Flying or driving away to a different place and not knowing the location that well can really affect where you eat and if you have time to workout or not. It’s difficult because you’re not in the comfort of your own home and don’t know where the closest gym or grocery store is.
It’s not particularly the easiest to stay healthy on vacation, but it is possible even if it does take a while to adjust to. Adjusting to these beneficial tips will help tremendously later on because they will develop as habits. By then, they will become second nature.
1. Have a water bottle in hand
I'm sorry, I know you love your best friend and all, but you now have a new bestie in your life. Say hello to your superstar: the water bottle. Carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go will remind you to drink out of it frequently. It serves as a constant reminder to keep your body hydrated and refreshed. Another good thing is that you won't have to pay that extra buck or two just for a plastic water bottle from another place.
2. It's time to rise and shine
Okay, yes you're on vacation and you deserve to relax and get your sleep in, but imagine how much more you could do in a day if you woke up early. Getting up early in the morning and eating a wholesome breakfast energizes your mind for the day. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day...and I'm not just saying that because it's a common phrase. When you are up and running, you are more likely to be more productive and get stuff done. Then at the end of the day, you will pat yourself on the back and tell yourself good job for accomplishing so much that day.
3. On a similar topic... please don't become nocturnal
Please. You're a human and not an owl for a reason. No one wants to see you come back from vacation with feathery wings and a pointy beak. I cannot stress this enough because it is so so important to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Not getting enough sleep will alter your mood and thinking for the very next day. Let's be honest, no one wants to end up feeling cranky when you're visiting a new place. Also, those eye bags are not gonna help out with the whole "tourist look." In other words, hit the haystack early!
4. Grab a hold of some nutritious snacks
Whether it be a simple fruit or roasted veggies, having healthy snacks such as those will fill your stomach and won't leave you feeling guilty. If you're going on a road trip, take some snacks from home and make it easy to eat for you on the go. If you're flying, stray away from the unhealthy junk food that the airport offers and purchase some nuts or a yogurt parfait. You want to make sure that what you snack on will make your body happy and be perfectly digested before that meal in the Eiffel Tower or wherever you are vacationing to.
5. Avoid too much sugar and fat
I understand: we're human, we like sugar, and we can't really resist cookies or ice cream. Speaking from a college student's perspective with the freshman 15 just a few inches away from me, I get it. I really do. However, drowning your body in foods and drinks high in sugar is just horrible for you. It will affect your metabolism and even how you function after. You need to nourish yourself with foods that boost your energy and leave you feeling confident enough to tour the new area. You can't do that if your stomach is hurting and need to go to the bathroom every millisecond.
6. Enough talk about food, let's do a quick workout
Vacationing is a bit stressful because you want to keep yourself busy by exploring new locations frequently. There's not usually much time left, but you do have that time in the morning after you wake up or before you go to bed to do something. Well, instead of just sitting there, do a quick workout even if it's 5 minutes. Make yourself feel like you did something active before you start the day or head to bed.
7. Find leisure that requires being active
Stuck in a cabin in Colorado? Go hiking or skiing in the beautiful mountains. In the middle of nowhere with nothing but corn? Go husk the corn or build yourself a corn maze. I'm kidding for the last one but go ahead if you want to. Whenever someone travels to a new place, they have the difficult task of putting up with what they are going to do with their limited time there. Try to broaden your horizons and adventure by keeping your mind and body active.
8. Public transportation? Oops, not this time
Skip the subway or rental car and go out and walk to wherever you would like to explore. Spice it up a bit by taking your dog for a walk if the dog is vacationing with you. You're just doing yourself a favor here because public transportation is filled with so many germs just waiting to ruin your day, but you're not going to let those evil things get you sick and mess up your vacation. Also, who wants to pay for all of that extra travel when there is a better, healthier option? Walking is free, fresh, and fun.
9. Actually, use the hotel fitness room
Most hotels usually have a fitness room and they're present for your use...so use them! Hotels are just giving you a helping hand, but it's your responsibility to take advantage of that opportunity. The fitness rooms may not be huge and filled with high-tech equipment that you use on a regular basis, but at least you have the basic amenities that will still keep you in shape. You're gonna look super cool when you walk out of that fitness room into the lobby drenched in sweat, trust me on this.
10. Hmm, let's talk about food again...Google to the rescue
The place you travel to will also have healthier options for food because they know how important your health is, even if that restaurant is located right next to a burger joint. Don't fall for the trap. Google is your other new friend now. Search for restaurants or cuisines that serve relatively healthier options because there are many out there. It certainly is easier to find a McDonald's or a Taco Bell, but a healthier location will leave you feeling like a savvier tourist with a body which has a better water to grease ratio.
The next time you go travel a new area, keep these ideas in mind and please don't make excuses because there are so many better alternatives all around you. Go explore, treat yourself, and have fun traveling!
