Travel Well, Stay Grounded: Ayurvedic Tips for Summer Balance On the Go

By Dr. Puja Shah

I’ve traveled with kids on long-haul flights, attended Ayurvedic retreats halfway across the world, and navigated packed airports while trying to hold onto my peace. I know firsthand how easy it is to lose your rhythm while traveling—especially during summer.

In Ayurveda, we understand this on a deep level.

Travel—especially by air or long car rides—increases Vata dosha, the energy of movement and change. Combine that with the heat of Pitta season, and it’s no wonder travel can leave you feeling scattered, dehydrated, bloated, or burned out.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice your balance to enjoy the journey.

With a few intentional practices, you can travel in a way that supports your body, protects your digestion, and nourishes your mind.

The Ayurvedic view on travel

From an Ayurvedic lens, travel disrupts all three doshas, but especially Vata.

You’re moving fast, sleeping less, crossing time zones, and likely eating out of sync with your usual routine. Your body loses its sense of grounding.

In the heat of summer, Pitta adds intensity—agitation, impatience, and inflammation can flare. Together, this creates a perfect storm for imbalance if not managed intentionally.

5 simple Ayurvedic travel tips for Summer harmony

1. Ground before you go

Before any trip, give yourself a few moments to root your energy. Rub warm sesame or coconut oil on your feet or scalp before departure. Practice alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) to steady the mind.

2. Stick to simple, cooling foods

Avoid heavy, fried, or spicy meals. Pack light snacks like:

Soaked almonds
Cucumber or fennel slices
Dates or dried figs
Herbal teas (try mint, fennel, or tulsi in a thermos)

3. Hydration is your best friend

Dehydration increases Vata and Pitta. Sip water with a pinch of rock salt and lime, or infuse with herbs like mint and coriander.

4. Settle the senses mid-transit

Bring calming tools:

A small lavender or vetiver oil roller for your temples
A scarf or shawl for warmth and comfort
Meditative playlists or a grounding mantra

5. Rebuild rhythm on arrival

Even if you’re jet-lagged, eat at local meal times, rise with the sun, and keep your first full day gentle. Add a warm bath, light yoga, and early bedtime to reset quickly.

Your travel ritual: the 5-minute grounding practice

Wherever you are—airport lounge, hotel room, or passenger seat—try this mini reset:

Take 5 slow belly breaths
Massage your temples and feet with gentle pressure
Sip warm fennel tea or simply warm water
Place your bare feet on the ground for 60 seconds

This simple ritual calms the nervous system, hydrates your tissues, and helps your energy catch up with your body.

Travel isn't a disruption—it's an Invitation

When we travel with awareness, we invite Ayurveda to come with us—not stay behind.

You don’t need perfection. Just presence.

Let the journey be part of the healing, not the exception to it.

About Dr. Puja Shah, Editor-in-Chief of The Natural Law

Dr. Puja Shah is an award-winning author whose 93-year-old grandmother swore by Ayurvedic remedies and practiced yoga into her last days. And so while her education includes 9 years of medical training as a dentist, 3 teaching qualifications in yoga, and dozens of courses in meditation, it’s no wonder that she always goes back to Ayurveda. Puja harnesses Ayurveda regularly with her children and husband Amish Shah, Founder of The Natural Law.

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Organic Coriander Seed

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Benefits:While ginger is inherently warming, it can be used in small amounts to enhance cooling drinks for Kapha dosha. It helps stimulate digestion and metabolism, which can be beneficial for Kapha’s tendency towards lethargy and heaviness. Add a pinch of ground ginger to a lemon-ginger lemonade or herbal tea to balance the cooling effects while providing a gentle boost to your digestive system.