Photos by TFILM
Traveling to new and exotic locations is often filled with excitement and the splendor of indulging in new experiences. But, it can also be quite exhausting and challenging, especially if you’ve just spent multiple hours on a plane only to wake up in a new time zone. No number of layovers can prepare you for, or alleviate that type of jetlag. Add the allure of tasting delicious local delicacies from your destination along with a sudden change in your routine and it’s no wonder that many people have a hard time staying healthy while traveling. The key is to maintain, as much as possible, a similar exercise and dietary routine that you would at home.
Of course, you’re also on vacation in a different place, so it’s important to immerse yourself in the local culture and that involves tasting the food, drinking the wine, and enjoying yourself. There’s no harm in any of that as long as you learn to maintain control and resist the urge to overdo it. With that in mind, here are four useful wellness tips you should stick to in order to help you maintain good health while traveling.
Be Mindful of When and What You Eat
As many yogis will tell you, mindfulness is the key to leading a positive, healthy, and happy life. Be aware of your surroundings, how much food you’re consuming, as well as what you’re putting into your body. This is what’s fueling your mental and physical functionality. Far too many of us tend to eat our meals while sitting in front of a screen and this is a bad habit that we need to break free from. Pay attention to what you’re eating and be sure to savor every bite. Instagram can wait!
Hydration Is Key
This tip might seem pretty simplistic and at its core, it is. But, when you’re traveling from one location to another and need to maintain a tight schedule, it can actually be very challenging. This is especially true if you happen to be in a South American or Caribbean country where safe drinking water is often scarce and you need to rely on bottled water.
It’s a good idea to be aware of the water situation in whatever country you’re traveling to well in advance so that you can prepare for it.
Ask the locals or the guides you’re traveling with whether the tap water is safe to drink and where you can stock up. Staying hydrated can help prevent lightheadedness, dizziness, and headaches, which are all symptoms of dehydration. Plus, being hydrated will make your trip much more enjoyable.
Rent a Bike or Walk Around as Much as Possible
When in Rome, do as the Romans do and the Romans like to walk around—a lot. That’s why many of them are in such good shape! Also, there’s no better way to truly immerse yourself in a stunning European city than to take a nice little stroll around a pleasant neighborhood and get to know the locals.
Bike riding is also a popular option in many European cities and in some cases, it can be a lot faster than traveling by car.
Find Local Fitness Centers and Relaxing Spas or Resorts
The best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while away on vacation is to plan ahead! Research the top wellness resorts, health clubs, fitness centers, and spas around the area you’ll be staying in and create a travel itinerary. That way, you can guarantee that you never miss a workout and you can hold yourself accountable if you try to make excuses not to exercise!