Vacation as a holistic mama can feel a little hard and stressful. You want to protect your family’s wellness and honor the toxin-free values you live by but you also want to relax, connect, and not pack your entire house in the suitcase. So, here’s my personal list of what I actually bring when we travel—
the real must-haves that help us feel good without overthinking everything.
As a mom of a 4,3,2 and newborn and some who really cares about what goes onto my family’s plate (and into our bodies) I try very hard to keep toxins out of our lives. I always preach to people- health is wealth. When it comes to vacation, living a toxin free lifestyle can be hard. (and also, VERY expensive). We want to have fun and enjoy vacation but also, we want to protect our families’ values on living a toxin free & holistic lifestyle. So, let’s jump into some of the products we take on vacation that are toxin free & how to make vacation a little less difficult as a toxin free mama.
Holistic Mama Vacation Must Haves
Snacks
Let’s talk about snacks. Because if your kids are anything like mine…a solid stash of snacks can make or break the whole trip.
But here’s the thing…most gas station snacks are filled with seed oils, dyes, preservatives, and sugar bombs that leave our littles feeling cranky and crashing hard.
That’s why we stock up on travel-friendly, toxin-free snacks from Thrive Market before every trip.
They ship straight to our door, everything is vetted, and they make it so easy to filter by gluten-free, dairy-free, dye-free—you name it.
We love their beef sticks, granola bars, crackers, chips, pringles..literally everything. They have every snack you can think of, but in a healthier form. You can’t beat it.
And yes, I have a 40% off coupon if you’re new to Thrive—because saving money and choosing better-Always a win!
Eating out- Don’t aim for perfection
Eating out is something EVERYONE does on vacation- this time around I wanted to make it as minimal as possible- while also making it feel like I am on vacation. When I am on vacation I DO NOT WANT TO COOK. So, I prepped a couple simple things.
- Turkey wraps- you guys this was so simple, and my kids LOVED THEM. I bought organic- clean wraps- nitrate free turkey- raw cheese (or just grass-fed cheese) and primal kitchen mayo. My kids devoured these. Paired them with carrots and strawberries and my kids were IN HEAVEN.
- Muffins- another simple healthier option to do is to make muffins. To make it even more fun, I got dye free sprinkles and put them on top of the muffins. My kids also thought this was delicious. I loved that I could simply hand them one of these when they started to get hungry.
- Choosing better options: Obviously we couldn’t avoid all eating out. So here are things that I do when we do eat out. I’m not pulling out ingredient binders at restaurants. But we do scan the menu for better options:
- Grilled over fried.
- Fresh over processed.
- Fruit over fries when it feels right.
- And if the kids eat mac and cheese or share a dessert? We give thanks, enjoy the moment, and move on, It’s about nourishment—not perfection.
Vacations are meant to be enjoyed—not spent obsessing over every bite. Yes, we live a toxin-aware, label-checking, gut-loving lifestyle…but we also believe in the power of being present around the table. This mama loves a good dessert (especially when she didn’t cook it) so you better believe I am getting myself ice cream, a cookie, or a pie on vacation but just in moderations. (:
Packing Products
Here are some of the staples that I pack in my suitcase that are clean & toxin free that supports my family naturally!
Mineral Based Sunscreen & Skincare
What we put on our skin… goes in our body. Most conventional sunscreens are packed with chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone — ingredients linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and even coral reef damage. No thank you….
That’s why we switched to mineral-based sunscreen. Specifically: non-nano zinc oxide — a safe, natural barrier that reflects UV rays without disrupting hormones or soaking into your bloodstream. Primally Pure does just that. The ingredients in their products nourish our bodies instead of harming them.
We pack Primally Pure products on every vacation — because they actually work, and they’re rooted in ingredients you can pronounce. Things like tallow, organic oils, herbs, and essential oils — no fillers, no junk, no hormone-disrupting nasties.
Here’s what we love bringing along:
Primally Pure Tallow Balm – deeply hydrates sun-kissed skin
Everything Spray – soothes post-sun redness or bumps
Cleansing Oil – removes dirt, sweat, and sunscreen gently
Natural Deodorant – because toxic pits are out
Our babies’ skin is so thin. More absorbent. More sensitive. So, when we lather them in chemical sunscreen and fragrance-heavy lotions, it’s not just drying them out — it’s messing with their little hormone systems too at such a young age. Using clean, nourishing skincare supports their detox systems, strengthens their skin barrier, and helps their little bodies thrive — even in the sun and sand.
