There’s no better act of self-indulgence than booking yourself a ticket for a plane, train or coach, ready for a few days (or weeks!) of travelling and exploring somewhere new. And with each and every destination comes a range of exciting activities to do, breathtaking sights to set your eyes on, and plenty of gastronomic delights just waiting to be tried. There’s no wonder I love travelling so much, eh…?
But as well as leaving me incredibly happy, all of the excitement can leave me feeling pretty pooped, and looking after myself starts to take less of a conscious priority. But here are some little easy steps I take to stay as healthy as possible while on the move, and you can too…
1. First thing’s first – drink lots of water to stay hydrated! 💦
Staying on top of your water intake can sometimes slip our minds at the best of time, despite us all knowing how important it is. And it’s especially important when embarking on a trip to a foreign place. We’ve all experienced that dehydrated feeling after stepping off a plane, right?
Make sure to order a glass of water with every meal, to go alongside whatever else you may be treating yourself to (did someone say cocktails?!), and invest in a reusable water bottle you can keep refilling while on the move. Just make sure it’s empty before airport security, and you can fill it up once you’re through!
2. Don’t be afraid (or forget!) to pack any extra equipment or medication you might need 💊
When it comes to packing for a trip, there are numerous times I’ve decided to forgo packing something I might need, only to end up cursing myself further down the line when I realise that whatever it is might come in handy. (Nobody wants to get stuck with a dodgy tummy and no tablets to keep… things… at bay. 💩)
So, whether it’s headache tablets, a big tub of multivitamins, ugly walking shoes that soothe your feet, or some portable equipment from The Oxygen Store, get it in that suitcase. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!
3. Skip the transport and get around on foot 👣
Depending on the type of trip you’re heading out on, you might not always be as active as you normally are, and might not fancy hitting the hotel gym. If that’s the case, then skip the taxis, give the busses a miss, and instead opt to get from point A to B on your good ol’ feet. You’ll get yours steps in, and will likely stumble across little gems you’d have probably missed if you were instead passing them at 40mph.
Just make sure to use your noggin to stay safe – keep any long distances on foot to daylight hours, and use public transport if it’s the only safe option!
4. Don’t forget to give yourself a little rest and downtime 😴
As tempting as it is to squeeze something exciting into every single hour of the day when you’re on your travels, it’s a surefire way to set yourself on the road to burnout, which will lead to a groggy, grumpy traveller. And nobody wants that!
Make sure you’re getting a good night’s sleep as often as possible (I know it’s not always easy when a late-night beer or five calls your name!), and give yourself time to indulge in something more relaxing while in a foreign place. Sit with a fancy coffee in a pretty cafe and watch the world go by, settle down under a beautiful landmark with your favourite book, or chill out with nature somewhere scenic. Your body will thank you for it!
What steps do you take to stay healthy on your travels?