Isn’t leisure travel supposed to be relaxing? Isn’t summer the season to rejuvenate and to refresh? Then why is that not always the case? Why is holiday travel sometimes stressful and you reach home wanting another vacation?
Certainly the long lines and unruly crowds at the airport are good ways to kick-start a not-so-relaxing holiday. Packing too many countries and several overnight train rides into your European getaway will certainly add fuel to the flame. And you can always count on tired and hungry children to drain your energy.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Holiday travel CAN be healthy, stress free and relaxing. You can have your spirulina shake (nice healthy alternative to “cake”) and eat it too.
Taken right from my upcoming book entitled Healthy Travel 101, here are some simple and practical tips to make your leisure travel healthy and stress free.
Pack Light
Follow the 80% Rule
Most people don’t use all of the clothes they bring when they travel, so just take 80% of what you think you will need. It will make your bag lighter and you’ll avoid buying another bag for all of your souvenir shopping. Besides, if you run out of toiletries or clean clothes, you can always buy them at your destination.
Pack the Powder
For extra long trips, washing undergarments and t-shirts in your sink is the easiest way to reduce luggage load by 30-50%. Bring a small zip-lock bag filled with washing powder, but be prepared to answer any suspicious questions from airport security.
Fly Fit
Cancel the Noise
The constant high-decibel roar of the engine is one of the biggest causes of jet lag. Consider using a pair of noise-cancellation headphones when watching all of those movies on your long-haul flight. At the very least bring a set of earplugs for each of your family members or ask for them from the flight attendants.
Carry an Empty Bottle
Many security checkpoints won’t allow you to bring water onto the plane. But if you bring an empty water bottle with you, most flight attendants of international airlines will gladly fill your water bottle as soon as you find your seat. You can even add your own rehydrating salts or drink mixes to add flavor to your flight. Staying fully hydrated in a dry airplane cabin is the #1 way to stay healthy during your flight.
Eat Well
Never Travel Hungry
Many people become irritable and unpleasant when they’re hungry. This certainly doesn’t make for an enjoyable travel buddy. To avoid turning into the Incredible Hulk, always keep healthy snacks in your travel bag. You never know when you’ll get hungry or when there will be an unexpected delay to your flight.
Fruits & Nuts
Fruit is the very best snack for your travel. These nutritious whole foods are refreshing, hydrating and contain fiber for good digestion. Grapes, berries and bananas are my fruit of choice. Nuts, seeds, granola and whole grain cereals are other excellent snacks. They are easy to pack and won’t get crushed when you keep them in the outside pocket of your travel bag. They will also release the right amount of slow-burning energy that you need as you wander around your destination city or sit in the back seat of your car during a long road trip.
Exercise Anywhere
Jumpstart Your Day
With a long day of tourist activities, business meetings or exploration you may not have the time or the energy to exercise later in the day. Do a little exercise in the morning, get your blood moving, get oxygen to your brain and you’ll get your day started off on the right foot.
Bodyweight Exercises
There’s no need for fancy gym equipment or big weights. Use your own bodyweight to do simple but effective exercises in your hotel room or hotel gym. Pushups, sit ups, lunges and squats are all great options.
Mental Fitness
Clear Clutter to Clear Your Mind
Nothing ruins a vacation more than spending the whole time thinking about work or about something you left unfinished at home. Keep your mind clear by cleaning your house, your desk and all your general clutter before you travel.
Slow Down
Running from one tourist attraction to another and one city to the next is the fastest way to burn out. Slow down, don’t pack so much into your schedule, enjoy the journey and occasionally stop to smell the roses.
Healthy Family & Kids
Boost Your Immunity
Traveling is always exciting and fun, but it is also tiring and taxing on your mind and body, especially with kids in tow. Boost your family’s immune system by taking vitamin C regularly and drinking lots of clean water.
Get Your Rest
Getting proper amounts of rest and sleep during your travel is a great way to keep your spirits up and your immune system strong. Take a nap in the afternoon or wake up late every few days. Your body will appreciate it and you will be far better prepared to handle whatever adventures await you.
101 Healthy Travel Tips
For access to the Healthy Travel 101 graphical eBook and educational videos, become a member of the FCO Academy, view our samples on the ALMA Wellness Facebook Page, or buy the Healthy Travel 101 text-only eBook on Amazon.