Self care essentials become increasingly necessary as the colder air of fall rolls in and the leaves begin to change. Fall is the perfect time to travel. The kids are back in school, the weather is milder and the crowds tend to be minimal.

But with the excitement of travel comes the need to take extra care of yourself. Fall can bring its own set of challenges.

If you’re traveling in the north, you can expect chilly air, multi-colored leaves, and pumpkin spice everything which can be absolutely beautiful. However, those pretty colors come with a few drawbacks. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may experience dry skin, viral illness, and low mood/depression. Yikes.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of 8 self care essentials to ensure you stay comfortable and healthy throughout your fall travels. Let’s dive into it! Shall we?

Rain Gear
Fall is without a doubt, an ideal time for a little self-care travel. But with the beauty of the season comes the unpredictability of fall weather. That’s why it’s essential to pack some excellent rain gear. It’s truly a game-changer. A rain jacket is absolutely perfect for protecting you from the rain and keeping you warm.

It really can make all the difference when you’re out and about. Here are a few options I swear by that will help you stay as dry as possible in the potentially wet fall weather.

BALEAF Women’s Rain Jackets Waterproof Windbreaker Windproof Running Lightweight Cycling Jackets Reflective Packable Hooded

COOFANDY Men’s Rain Suit 2 Piece Waterproof Breathable Rain Gear Lightweight Rain Jacket Pants Rainwear Suit

Women’s Waterproof Raincoat Lightweight Rain Jacket Hooded Windbreaker with Pockets for Outdoor

Reusable Waterbottle
One thing on the self care essentials list that often gets overlooked is a reusable water bottle. Listen Stanley Girlys your Stanley cup might be too bulky and large to take with you on a fall hike or somewhere remote. Why not invest in a collapsable water bottle that you can fold and put away when you’re done?

Once you’re finished, you don’t necessarily want to carry a cup around all day so this is really the best option for hikers or those embarking on busy trips during their travels. It might seem simple, but having a reusable water bottle can make a huge difference. Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best. Here are three of the best collapsible, reusable water bottles on the market.

HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle – 25oz I Reusable Water Bottle with Flip Top Lid for Travel, Hiking, Backpacking I Portable & Leakproof, Food-Grade Silicone, BPA Free, Collapses to 1.5”

Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle, 26oz Silicone Foldable Water Bottles Leakproof BPA Free Travel Water Bottles with Carabiner, Portable Sport Water Bottles for Camping, Hiking Outdoor Indoor Sport

Collapsible Water Bottle, Camping Cup With Carabiner, Reuseable Silicone Foldable Leak Proof Portable Sports Travel Water Bottles For Outdoor, Travel Gym Hiking, BPA Free, Cycling Cups with Carabiner

Portable Humidifier

If you’re anything like me, then you probably suffer from dry skin. Dry skin is definitely more prevalent in the fall and winter seasons. Keeping your skin and sinuses hydrated can be a real challenge, especially when you’re on the go.

That’s where a portable humidifier comes in. It’s perfect for fall travel, especially if you’re traveling to a cabin or somewhere chilly. There are many options and brands to choose from. Here are a few I recommend.

Homedics Portable Humidifier – Small Air Humidifiers for Bedroom, Plants, Office, Travel – Cool Mist Humidifiers, Color-Changing Accent Light, 2 Mist Settings, Black

Portable Small Humidifier – Cold Mist Humidifier with 360° Rotating Stand, Warm Eye-Care Light, 2/8 H Timer Function, Mini humidifier for Bedroom, Plants, Office, and Car

Portable Mini Humidifier, 500ml Small Cool Mist Humidifier, USB Personal Desktop Humidifier for Baby Bedroom Travel Office Home, Auto Shut-Off, 2 Mist Modes, Super Quiet, White

Neutral Fall Jacket

When the weather starts to get chilly, a fall jacket becomes a necessity! Fall weather can be unpredictable so it’s best to pack a wide range of outfits when you travel. A neutral, light jacket is perfect for your fall trip. By choosing a neutral color, you’ll have a coat that matches your entire travel wardrobe while still being able to stay warm on our adventures.

Some stylish options for your next trip:

EVALESS Quilted Jackets for Women Lightweight Long Sleeve Button Down Puffer Jacket Warm Winter Coat Outerwear with Pockets

AUTOMET Womens Oversized Leather Jackets Faux Suede Fall Fashion Motorcycle Coats Winter Outfits Clothes 2024

luvamia Pea Coats for Women Trendy Embroidered Contrast Trim Long Peacoat Jackets Lapel Button Winter Coat with Pockets

Warm, Comfortable Shoes For Walking

Fall is often regarded as one of the best times to travel. The kids are back in school so crowds are minimal and the weather is typically mild.

With that being said, it’s very easy to overlook your feet! Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must-have for your fall travels. The last thing you want is sore feet holding you back. The right pair of shoes means you can be comfortable and more inclined to enjoy the experience.

