As you read this, I’m in Spain for a 3.5 week holiday, including a 7-day cycling retreat in Girona - something I’ve been looking forward to for months. The cycling retreat has been a big goal of mine since I started cycling this year, and I knew the packing would be just as important as the pedalling.
When you’re travelling, especially for something active, you want items that earn their place in your suitcase: lightweight, multi-purpose, and supportive of your health and wellbeing. Unsurprisingly, many of my essentials came straight from The Holistic Ingredient store shelves.
Here’s what made the cut:
Wellness must-haves
Daily Hydration Blend
My absolute hero for hot riding days. Long hours on the bike in warm weather mean hydration is everything, and this blend keeps me feeling energised and replenished.
Creatine Monohydrate
I’ve built it into my routine for improved stamina and recovery, and I’m not about to break that habit now.
Daily Greens Blend
An easy way to make sure I’m getting that extra dose of greens every day, even while travelling.
Marine Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid
Each morning I mix collagen, creatine, and Daily Greens together — a simple ritual that grounds me and sets me up for the day.
Beauty & personal care essentials
Asuvi Natural Deodorant
My everyday go-to. Fresh, reliable, and natural.
Avocado Zinc SPF
Lightweight and travel-friendly, I’ve packed the tinted moisturiser, both body and face sunscreens, a couple of SPF cheek & lip tints and an SPF 50 concealer, for daily protection.
Crown Curly travel pouches
The warm, humid Spanish weather (plus salty cycling hair!) calls for a little extra TLC. These handy pouches are perfect for keeping hair nourished on the go. I'm choosing Climate Control Gel for the humidity, and using the Hair Cleanser as a two in one cleanser and leave in conditioner.
Aleph Beauty Essentials Edit
A concealer/foundation, serum primer, radiance balm, and my favourite tints (Gloria, Pixie and Grounded). This little kit means I can do a full face in five minutes. I'll also pop the mixing treatment balm in as this doubles as a lip balm and for blending makeup — one of those true multi-taskers.
Comfort & little luxuries
Cotton & Cashmere Toppers
Perfect for layering on cooler evenings and cosy on the plane. Lightweight and versatile, they are some of my favourite travel companions.
Hanami Nail File
You never realise how much you’ll need one until you don’t have one!
Miss Frankie Nail Polish
I packed “I Prefer Champagne,” a forgiving, goes-with-everything shade that’s kind to nails.
LoveByt Toothpaste
A small thing, but it makes such a difference when you truly enjoy your daily rituals away from home.
Why this list matters
Travel is such a joy, but it can also be disruptive to your routines. For me, choosing items that support my wellbeing, protect my skin, and add little comforts means I can relax and focus on the experience.
And in case you’re wondering, yes — I’ll be sharing snippets of the Girona cycling retreat over on Instagram, so you can follow along there too!
