Vacation Vibes, Toxic Realities: Why I Needed a Detox After Our Carolina Trip
The Glam vs. The Gross
We just got back from a family trip to North and South Carolina. The beaches were beautiful, the food smelled amazing, and I loved the chance to get away with my family. But as much as I wanted to sink into “vacation mode,” I couldn’t ignore one thing: toxins were everywhere.
Flying already set the stage with plastic-wrapped snacks, airplane air that feels recycled a million times, and single-use cups for every sip of water or coffee. Then came the Airbnb. From the moment I unpacked my bag, I felt like I had stepped into a toxin trap.
You know that post-vacation feeling where your body feels heavy, sluggish, and just off? That was me the minute we got home. And honestly, it made me realize just how important it is to have a way to reset.
The Airbnb Toxin Trap
Let’s talk about our “home away from home.” On the surface, it was cute and cozy. But when I looked closer, here’s what I found:
Scratched-up nonstick pans: Teflon that had definitely seen better days. Scratches on nonstick pans mean chemicals like PFAS (a.k.a. “forever chemicals”) can leach right into your food.
Plastic coffee maker: Hot water running through plastic every single morning… not the wake-up call I wanted. Heat plus plastic means microplastics and endocrine disruptors in your cup.
Dish soap with artificial fragrance: A few squirts and the whole kitchen smelled like “ocean breeze.” Except that breeze was really a mix of synthetic fragrance and hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Polyester sheets: Sleeping on plastic fibers all night long. Polyester traps heat, sheds microplastics, and is often coated with chemicals to make it wrinkle-free. Not exactly restful sleep.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “But you’re on vacation! You can’t be perfect all the time.” And that’s true. I tried to remind myself of that as the days turned into a week. Vacations are supposed to be fun and freeing, not stressful. But here’s the thing: once you know how harmful these chemicals are, it’s hard to unknow it. That awareness follows you, even when you’re trying to relax.
👉 If you’ve ever felt the same way in your own home, my free guide 10 Simple Swaps for a Non-Toxic Home is a great place to start. It’s full of quick, realistic changes that make a huge difference without feeling overwhelming.
Eating Out: A Toxic Buffet
Vacations usually mean lots of eating out, and this one was no exception. But the more we ate, the more I realized I was fueling my body with things I’d never normally choose at home.
Fast food and takeout: processed oils, additives, and fried everything.
Plastic plates and utensils: every meal seemed to come with a side of BPA.
Coffee in plastic cups and lids: hot drinks plus plastic means leaching chemicals straight into your morning brew.
By day three, I felt bloated, sluggish, and honestly gross. My skin was breaking out, my energy dipped, and I just felt disconnected from my usual rhythm.
Why Travel Feels Extra Toxic
It’s not just me being picky. Science backs this up:
Nonstick pans (Teflon/PFAS): linked to hormone disruption, fertility struggles, and even cancer.
Plastic with heat: releases microplastics, BPA, and phthalates into your food and drinks.
Synthetic fragrance: contains phthalates and VOCs that mess with your hormones and air quality.
Polyester: off-gasses chemicals and sheds microplastics that your body absorbs through skin and lungs.
Ultra-processed food: adds to the load with preservatives, dyes, and inflammatory oils.
When you add it all up—air travel, Airbnb toxins, constant eating out—it’s no wonder your body feels overloaded.
Coming Home: The “Gross” Feeling
By the time we flew back home, I was over it. My body felt heavy, my skin was reacting, and I had zero energy. Instead of feeling refreshed from vacation, I felt like I needed a vacation from my vacation.
That’s when it hit me: this is exactly why I created my 7-Day Womb Detox.
The Reset That Works
I didn’t want another juice cleanse that leaves you starving. I didn’t want something unrealistic or extreme. What I wanted was a realistic, nourishing reset that helps clear out the hormone disruptors, reduce the bloating, and bring my body back into balance.
That’s what the 7-Day Womb Detox is designed for.
And here’s the thing: even though it’s called a “womb” detox, you don’t need to be focused on fertility or cycles to benefit from it. This reset is for anytime your body feels overloaded — after a vacation, after the holidays, or even just after a stressful season when you need a fresh start.
Inside, you’ll find:
Daily meal plans made with whole, detox-supporting foods.
Gentle but effective detox practices that help your body actually eliminate toxins.
Pro tips to support your hormones and reset your energy without giving up flavor or starving yourself.
It’s exactly what I used to shake off the sluggish, “gross” feeling from our trip. Within a few days, I felt lighter, clearer, and more like myself again.
What I’ll Do Differently Next Time
Travel will never be 100% toxin-free, but here are a few things I plan to do on our next family trip:
Pack a small bottle of castile soap so I don’t have to use the harsh dish soap provided.
Bring a stainless steel or glass travel mug for coffee and water.
Pack healthier snacks to cut down on processed food.
Consider bringing a linen travel sheet to avoid polyester bedding.
But at the end of the day, I also know I can’t avoid everything. And that’s why having a reset plan is so important.
Final Thoughts
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but when you come back feeling bloated, tired, and not yourself, it’s a sign your body is asking for help. The good news? You don’t need perfection—you just need awareness, a plan, and a way to reset.
If you’ve ever come back from a trip feeling the same way, I created the 7-Day Womb Detox for you. It’s the simple, realistic way to flush out the extra toxins, support your hormones, and start feeling like you again.
👉 [Click HERE to learn more about the 7-Day Womb Detox and start your reset today.]
