be easily added to beverages or food, providing a discreet way to incorporate CBD into your routine. Capsules offer a convenient and pre-dosed option, while gummies provide a tasty and discreet way to consume CBD.
It is also crucial to choose products from reputable brands that prioritize quality and transparency. Look for products that have been third-party tested for potency and purity. Doing so ensures that you’re getting a reliable and safe CBD experience. Additionally, be aware of the legal status of CBD in your travel destination, as regulations can vary from one place to another.
Overcoming Nasal Irritation
Frequent fliers are all too familiar with the challenges of long-haul flights, like nasal congestion due to changes in air pressure during flights and dry nose due to the crisp air in the cabin. Nasal congestion makes it hard for you to breathe normally, which may be stress-inducing, especially if you already have anxieties related to flying. On the other hand, nasal dryness due to inhaling dry air for prolonged periods of time decreases the flow of mucus in the nose, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to stick to the dry mucosa inside the nose. To remedy this, all you have to do is use a convenient CBD nasal spray that will act as a nasal decongestant while keeping your sinuses moist and sterile. Not only that, it also exerts relaxing properties that will help ease discomfort.
Managing Stress and Anxiety on the Road
Traveling, while exciting, can also be quite stressful. Whether it’s navigating through unfamiliar places, dealing with flight delays, or adjusting to new time zones, stressors during travel can accumulate quickly. CBD offers a natural solution to help manage stress and anxiety during your adventures.
Findings from various studies and clinical trials attest to CBD’s anxiolytic effects, which makes it a popular choice for reducing anxiety levels. Incorporating a daily dose of CBD into your travel routine may provide a calming effect, which can help you stay relaxed and focused even in challenging situations. Whether you prefer a few drops of CBD oil in your morning coffee or a discreet capsule before takeoff, finding the right routine can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience.
Enhancing Sleep Quality
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall well-being. However, disruptions to your regular sleep patterns are common during travel. It’s a good thing, then, that CBD has the potential to improve both sleep quality and quantity by addressing factors such as insomnia and anxiety.
If you struggle with getting enough quality sleep while on the road, incorporating CBD into your evening routine may help promote a more restful night. It has been shown to interact with receptors in the brain that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, thereby promoting mind and body relaxation that inevitably leads to a more restful sleep. In general, most travelers find that drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea with 2-3 drops of pure, concentrated CBD oil usually does the trick.
Keeping Motion Sickness at Bay
Another useful application of CBD during your travel is to prevent nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. Studies attest to CBD’s potential antiemetic properties that help alleviate nausea and vomiting. So the next time you feel motion sick, just pop a capsule or use a few drops of sublingual tincture and wait for it to take effect.
Alleviating Travel-Related Discomfort
Long flights, cramped spaces, and sitting for long hours can lead to discomfort and muscle stiffness. Fortunately, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties offer fast-acting relief from travel-related aches and pains.
Topical CBD products, such as creams or balms, can be applied directly to areas of discomfort, providing targeted relief. Additionally, incorporating CBD internally through capsules or oils may have a systemic anti-inflammatory effect, which effectively contributes to an overall sense of well-being. Including CBD as part of your post-travel self-care routine can help alleviate any physical discomfort and ensure you’re ready to embark on your next adventure feeling refreshed.
Is It Legal Though?
While CBD is already legal in many places, it’s important to be aware of the legal status of CBD in your travel destination. Regulations regarding the production, sale, and use of it can vary significantly, and it’s crucial to respect local laws to avoid any legal complications during your travels.
Before packing your CBD products, research the specific regulations of your destination to ensure compliance. Some countries may have strict restrictions on the THC content of CBD products, and carrying CBD across international borders without proper documentation could lead to legal issues. Being well-informed about the legal landscape will help you enjoy the benefits of CBD without any unnecessary complications.
Elevate Your Travel Experience with CBD
Incorporating CBD into your travel adventures can be a transformative experience, offering a natural and holistic approach to well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to promoting better sleep and alleviating travel-related discomfort, CBD has the potential to enhance every aspect of your journey. By choosing high-quality products, being mindful of local regulations, and experimenting with different routines, you can discover the unique benefits that it can bring to your travel lifestyle. Embrace nature’s healing on the go and elevate your travel experience with the power of CBD.