Time Out Travel Tips ✈

There is something unique about travel that can really throw us off in regards to maintaining awesome health. Don’t panic, keep calm and if you can, plan ahead! Whether travelling for business, adventure or relaxation – an incredible (and healthy) trip always involves careful planning.

Hydrate and nourish
Carry a water bottle with you at all times and don’t just carry it, drink from it! Although it may not be convenient or desired to find public restrooms on the road, water is important! It is the foundation of your livelihood. Your body will THANK YOU. If you’re flying, hydration is key. If you keep your water intake up, you will prevent your sinus cavities from drying out on the plane.

As for nourishing your body with food, keep it simple – focus on nutrient rich. Bring your own food for the plane, or eat before you get on. Plane food often isn’t high quality or nutrition rich. Eating fresh fruit can also help with hydration. Apples, oranges and bananas are the original fast food. Toss a few in your carry on.

Avoid excess salt and sugar as the extra sodium in salted nuts or processed foods will dehydrate you during the flight. Also avoid excess sugars, caffeine and alcoholic beverages to minimize travel-related health conditions. Be mindful of where are you staying – is there a grocery store and good dining options nearby? Do your location research and most importantly get good quality water and good quality food asap.

Pack hand sanitizer in case you can’t get to a sink to wash your hands before eating.

Movement
Having an exercise routine will enhance your trip on many levels. Get a hotel with a fitness area or purchase a temporary pass at the local gym. If not, you can always work out (for free) in your room (push ups, prone holds, yoga poses, jumping jacks – get creative!) or do a run in the neighbourhood. Some public beaches or parks have free workout stations for people to use. Plan a mini program E.g. 30 minutes every 2nd day at 8am. Make it realistic with your travel plans and stick to it.

Walk everywhere. Get your daily exercise and learn about your travel destination at the same time. The train station is 4km away? Try walking there instead of using public transport. Your personal motivation levels, organisation skills and the more you travel determines how challenging it is to stay active whilst on the road. You know yourself best, be strategic and do what works well for you.

If you are on a long flight, be as mobile as possible. Get up and stretch or walk around to keep circulation going. Seems a touch mad, but if you get to the airport early take a lap around the terminal before boarding. Incidental exercise is key, skip the elevator or the escalator and walk the stairs instead. Doing a road trip? Take breaks along the journey, stretch out the body and relieve the mind with some fresh air.

Be mentally sound
Rest well. How on earth are you supposed to do all of the above if you are sleep deprived? Your body NEEDS sleep and even more so when you’re physically traveling, crossing time zones, carrying luggage to and from destinations, working all day and so forth. Being well rested will help your immune system stay at the top of its game. Drowsy driving is straight up dangerous. Schedule breaks every two hours, and if possible, change drivers. Traveling can be brutal, be smart and listen to your body.

Breathe. You can do breathing exercises anywhere and anytime. Take a deep breath, hold it, and exhale. Repeat. This can help you relax and counter the stress of traveling. Need breathing guideline? Download an app.

Last little reminder, hydrate and protect your skin! Wear a suitable sunscreen for your destination and remember to reapply as required. If you are visiting an area with a large population of mosquitoes and insects, wear insect repellent to prevent bites. If traveling via plane applying a nourishing moisturizer or hydrating mist will help combat the dry air on board.

Plan, prepare, embrace and enjoy!

Bon voyage!