Essential Oils for Travel: Natural Help with Sleep, Anxiety, and Motion Sickness

Essential Oils for Travel: Natural Help with Sleep, Anxiety, and Motion Sickness

Introduction: Travel Can Be Stressful – Aromatherapy Can Help

Whether you're heading off on holiday, visiting family, or catching a flight for work, travel can be exciting — but also exhausting. Long queues, unfamiliar environments, jet lag, and disrupted sleep can take the shine off even the most anticipated trip. Many people also find themselves dealing with anxiety before flying or struggling to unwind in a hotel room that just doesn’t feel like home.

That’s where aromatherapy comes in. Using essential oils while travelling can help you feel calmer, sleep better, and stay more refreshed — all without relying on harsh chemicals or bulky products. From a quick spritz of pillow spray on a hotel pillow to a discreet peppermint roll-on for motion sickness, essential oils are a small addition to your bag that can make a big difference to your journey.

In this guide, we’ll explore which essential oils are best for travel, how to use them safely on the go, and the subtle ways they can support your wellbeing during flights, road trips, or weekend getaways.

Can You Bring Essential Oils on a Plane in the UK?

Yes — you can take essential oils in your hand luggage when flying from or within the UK, as long as you follow the standard liquid rules. That means:

  • Each bottle must be 100ml or less

  • All bottles must fit inside a single, clear, resealable plastic bag (maximum 1 litre in total)

  • The bag must be taken out of your carry-on at airport security

Rollerballs, pillow sprays, and small essential oil bottles all fall under these rules, so they’re allowed as long as they meet the size and packaging requirements. Solid aromatherapy balms or inhaler sticks can be a convenient alternative too — no liquid, no fuss.

✈️ Tip: Keep your oils in leak-proof containers and store them upright inside a zip pouch. The last thing you want is your luggage smelling like eucalyptus for the entire holiday (unless you planned it that way).

Common Travel Problems Aromatherapy May Help With

Travelling often sounds better than it feels. Even a short trip can come with challenges that affect your mood, energy, or sleep. Here are some of the most common problems UK travellers experience — and where essential oils may offer natural, easy support:

  • Trouble Sleeping on Flights or in New Places
    Jet engines, stiff seats, or noisy hotel rooms can make proper rest nearly impossible.

  • Jet Lag and Post-Flight Fatigue
    Crossing time zones can leave your body clock out of sync — tired when you need to be alert, and wide awake when it’s time to sleep.

  • Travel Anxiety or Pre-Flight Stress
    Airports, crowds, delays, or even just the idea of flying can bring up nerves for many travellers.

  • Motion Sickness (Car, Plane, or Ferry)
    Feeling queasy mid-journey is more common than you’d think, especially on winding roads or in turbulence.

  • Stuffy Cabins, Musty Hotel Rooms, or Unpleasant Smells
    Unfamiliar environments can feel stale or unclean — especially when you’re craving a sense of comfort or freshness.

Aromatherapy doesn’t fix everything, but it may help you feel more balanced and comfortable wherever your journey takes you. In the next section, we’ll look at which essential oils are most useful to pack — and why.

Best Essential Oils for Travel (UK-Friendly)

When space is limited, every item in your travel bag needs to earn its place. These essential oils are compact, versatile, and may help with some of the most common travel issues — from sleepless nights to nausea or jet lag. Here are our top recommendations:

💤 Lavender Essential Oil – May Help You Relax and Sleep Naturally

Lavender’s gentle floral scent has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep — perfect for long flights or noisy hotel rooms.
How to use it: Spray on your pillow, add to a rollerball, or inhale from a tissue before bed.

aroma energy lavender pack of three

🌿 Peppermint Essential Oil – May Ease Nausea and Refresh the Mind

Peppermint is often used to reduce motion sickness and travel-related fatigue. Its crisp, cooling aroma can help settle the stomach and re-energise your mind.
How to use it: Inhale from a tissue or apply (diluted) to wrists or temples.

Peppermint Pure Essential Oil - Aroma Energy

🌱 Ginger Essential Oil – Traditionally Used to Soothe Motion Sickness

Ginger is a trusted natural remedy for nausea — especially helpful for those who get queasy on car journeys, ferries, or flights.
How to use it: Inhale from a tissue or combine with a carrier oil in a rollerball for targeted relief.