My pick for some of the best travel shoes on the market:

Betrue Women’s Lightweight Boat Shoes, Casual Loafers, Slip On Deck Shoes, Breathable Canvas Sneakers

OLUKAI Pehuea Li Women’s Slip On Sneakers, Casual Everyday Shoes with Drop-in Heel & Breathable Mesh Design, Lightweight & All-Day Comfort

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneaker

Packing Cubes

Staying organized is key when traveling, especially during the fall. That’s where packing cubes come in. When you travel during the fall, you’re going to be bringing a very broad wardrobe often times with everything from jackets to shorts and T-shirts. That’s why packing cubes are a self care essential when traveling. It will help you organize your luggage accordingly so you know where everything is at all times.

My top pick for packing cubes:

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes for Travel Organizers with Double Zipper (6-Pack (2L+2M+2S), Grey)

BAGSMART 6 Set/4 Set/2 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel, Lightweight Vacation Travel Essentials, Travel Accessories for Suitcase Organizer Bags Set, Durable Luggage Organizer Travel Bags

HOTOR Packing Cubes for Suitcases – Light Packing Cubes for Travel, Premium Suitcase Organizer Bags Set, Space-Saving Luggage Organizers, Water-Resistant Travel Essentials – 6/8 set

Foldable Umbrella

Listen, I get it, fall weather is really hard to prepare for. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re caught in a sudden downpour. This is where a foldable umbrella is the perfect solution! It’s perfect for your list of self care essentials! It’s lightweight, portable, and can easily fit in your backpack. That way, you can enjoy your trip rain or shine! The best Foldable Umbrellas to follow!

SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella – Lightweight Portable Mini Compact umbrellas-Factory outlet shop

PFFY 2 Packs Travel Umbrella Windproof Auto Open & Close Collapsible Folding Small Compact Backpack Car travel Essentials Purse Umbrellas for Rain

Travel Umbrella – Mini Folding Compact Umbrella with Case, 8 Ribs Lightweight Portable Umbrella, Small Sun & Rain Pocket Umbrella for Girls and Women

Vitamin D Tablets

This tip is especially important for late fall! As the days become shorter and the weather cools, maintaining your mental and physical health may become a lot harder than it was in the warmer months. Hence, bringing Vitamin D with you if you’re traveling in a cooler climate is one of the many important self care essentials that might help keep you in check.

Vitamin D is also crucial for boosting your immune system and supporting bone health, which can also help you enjoy your trip. Nobody wants to be sick or in pain while traveling right? I’ve listed some fantastic options down below!

NATURELO Vitamin D – 2500 IU – Plant Based from Lichen – Natural D3 Supplement for Immune System, Bone Support, Joint Health – Vegan – Non-GMO – Gluten Free – 180 Mini Capsules

NOW Foods Supplements, Vitamin D-3 2,000 IU, High Potency, Structural Support*, 30 Softgels

Bronson Vitamin D3 5,000 IU (125 MCG) 1 Year Supply for Healthy Muscle Function and Immune Support, Non-GMO, 360 Tablets

FAQ

Why Is It Important To Carry Vitamin D Tablets During Fall Travel?
Carrying vitamin D tablets during your trip is important if you’re traveling in the Northern Hemisphere right now! As the days get shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, your body may not get enough natural vitamin D. This can cause side effects such as low mood or frequent illness.

What Should I Pack In My Carryon?
When packing your carry-on for a fall trip, aim for comfort and adaptability. Ideally, you should pack items that you can layer such as a sweatshirt, a light jacket, and a few short sleeves. This is because fall weather is so unpredictable.

Make a checklist of the items listed in the article so you’re fully prepared. I also have a shop HERE where you can browse other products I swear by. These items can be used all year round. They aren’t exclusive to fall!

Should I Bring An Umbrella Or Rain Gear? Or Both?
For fall travel, bringing both an umbrella and rain gear is a smart choice. An umbrella is very convenient and can be stored in a backpack when not needed but a rain jacket provides a bit more coverage from the rain, especially if it’s pouring. If you combine both items you’ll be fully prepared for potentially wet weather.

Are There Any Skin Care Products You Recommend For Fall Travel?
I recommend bringing a hydrating moisturizer to combat the dryness of the air. A Vitamin C serum is also great for protecting against cool air. Here are a few products I swear by. They really help keep my skin moisturized when I’m traveling in the colder months!

Fruit Of The Earth Bogo Cream Vitamin-E 4 Ounce Jar (113g)

Tree of Life Vitamin C Skin Care Set, Skin Brightening Face Oil for Dark and Age Spots, Facial Serums for Dry and Sensitive Skin with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E for Soft Smooth Skin, 1 Fl Oz

What are some tips for layering outfits in the fall?
Layering outfits in the fall requires a strategic approach. It’s much harder than you think! I would start with a breathable base layer, such as a fitted long-sleeve shirt or thermal top, which helps regulate your body temperature.

Next, add versatile mid-layers like sweaters, cardigans, or flannel shirts that can be easily adjusted as the weather changes. Top off with a lightweight, insulated jacket or coat, and consider options with removable liners for added flexibility.