When I studied abroad in Paris, I had the time of my life. I gained knowledge of new cultures, some unique and amazing friendships and experiences I will never forget. I also gained about 20 pounds.
What can I say? Baguettes and Brie will do it to ya. I also spent a lot of late nights out and traveled non-stop.
It is important to explore the local culture when you travel. All of it (including the food in all of its glory). But I got to thinking. There’s got to be a way to balance this out. Sure walking around Paris probably prevented that 20 extra pounds from turning into 50, but if I was gaining weight from neglecting my body, what else was I doing to it?
Well fortunately, Summer of Healthy Summer knows just the way – well, 10 to be precise – to stay healthy during travel. Since leaving her dream job to regain her health, she has incorporated healthy living into her daily life so she can make the most of it while honoring her body. And Summer takes this lifestyle with her where ever she goes, even when she travels.
Summer’s 10 Tips to Stay Healthy While You Travel
My favorite season is approaching and that means it’s time to travel! We all love to vacay, but it’s easy to fall off of our health routines while we’re jetsetting. Here are some tips to help you stay on track while you’re relaxing and exploring new sights this summer.
1. Drink Up
We love to sip on spirits while we’re away from it all, but it’s important to drink plenty of water too when you’re traveling, especially if you’re walking around most of the day in warmer temperatures. Staying hydrated will help keep your energy high too. Bring a water bottle with you that you can refill along the way.
2. Pack Snacks
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re exploring new sights or on new adventures. Before you know it, it’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and you haven’t had lunch yet. Pack some snacks with you before you leave to hold you down in between long stretches of walking and sightseeing. I usually pack snacks with me before I leave like granola bars, almonds, and peanut butter crackers. They can fit easily into your small, shoulder bag when you’re out and about.
3. Bring a Sleep Aid
If you’re a light sleeper like me, you might have trouble sleeping when you travel, especially if you’re visiting a big, noisy city. Ask your doctor to write you a prescription for a light sleep aid for the duration of your trip, or visit a pharmacy to find a natural sleep aid like melatonin or Unisom. These are good to have for long overnight flights too! Artificial light can really do a number on your eyes and mental health, even affecting your sleep patterns. This is not a problem you want to have when you’re visiting and experiencing a new place. You want to be able to get a good night’s sleep for the days ahead. Perhaps even through wearing non prescription glasses that protect your eyes from impactful blue light, you can mitigate these negative effects on your health.
5. Pack Medicine
Traveling to different environments can be tough on your body, especially the digestive system. Pack medicine with you before you leave. I always pack Dramamine for nausea, Imodium for diarrhea, and Tylenol for headaches, cold medicine and cough drops. These can fit easily into a small Ziplock bag in your purse or with your toiletries. It’s better to have it with you in case you need it, rather than having to go out and find a drug store when you’re feeling sick. And this will save you money too, instead of buying it at a pharmacy in a tourist destination.
Before traveling, make sure that you have had the necessary vaccinations, as this could be important when visiting certain countries. This is usually done to prevent you from catching any illnesses, as well as passing diseases between countries. That’s why visiting a healthcare clinic in your area similar to Southwest Care, (https://southwestcare.org/) could be essential in you being able to enjoy your holiday to the full, without having to worry about suffering with an unwanted illnesses.
6. Take Stretch Breaks on Your Flight
Long flights can leave us feeling drained and limp, especially over seas flights. But you can help fight the sluggishness by staying active in the air. Stand up every two hours and take a stretch break. Walk the aisles, or walk down to the bathroom and back. Stand up and do some warrior 3 poses. Do whatever you can to get your blood flowing and your muscles moving. An 8 hour flight is just like a full work day. And you should never be sitting in one place for that long!
7. Pick Your Restaurants Ahead of Time
If you’re visiting a new place that you’re not familiar with, research some restaurants beforehand or ask at your hotel, bed & breakfast, or nearby businesses for suggestions before you head out for the day. It never fails. Every time I travel with my sisters, we end up losing track of time, and then scrambling to find a restaurant long after lunch has passed, and by then I am a hungry beast. You don’t want to have any hangry moments like me. Have a place in mind to eat before you head out to explore for the day.
8. Walk, Run or Bike to Explore
One of the best ways to explore a new place is by foot. Pack your tennis shoes and get out in the morning for a walk, jog, or run. Walking or running can be a great way to discover a neighborhood, and it can help you get familiar with the area. You might even stumble upon some local gems. If you enjoy bike riding, search for nearby bike rental services such as https://pelicancruiser.com/ and ride around.
9. Step Up Your Vitamin-C
Your immune system has to work extra hard while you’re traveling. Between planes, trains, buses and hotels, it’s a lot of exposure to different germs. Give it a boost of vitamin C while it works for you, and bring along Airborne, or Emergen-C. Take some every few days to help you stay healthy and strong while you travel.
10. Find a Grocery Store Nearby
This is an easy way to eat healthy and save a little while you travel. (That means more money for shopping, right?!) If your room has a refrigerator, you can buy pre-packaged salads, wraps or meals. If you don’t have a fridge in your room, look for less perishable items and turn the air down low in your room. You can keep them in your room for the day, and munch on them when you get back. When I was in London, there was a Marks and Spencer just down the street from our hotel that had these delicious little packaged meals that were 2 for £4. We bought a bunch of them and were good to go!
I’m so excited to share my first guest post on here! And I know that I will be taking these tips with me as I travel this spring. Summer has so much more about healthy living on her blog so hop on over to Healthy Summer and take a look around!!