We live by the 80/20 rule, even on vacation. Yes, we might still grab ice cream or skip our skincare one night. But we come back to the basics: protect our skin, nourish it well, and choose better when we can. Mineral-based. Mama-approved. And yes, my skin’s never felt better.
Here is the link for Primally Pure. Use code WHOLESOME.FAMILY.ROOTS10
Holistic Tackle Box
You never know when a kid is going to get hurt, when someone is going to get sick, get a belly ache and the list goes on.
I created a holistic tackle box that goes with me EVERYWHERE. I want to have the supplies I need when someone is needing help. It’s like a first aid kit…but with holistic products.
Here is my amazon storefront to everything I use to create the tackle box. Its nice to have in my house and in the van as well!
Toxin-Free Soap + Amare Shampoo/Conditioner
Hotel soap? No thanks. It might be free, but it comes at a cost — especially when it comes to our skin, hormones, and long-term health.
Our skin isn’t just a barrier, it’s a sponge. Up to 60% of what we apply topically is absorbed into our bloodstream within minutes. That means every wash with chemical-filled soaps (fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates) is sending toxins straight into our body — and into our babies’ bodies.
Now think about baby and toddler skin…It’s thinner, more porous, and more vulnerable. Their tiny systems aren’t fully developed to detox what gets absorbed, so they store it instead. That’s why what we wash with matters so deeply.
Instead of using hotel soaps or whatever’s “convenient,” we pack:
-A travel-size bottle of castile soap – gentle, multi-use, toxin-free
– Tallow soap bar – deeply nourishing and safe even for baby skin
– Amare’s fermented shampoo + conditioner – our favorite for the whole family
Most shampoos are full of synthetic fragrance, harsh sulfates, and hormone disruptors that dry out the scalp and irritate sensitive skin.
Amare’s shampoo + conditioner are:
-Fermented – supports scalp microbiome + healthy hair growth
-Toxin-free – no parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances
-Soothing + nourishing – even for our toddlers
-Smells natural + amazing – no fake coconut beach scent here
Below are the links to my shampoo & Conditioner as well as my amazon store front to some of my favorite toxin free soaps.
Natural Bug Spray
Most conventional bug sprays contain DEET — a chemical neurotoxin linked to skin irritation, breathing issues, and possible developmental effects in children. Yes, it repels bugs , but at what cost to our nervous system?
When we spray it on ourselves or our kids, we’re coating their little skin (and lungs) with toxins they absorb directly into the bloodstream.
Here is what to use instead:
Primally Pure Bug Spray – tallow-based and essential oil powered
Earthley Pest-Aside – oil-based and safe for littles
If you’re more of a DIY mama, here’s a super simple spray I make at home. I use all Doterra products. They are a very clean and safe oil company that I do not have to worry about. Here is the link to their account.
DIY Bug Spray Recipe (Toxin-Free + Effective)
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz witch hazel or vodka (natural preservative + helps oils disperse)
- 2 oz distilled water
- 10 drops citronella essential oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 8 drops tea tree oil
- 6 drops lemongrass or eucalyptus oil
- Small glass spray bottle
Here is my doterra link
Here is a link to my amazon store front to natural/ toxin free products that I use for DIY projects.
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray on clothes and skin (avoid eyes and mouth).
It’s safe, smells lovely, and actually works. Not sticky, chemical film on your babies
Bug spray might seem like a small thing, but little choices add up.
- Every clean swap lightens your child’s toxic load.
- Every natural product supports their developing immune and endocrine system.
- Every step toward holistic living is a step toward thriving — even on vacation.
Happy Juice +Other Amare Supplements
Vacation is chaotic. Fun..but crazy.Later nights, more sugar, random mealtimes, and overstimulating days can leave everyone a little… off. I keep Happy Juice in my back pocket…for 1. Me….we are off rhythm the toddlers can get really grumpy. Happy Juice keeps me sane..It also helps my body stay in rhythm.
What’s in Happy Juice?
Happy Juice is a gut-brain health combo that supports your mood, energy, focus, and resilience, all while nurturing your gut microbiome. Because a calm, connected mama starts with internal balance.
It’s a blend of 3 powerful products:
- MENTA Biotics – feeds good gut bacteria (this is the “happy gut = happy brain” magic)
- MENTA Focus – mental clarity, calm, and patience (aka mom superpowers)
- ENERGIZE – clean, jitter-free energy from natural sources
It’s our daily reset in a cup, and while we love it year-round, it’s especially powerful when we’re off routine.
