What Sustainable Travel Means To Madison Headrick of Care.ē.on

First of all Madison, we would love it if you would tell us a bit about where your love of travel was born from?

 

My love for travel began in childhood, inspired by my grandparents who were true adventurers at heart. I vividly remember flipping through their photo albums—my grandmother riding a camel in Egypt, my grandfather exploring the streets of Tokyo—and being completely mesmerized. They made the world feel expansive yet attainable, and their stories sparked a deep curiosity in me to experience life beyond my own borders.

As I grew older, the fashion industry became my gateway to global discovery. I was fortunate that my career as a model allowed me to see the world through both a creative and cultural lens. Now, more than 15 years in, travel isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am. Every destination has shaped my perspective, and every journey has helped me refine what I truly need while on the go.

That mindset is what ultimately led me to create Care.ē.on. I wanted to build a brand that not only supports the modern traveler, but does so thoughtfully—with intention, ease, and care. Travel is such a privilege, and I believe it should be approached with gratitude and responsibility. For me, sustainable travel means being conscious of what we bring, how we consume, and how we care for ourselves and the planet along the way. Care.ē.on is my way of sharing that philosophy with others.

 

And how did that translate into wanting to start a sustainably minded travel brand?

 

The idea for a sustainably minded travel brand came from years of living out of a suitcase. As a model constantly on the move—often flying to a different city or country every few days—I learned very quickly what was essential, what wasn’t, and how frustrating packing could be. I found myself craving products that were not only effective and easy to travel with, but also aligned with my values.

That’s where Care.ē.on was born—from a desire to make travel feel more effortless, more intentional, and more sustainable. I wanted to create something that supported people like me—modern travelers who care about what they put on their skin, how much they pack, and the impact they leave behind. Sustainability is at the heart of every decision we make, from clean, travel-friendly formulas to consciously chosen packaging. It’s about caring—for yourself, for the planet, and for the journey.

What was your main goal in creating Care.ē.on ?

 

My goal in creating Care.ē.on was to reimagine the way we experience travel. I wanted to turn the often chaotic, exhausting moments—crowded airports, long-haul flights, back-to-back schedules—into opportunities for self-care. The idea was simple: even just a few mindful minutes can completely shift your mindset and energy.

With Care.ē.on, I set out to create products that bring ease, comfort, and calm into the everyday hustle of travel. Whether it’s a refreshing spritz between gates. Or a grounding ritual before takeoff, our kits are designed to fit seamlessly into your carry-on and your routine. At its core, the brand is about empowering people to prioritize themselves—even when they’re on the move.

 

Can you tell us a bit about what someone can expect to find in your carry on case and how you chose the products and ingredients?

 

Inside our En Route Essentials 5-piece kit, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of skincare staples. Designed specifically for life on the go. Our Layover Lip Mask, In The Clouds Facial Mist, Hydroboost Highdrating Pads, Flying Highdration Mask, and a reusable mesh zipper pouch. Each product was intentionally chosen to meet the real needs of travelers—hydration, simplicity, and ease.

I wanted every formula to feel luxurious yet practical. For example, our Hydroboost Highdrating Pads deliver powerful moisture in a pre-soaked pad format. Making them easy to use without needing to touch your face directly. Especially helpful when you’re on planes or in transit. All products are TSA-friendly, crafted with clean, effective ingredients, and housed in sleek, sugarcane-based packaging that’s both sustainable and beautiful. From function to formula, every detail was designed to bring a little peace and care to the journey.

 

We know that waste is such a huge issue in the travel industry, so how did you go about sourcing sustainable materials for your own packaging?

 

Sustainability was non-negotiable for Care.ē.on from day one, but finding the right packaging was a complex and thoughtful process. My team and I spent months researching and sampling options from sustainable manufacturers around the world. We weren’t just looking for eco-friendly materials. We needed packaging that felt elevated, aligned with our brand’s aesthetic, worked seamlessly with our clean formulas, and still fit within our budget.

Sustainable materials often come at a higher cost. Especially when you’re a young, growing brand, but we were committed to making conscious choices that reflect our values. We tested everything rigorously to ensure our formulas stayed stable and effective in the packaging. When we finally landed on our sugarcane-based tubes and recyclable components, it felt like a major victory. Proof that style, performance, and sustainability can coexist beautifully.

 

Do you have a favorite travel routine you can share with us?

 

Yes! I actually have a late-night flight tonight, so I’ll walk you through how I prepped today — it’s a ritual I’ve come to love, and it makes travel feel less chaotic and more intentional.