Ginger Pure Essential Oil - Aroma Energy

🍊 Orange Essential Oil – A Mood-Lifting Citrus to Calm Nerves

Bright, zesty, and gentle, orange essential oil can help ease travel stress and promote a more positive state of mind — ideal for nervous flyers.
How to use it: Use in a rollerball, personal diffuser, or simply inhale a drop from your palms.

Orange Pure Essential Oil - Aroma Energy

🌬️ Eucalyptus Essential Oil – May Help Re-Energise and Clear the Mind

After a long flight or drive, eucalyptus offers a clean, invigorating aroma that may help clear mental fog and promote alertness.
How to use it: Add a few drops to a tissue or travel diffuser, or blend with orange for a freshening spray.

aroma energy eucalyptus pack of three

🧳 Tip: If you’re short on space, even one or two oils can go a long way. Start with scents that feel familiar and comforting — your nose knows what works for you.

How to Use Essential Oils on the Go

Essential oils are versatile and easy to take with you — if you use the right formats. Here are some of the most travel-friendly ways to enjoy aromatherapy on the move, from airport lounges to hotel rooms.

1. Pillow Sprays for Better Sleep Anywhere

A familiar scent at bedtime can signal your body it’s time to rest — even on a noisy flight or in an unfamiliar hotel room.
Our Pillow Sprays, made with pure essential oils like lavender, are under 100ml and perfect for carry-on luggage.

pillow spray for better sleep and help with anxiety

2. Roller Balls for Quick, No-Mess Application

Roller balls are pre-diluted and ready to apply to pulse points like the wrists, temples, or behind the ears — ideal for calming nerves, boosting focus, or easing nausea.
Explore our Pulse Point Roller Balls with blends like lavender, peppermint, and anxiety support for all kinds of journeys.

aroma energy roller ball collection

3. Inhale from a Tissue, Palm, or Inhaler

Add 1–2 drops of essential oil to a tissue or the palms of your hands, then inhale deeply. It’s quick, subtle, and effective — especially with peppermint for nausea or eucalyptus for fatigue.
Tip: You can also create a DIY inhaler stick for longer-lasting use.

4. Use a Travel Diffuser in Hotels or Cars

If you're sensitive to hotel smells or stale air, a USB-powered mini diffuser or car diffuser can refresh your space quickly. Add a few drops of your favourite oil — such as lavender for relaxation or orange for a mood boost.
Travel Case Sets with small oil bottles make it easy to pack a variety of scents without taking up space.

Essential Oil Gift Set Travel Case with pack of 4 x 10ml Sleep Essential Oils - Chamomile, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Marjoram - Aroma Energy

5. Make Your Own Rollerball with Carrier Oils

Prefer to blend your own? Pack a small bottle of carrier oil (like grapeseed or sweet almond) and mix it with your chosen essential oil — ideal for creating personalised rollerballs on the go.
Just remember to keep your blend at 1% dilution for safety.

6. Freshen Up Musty Rooms

Some travellers like to pack a small bottle of fragrance oil for scenting their accommodation. Add a drop to a cotton ball or burner to freshen up the space — but stick to essential oils if you're looking for therapeutic effects.

aroma energy fragrance oils full range

🧳 Whether you prefer ready-to-use sprays or like to make your own blends, there’s a travel-friendly method to suit every style. In the next section, we’ll show you how to create a simple DIY rollerball that’s perfect for calming nerves while you’re away.

DIY: Calming Travel Rollerball Recipe

Want to carry a calming blend in your pocket while you travel? Making your own rollerball is quick, affordable, and gives you full control over the scent and strength. It’s perfect for dealing with stress, nervous energy, or helping your body wind down on the go.

Here’s an easy, travel-safe recipe to try:

DIY Calming Rollerball (1% Dilution, 10ml Bottle)

You’ll need:

  • 10ml carrier oil – e.g., grapeseed or sweet almond

  • 2 drops lavender essential oil

  • 1 drop orange essential oil

  • (Optional: 1 drop frankincense for extra grounding)

  • 1 empty rollerball bottle

Instructions:

  1. Add the essential oils to the roller bottle.

  2. Top up with your chosen carrier oil.

  3. Insert the rollerball cap, close tightly, and shake gently.

Apply to pulse points (like wrists, temples, or neck) during flights, busy transit moments, or anytime you need a calming reset.

