Staying fit and healthy while traveling, especially during long trips, involves so much more than just being active.
Feeling your best on the road involves a balance of activity, rest and relaxation, eating right, and self-reflection.
Here are some great ways to stay fit and healthy while traveling:
Whatever your ‘thing’ is, keep doing it
Do you love walking? Rollerblading? Cycling? Hiking? Swimming?
Whatever physical activity you love to do, make a point to do it every single day while you are traveling.
Try something new
You’re in a new land, you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ve got some money to spare, so why not try something new?
Try out a stand-up paddle boarding class, or do yoga in an exotic location.
Track your activity level
Keeping track of your activity level is a great way to keep tabs on if you need to step your activity up a notch or scale it back.
And you don’t necessarily need to invest in a Fitbit to do this either, simply download some apps on your phone or maximize your use of the “health” app already there.
Stop and smell the roses
If you’re feeling a little burnt out by the constant hustle and bustle of travel and exploring, then take some time out. Schedule an afternoon in a park, or take a few hours to catch up on some reading.
Don’t skimp on sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy while traveling.
Stay hydrated
Between all the activities you’ll be doing it’s important to stay hydrated. If the water where you’re going to be is drinkable, take a refillable water bottle with you as a reminder to get your day’s worth.
Alcohol in moderation
It’s tempting to drink more than usual when on the road, but remember to take it easy on the juice. Alcohol effects your sleep patterns, your mood, as well as your energy level; so factor these things in and how they will affect your time abroad when you decide to drink.
Always know exactly what you are eating
It’s easy to shove any article of food into your mouth without a full investigation in the name of being ‘adventurous’, but for the sake of staying fit, and for the welfare of your tummy, do a little research before diving in head first.
Hit up a local farmer’s market
There’s nothing in the travel rulebook that says you need to eat out every meal. Do your wallet and waistline a favor and pick up some food at a local farmer’s market.
This is also a great way to know what exactly it is you’re eating.
Eat yogurt
Yogurt is a great way to maintain a happy stomach. The probiotics present in yogurt help to give you healthy digestive functions and even help you produce Vitamins B12 and K!
Don’t skip breakfast
You know what they say, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” Eating breakfast helps to kickstart your metabolism and give you energy for the day.
Bring protein bars
And if you are somewhere sans breakfast, resort to a stash of protein bars!
Research local eats
If you’re worried about your digestive state abroad, make sure to do some research on what people before you thought of local restaurants and eateries. There are a myriad of food bloggers that can help you with this, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions!
Have some alone time
If you’re feeling a little frazzled from being around people on your trip, then schedule in some alone time. Spending time by yourself is great for reflection and balance.
If you don’t have a room to yourself, grab your journal and write down your experiences. Or, put on your favorite podcast and take a long walk.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Skin health is so important, and there is nothing like forgetting the sunscreen and suffering from a painful burn.
Do your current self and your future self a favor and slather on the white stuff.
Travel Insurance
“If you don’t have enough money for travel insurance, then you don’t have enough money to travel.” These are words to live by.
If your injured in an accident abroad, you don’t want to pay out of pocket for care. Always make sure you are covered with insurance before you leave your home country.