This morning, the weather in New York was finally beautiful, so I started the day with a long walk around the Central Park loop, soaking in the cherry blossoms and fresh air. I always try to move my body on travel days — it helps me feel grounded before hours of sitting at the airport or on a plane.

When I got home, I took what I call my “travel shower” — it’s a full reset. I exfoliate, shave, do a deep-conditioning hair mask, a hydrating face mask, and finish with a rich body moisturizer. It’s a little ritual that makes me feel refreshed and extra clean before a flight — probably mostly mental, but it works!

Then I lay out every outfit for the trip, head to toe — shoes, accessories, everything — so I don’t overpack and don’t forget anything. Once my suitcase is packed, I move on to my carry-on: headphones, chargers, snacks, a good book, and of course, my Care.ē.on kit.

I like to leave everything ready by the door and head into the office for a half day. I check off any outstanding tasks, set my out-of-office reply, and clear my inbox — getting on a plane with peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

On the way home, I stopped for a quick manicure — my favorite final touch. Then it’s a healthy dinner (so I’m not tempted by salty airplane snacks), a quick tidy-up of my apartment (nothing better than coming home to a clean space), and a final check: passport, boarding pass, and go.

Travel can be stressful, but turning the prep into a day of intention and self-care transforms the experience — and that’s what Care.ē.on is all about.

 

What has been your favorite destination you’ve travelled to recently and why?

 

Gstaad, Switzerland has to be my recent favorite — a place I’ve visited many times before, but this trip felt particularly special. It was my first international flight with my baby and he was an absolute pro — even earning a round of applause from fellow passengers for his stellar in-flight behavior.

There’s something truly magical about Gstaad. From sipping tea fireside in the cozy lobby of The Palace, to meandering through the charming town that feels plucked from a storybook, every moment felt like a dream. I spent my days wandering through galleries, unwinding at the spa at The Alpina, enjoying quiet nature walks, and indulging in more pots of fondue than I care to admit.

It was the kind of trip that nourished my soul — peaceful, grounding, and a beautiful pause from the energy of New York. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and so grateful for the memories we made as a family.

How do you think travel can actually help us be more conscious humans?

 

Travel has a powerful way of expanding our perspective. It invites us to step outside of our own routines and immerse ourselves in cultures, traditions, and ways of life that are beautifully different from our own. When we travel, we’re reminded that there is no single “right” way to live. That realization fosters empathy, humility, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.

It also encourages self-reflection. Being in new environments helps us reconnect with ourselves, become more present, and reevaluate what truly matters. Ultimately, I believe travel helps us become more open-minded, grateful, and thoughtful people. Both in how we move through the world and how we engage with those around us.

 

What are your top 3 tips for sustainable travel?

 

When it comes to sustainable travel, here are my top three tips:

When it comes to traveling more sustainably, small intentional choices can make a meaningful impact. Here are my top three tips:

1/ Choose conscious accommodations. Opt for hotels and stays that are committed to sustainability. Places that prioritize energy efficiency, reduce waste, and care for their local communities. It’s so encouraging to see how many properties are now proudly sharing their green initiatives.

2/ Pack with purpose. I always travel with a refillable water bottle and reusable toiletry bags. Like the mesh zipper pouch from our En Route Essentials kit. These simple swaps help reduce single-use plastics and keep things organized on the go.

3/ Offset your footprint. Support carbon offset programs or environmental organizations that work to counterbalance travel-related emissions. It’s a small action that helps preserve the beauty of the places we love. And ensures future generations can experience them too.

 

Finally, what is the trip you would most love to take this year?

 

Every summer, I spend several months in Europe. It’s always been the busiest time of year for me as a model, with consistent work across cities like London, Paris, and Milan. Over the years, I’ve made the most of it by filling my days off with spontaneous mini-trips to visit friends and explore new places. It’s a rhythm I’ve grown to love — equal parts productive and adventurous. Though I’ll admit, living out of a suitcase for months at a time can definitely take its toll!

This year feels different. For the first time, I’m carving out real space for rest. After working throughout June in between London and Paris, I’ll be spending the entire month of July in the South of France. Not for work, but for an actual vacation. I’m most excited because it will be my baby’s first summer in Europe. The thought of slowing down, soaking in the sun, and sharing those magical moments with my family and friends makes this the trip I’ve looked forward to more than any other. I can’t wait to slow down, savor the simple moments, and see it all through his eyes.