⚠️ Use a maximum 1% dilution for safe topical application. Always patch test before use. Avoid eyes and mucous membranes. Not recommended for children or during pregnancy unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Safety Tips for Travelling with Oils

Essential oils are powerful natural tools — but they need to be used with care, especially when you’re away from home. Here’s how to travel safely and responsibly with your oils:

1. Know the Airport Rules (UK-Friendly)

  • Only take bottles 100ml or smaller

  • Store them in a clear, resealable plastic bag with other liquids

  • Keep them easily accessible — you’ll need to take them out at security

2. Prevent Leaks and Spills

  • Choose leak-proof bottles with secure caps

  • Store upright inside a zip pouch or travel case

  • If using DIY blends, test your bottle at home for seal quality

3. Always Dilute for Skin Use (1% Max)

Essential oils should be diluted before applying to skin — especially during travel, when skin may be more sensitive.

  • For adults, use a 1% dilution (that’s 1 drop of essential oil per 5ml of carrier oil)

  • Avoid applying to broken, irritated, or sun-exposed skin

4. Use with Caution Around Others

Not everyone reacts the same way to strong scents. When travelling, be mindful in enclosed spaces like planes, trains, or shared accommodation.
Stick to subtle applications — like a dab on your wrist or a quick tissue inhale — rather than diffusing in public.

5. Check with a Doctor if You Have Health Conditions

Aromatherapy can support wellbeing, but it’s not a substitute for medical care.
If you’re pregnant, managing a chronic condition, or taking medication, speak to your GP before using essential oils — especially on skin or near children.

🛡️ This blog does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health-related use of essential oils.

FAQ: Essential Oils and Travel

Q: Can I take essential oils in hand luggage in the UK?

Yes. You can bring essential oils in your carry-on bag if each bottle is 100ml or under, and placed inside a clear resealable plastic bag along with your other liquids. This applies to rollerballs, sprays, and oil blends.

Q: Which essential oils help with motion sickness?

Peppermint and ginger essential oils are commonly used to ease nausea and travel sickness. Inhale from a tissue, apply a pre-diluted rollerball to your wrists, or use a personal inhaler for discreet relief during travel.

Q: What’s the best essential oil for sleep on a flight or in hotels?

Lavender is widely used to promote calm and sleep. It’s ideal in a pillow spray, rollerball, or diffuser. Many travellers use it consistently at home so the scent becomes a cue for rest — even in unfamiliar environments.

Q: How should I pack my oils when travelling?

Use leak-proof bottles and store them upright in a zip pouch or travel case set. Keep essential oils in your carry-on if flying, and protect glass bottles with padding or socks to avoid breakage.

Q: Can I use essential oils around other people while travelling?

It’s best to be discreet. Not everyone enjoys strong scents, and some may have sensitivities. Stick to personal use formats like rollerballs, sprays, or tissues, and avoid public diffusing unless you’re in a private space.

Final Thoughts: Your Natural Travel Companion

Travel can be unpredictable — from restless flights to unfamiliar hotel rooms or unexpected nerves along the way. But a few drops of the right essential oil can go a surprisingly long way in helping you feel grounded, calm, and refreshed wherever your journey takes you.

Whether you need help falling asleep in a new place, settling travel nerves, or staying alert after a long flight, aromatherapy offers a natural, portable way to support your wellbeing on the go. And with formats like pillow sprays, rollerballs, and travel-sized oil sets, it’s easier than ever to take these benefits with you.

✈️ Planning a trip soon?
Discover our collection of travel-friendly aromatherapy products — from soothing lavender sprays to energising eucalyptus oils.
Small in size, big in impact.


📚 Further Reading

Looking to explore more about essential oils and their uses? Here are a few helpful reads:


📚 References

We believe in sharing trustworthy, up-to-date information. Here are some helpful sources that support the tips in this guide:

  • Airport rules for liquids in the UK: Most airports still require liquids (including essential oils) to be under 100ml and packed in a clear plastic bag. (GOV.UK, Skyscanner, The Guardian)
  • Lavender for sleep: Studies suggest that lavender essential oil may help improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. (ScienceDirect)
  • Peppermint for nausea: Research shows that peppermint oil may help reduce feelings of nausea and motion sickness. (PubMed, Medical News Today)
  • Using aromatherapy during travel: Sleep experts and frequent flyers often recommend aromatherapy (especially lavender sprays and peppermint roll-ons) as natural tools to feel calmer and more comfortable while travelling. (Tom’s Guide)

📚 Further Reading from Our Sister Brand Vita London

Want to learn more about how supplements can support your energy, rest, and overall wellbeing? Our sister brand offers expert-backed articles worth exploring:

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