Tis the season to travel! I know many of us will have fun holidays coming up, whether that’s jet-setting on a plane or getting in the car for some adventures on the road. Travelling usually means less healthy options when it comes to eating and taking care of your body.
And often times we can take that to mean getting out of our routine and letting everything slide. You know I’m a big believer in a whole, healthy lifestyle so making choices and doing a little bit of planning is priority even outside the comforts of home. Saying that, I’ve put together some tips on making healthy travel a breeze.
ON THE PLANE
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1. Hydrate
You need water not only to keep your body hydrated, but also your skin! It’s the worst start to a vacation if you’re off the plane looking like you’ve been without water for days with low energy, digestive issues, dry skin, and cracked lips. Make sure you bring a water bottle with you and keep it filled at all times throughout the flight.
2. Move as Much as You Can before You Board
If you’re early to your flight, rather than sitting waiting, do the walk and wait instead. You can get your circulation going by making some rounds at the gate.
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3. Bring Your Own Food
We all know it, most airport and airplane foods are pretty low standard. Take some time to plan ahead and bring what you need to keep you going. Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll feel that much better to get yourself straight into holiday adventure mode.
Foods that travel well include; nuts and seeds, energy balls, kale salad, chickpea or quinoa salad, granola, hard boiled eggs, veggies; snap peas, cucumber, bell peppers, fruit; apples, strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, banana, nut butters; I love Justin’s peanut butter that you can get in portable packages which are great to put on crackers, apples or peanut butter.
4. Dress Comfortably
Your body goes through a lot when you’re on the plane. The change in altitude, the time change, and lack of sleep can have quite the impact on your digestive system. I usually get a little bloated on the plane so clothes that flow and have some give are your best option.
5. Get Moving
You want to keep the circulation going. Set a timer on your phone or watch at least every hour to remind you to get up and move. Stretch. Even do some calf raises or leg lifts in the aisles. Wouldn’t it be fun to lead some movement on the plane? Okay maybe too far but I feel like one day that’ll happen!
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6. Meditate
It's totally normal to feel some nerves or anxiety when you’re getting on a flight. Before you reach for glass of wine, take 5 minutes to breathe and ground yourself. If you need some help, there’s lots of guided meditation audio out there that is great for take off or landing.
7. Listen to Your Body
Before you give into the eating out of boredom game, take a second to listen to your body. What does it need? Water? A stretch? Journaling? A good book? Travelling takes a lot out of your body so instead of falling into the trap, breathe and listen.
IN THE CAR
8. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
I’ll just keep saying this…
9. Pit Stops
Driving for long periods of time, it’s important not only for your body but your driving focus to take regular breaks. I say at least every couple of hours to pull over and take a stretch, grab some water and reset.
10. Food
As important as on the plane. You want portable food so anything you can have on the go when you feel your body needs some energy. I’d recommend all of the same options as above.
11. Map Your Route
If you don’t plan to pack full meals, be sure to plan your route and research eating options. The worst case is to be making a stop and all you’ve got for options is fast food.
12. Easy Listening
This is essential for me! Nothing beats good music to pass the time. I don’t know about you but reading in the car doesn’t work for me. Moving and reading = carsickness
Another great option is podcasts or audiobooks. So many options and it depends on what you like, but a few of my favourite podcasts at the moment are; School of Greatness, Tim Ferriss, Rich Roll, Modern Love, Hidden Brain, Ted Talks
AT THE HOTEL
13. Hydrate, Yes Again
The tap water here at home is lovely and drinkable but other countries, not so much. Make sure to stock up on water and drink on the regular, especially in hotter climates. Dehydration is no ones friend.
14. Kitchen Instead of a King Bed
I always look for accommodations that have a kitchen or kitchenette. This way I know I always have the option to create one meal of my own, usually breakfast or lunch.
15. Become a Local
My first stop at any new location is to find the local grocery store. I’ll stock up on healthy snacks and/or ingredients for my make at ‘home’ meal if I’m doing any cooking.
16. Make It Your Space
As much as I love visiting somewhere new, I love to set up my space with something that makes me feel good in the space. That could be some fresh flowers, a portable diffuser (I’ll talk more about essential oils), or reorganizing the space.
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17. Essential Oils
These are a life saver for me. I love anything by Sage - they have lots of kits for travel, sleep, and immunity. These are great to help calm your body through the senses.
18. Vitamin C
I always have some packets of Emergen-C whenever I travel. This helps to boost my immune system and fight any potential germs that might be floating around.
19. Natural Calm
This powdered magnesium is great to calm the body and help you sleep. It’s good to take on the plane or for your first night to help you acclimatize to the the new time zone.
20. Eye Mask
I need darkness when I sleep.
21. Earplugs
If you can't find quiet rest in a hotel room, make your own.
22. Socks
The air can get chilly on the plane so I’ve always got an extra pair of thick socks in case my feet need some love.
23. Have FUN!
Get out and explore new cities. Dive into the culture and get to know the people. Have an experience! Don’t worry about indulging in new foods or perhaps that extra glass of wine here and there. If you create a healthy lifestyle, you’ll automatically create the balance. Less restrictions, more JOY!