Healthy Travel: Maintaining Wellness Away From Home

By Healthy Palate

With spring well under way and summer just around the corner our minds start to think of vacation and traveling.  While we all want to stay healthy on vacation it can be a challenge. If you have dietary restrictions, routines and rituals, or other health requirements, traveling can create an imbalance. Remember there are many of ways to have a great time and still stay healthy while traveling.

Bring healthy snacks with you. No matter where you go, bring some healthy foods along. Fruit, baby carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, granola, and nuts, are among some foods that travel well.  These easy to carry snacks help to provide hours of energy and provide you with essential nutrients.  When stopping on a road trip remember that many gas stations, coffee houses, and even fast food establishments have healthier options such as yogurt, fresh fruit, nuts, and even veggie sandwiches.  The same holds true when traveling through the airport. Remember, ask yourself “It is better than?” this question is an easy way to help you take a step back and make a more healthful choice. You are on vacation after all so it’s ok to have a splurge here and there.

Research your destination before you travel. This will help to give you an idea of restaurants in the area and menu options available. It will help you to avoid wasting time on your vacation deciding where to eat and will also help direct you to restaurants that have foods to accommodate your specific food requirements.  

Follow your daily routine as best as you can.  If yoga, walking, running, or the gym is part of your daily routine try to continue those practices.  Most hotels have a gym on property, can guide you on an easy route to take a walk or jog, and you can take a few minutes to do yoga in your room.

Vacation is not an excuse to overdo it.  Of course part of the fun of being on vacation is to put the usual day to day routine aside. Try to remember to respect your limits. Give yourself permission to let loose. Remember it is easy to fall back into old habits and hard to get back to what you worked so hard to achieve.  

Get out and move.  Try to make your major mode of transportation your feet!  Walk to a downtown area and explore. Walk to dinner and back. Simple activities like this help keep your body in motion and you keep you energized.   Your hotels front desk or concierge will be happy to give you simple maps with and safe routes.

Rest and reset.  So many people come back from vacation only needing a vacation form the vacation. Aside from having fun, vacation time is for recharging your body.  Remember, you had a level of stress when you left which you are most likely going back too. Make sure you get plenty of sleep on vacation, keep reasonable hours, and don’t rush yourself out every morning. There is nothing wrong with a quick cat nap in your room or by the pool (don’t forget the sunscreen).

Do the best you can and don't worry. Choose the healthiest options available, and remember that it’s what we do 90% of the time that truly affects our bodies. Trust in yourself and your body’s ability to regain perfect balance when you get home.

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