There are also items for kids as well, kids’ happy juice, kids’ mood+, kids calm. With being on vacation this could be an easy way to keep their bodies in check. Also, with my kids they struggle to sleep anywhere but their beds. Kids Calm will help them calm down naturally and help them sleep all night.
I’ll link Amare Link here along with $10.00 coupon.
Why We Don’t Leave Home Without It
When we travel, our bodies take a hit:
- We eat differently
- We sleep less
- We’re in new environments
- We react more emotionally
Happy Juice is one of the simplest, most powerful tools for helping my nervous system stay steady. It is a way to keep everything calm during the busy days.
Clean Electrolytes
Hot sun. Sweaty bodies. Long car rides. Extra tantrums. Vacation fun can deplete everyone quickly — especially little ones. That’s why I pack a clean electrolyte powder in our travel bag.
Why Electrolytes Matter (Especially on Vacation)
When we’re in the sun, sweating more, or eating different foods, we lose key minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium — and most of us aren’t replenishing them. This mineral imbalance can lead to:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Poor sleep
- And for littles… lots of meltdowns
Clean electrolytes help restore what’s lost and support hydration at a cellular level.
What We Use
We avoid mainstream electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade or Liquid I.V.) because they’re full of:
🚫 Food dyes
🚫 Artificial sweeteners
🚫 Synthetic additives
Instead, we look for powders or mixes that are:
✅ Dye-free
✅ Naturally sweetened (stevia or fruit-based)
✅ Rich in magnesium + trace minerals
✅ Safe for kids
Some great clean options:
- LMNT
- Amare’s Electrolytes
- Doterra’s Electrolytes
- Just Ingredients Electrolytes
- Use discount code: wholesomefamilyroots for a 10% discount
I mix it into their water bottles sometimes twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening.
Tencel Pajamas for the babes
Sleep can be hit or miss on vacation, new beds, hotel sheets, and overstimulation can leave little ones restless and sweaty at night. This year I decided to purchase tencel pajamas for the kids and honestly, my kids could tell a difference in pajama material and now they won’t sleep in anything else.
Why Tencel?
Tencel is a naturally derived fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp.It is ultra–soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking. It’s the dream combo for sensitive, sweaty, easily irritated little bodies.
Gentle, Safe, and Clean
Tencel pajamas are perfect for:
- Kids with eczema or skin sensitivities
- Hot sleepers
- Families avoiding synthetic fabrics
- Holistic mamas who want to reduce chemical exposure — even at bedtime
They’re free from harsh dyes, breathable enough for summer sleep, and buttery soft on tiny bodies that deserve comfort.
Straight up…when our kids sleep well, we sleep well and on vacation I want nothing but amazing sleep after a busy day. The brand I love is Meadow Lane Pajamas. I’ll link them here!
Simple Toxin-Free Makeup
Vacation I do not want full face of makeup. I want a couple staple pieces, and I want to run out the door. The brand I use is Crunchi and I literally have to scrub my face off at the end of the day.
I pack just the essentials:
- A tinted SPF that protects without hormone-disrupting chemicals
- A clean mascara to lift tired eyes
- A lip balm- so my lips stay hydrated and not chapped.
- Bronzer – I use this for eye shadow and to bronze my face up a little bit.
- Highlighter- So I have that glowy finish.
And that’s it. I want simple-skin loving products that don’t clog the pores or disrupt my hormones.
Why It Matters
Most conventional makeup is full of:
- Fragrance (a sneaky word for dozens of unlisted chemicals)
- Parabens + phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)
- Talc + synthetic dyes
I’ll drop the link to crunchi here and use advocate10 for a discount!
At the end of the day…
At the end of the day remember IT IS VACATION! Pack some items that mean everything to you. Pack some staples that keep your families’ values in check. We live an 80/20 lifestyle. We pack some toxin free staples, but we also eat the ice cream, eat out, and do the spontaneous delicious snacks that we know aren’t the best.
It’s all about balance and making it enjoyable!
What are some of your must haves you need on vacation?
Let me know in the comments below what some of your must haves you need on vacation!
To read more about Wholesome Family Roots Check out the blog here.
To shop Holistic Toxin Free Home Items, check out my amazon store front linked here
