2019 - The Health-Conscious Jetsetter
- Emily DeFranco
- Feb 14, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 23, 2024
This article was featured in Dekad's 2019 1st quarter edition.
If you’re the kind of person that truly embraces a health conscious lifestyle, you likely won’t want to abandon your habits when you set of on a new adventure. While traveling, you won’t be able to keep your exact regiment since you’ll be away from your local gym and health food markets. But we know how irresistible the travel itch can be so here are some suggestions to keep you in the healthy living mindset while traveling.
1. Learn to eat healthy while traveling.
Eating healthy while traveling can sometimes take quite a bit of discipline but it’s not impossible. Every culture has healthy eating trends so do a little research before arriving at each destination and make sure to pack lots of healthy snacks for keeping your energy up in-between meals. If you know you will be staying in a certain area, find a nearby grocery or health food store, look up a couple of well rated restaurants that offer some healthy choices, and try to stay somewhere with a fridge and/or kitchen where you can prepare one of your own meals.
Tip: You should be conscious of keeping up a routine as best you can, for example, make sure to try to eat a healthy breakfast every morning.
2. Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
This may seem like a given but your body relies on a steady supply of good old H2O to filter out toxins and keep it running smoothly. Again, if you’re very active while traveling you’ll need to replace fluids when you sweat.
Tip: Pack a reusable water bottle with a filter or water purification tablets if you’re worried about the quality of water where you’re traveling.
3. Make sure to get enough sleep.
You may be tempted to wake up at the crack of dawn every day and stay out til all hours of the night in order to get the most out of your travel time but it is impossible to underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep. This is especially relevant if your trip requires lots of energy like backpacking or hiking. You want your body to perform at it’s best so you need to ensure it has time to recover and rejuvenate. If you are adjusting to a new time zone, try to stay awake on the first day until when your usual bedtime will be in your new place, and then go for a full night’s sleep to quickly adjust.
Tip: If you have trouble sleeping, try a natural sleep supplement or research smartphone apps that play soothing sounds or music. And don’t forget to bring a book or two.
4. Stay clean.
It’s easy to take sanitation for granted when you’ve got so much else on your mind but being in new environments can expose your body to toxins it’s not used to so remember to stay mindful. You’re likely to stay healthier by washing your hands, washing your clothes and making sure you’re sleeping on clean bedding.
Tip: Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times for frequent cleansing in-between washing!
5. Find time to work out.
Just because you con’t have access to your gym to put in your normal routine doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to stay active while traveling the country or the globe. You’re in a new location, so explore it by taking a morning run or lengthy bike ride. Most importantly, make sure to do some stretches if you’re changing up your routine, you wouldn’t want to pull a muscle in the middle of your trip. Try to walk whenever you can. It may be tempting to take a car from one location to another but try to set a rule for yourself, for example, if it’s under a mile and you can dress comfortably, walk! Grab a map, get lost, get found, and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of where you are. This is a great way to find hidden gems that aren’t in the travel guides.
Tip: Try joining a pick-up game of a local sport or taking a lesson like surfing if you’re near a beac. This way you can exercise, learn from a different culture and even possibly meet some cool people.
6. Study some basic first aid.
This is an important one, whether you’re traveling alone or in a group. Especially while journeying in less developed countries and while venturing away form a city. You should consult with your doctor before departure to make you’re you’re up to date on all vaccinations but being able to calmly and quickly assess a situation and work to fix it could possibly even mean the difference between life and death. Keep a small first aid kit on you at all times stocked with simple amenities like clean wipes, bandages and antibiotic cream. Continue any medications you may be on and keep up with your vitamin regimen if you have one.
Tip: Make sure to research your surroundings and know how to access emergency treatments if need be.
7. Protect your skin.
If you know you’ll be traveling somewhere where you will be exposed to sun for long hours at a time, bring sunscreen, and use it! We all love a good tan, and while our bodies need Vitamin D, be sure you’re protecting your outer layers of skin from sunburn and the long-term negative effects of the sun’s harmful rays.
Tip: In addition to keeping sunscreen on you, consider getting a hat! It’s simple but protects your face while adding to your overall world traveler look. (Bonus: If you’re in an area with mosquitos you can attach netting.)
8. Try a digital detox.
It’s easy to get caught with your nose in your smartphone even while you’re surrounded by new and exciting adventures and scenery. Today’s travelers often feel the need to share every aspect of their journey from what they are eating to where they are staying and what they are doing. You’ll be tempted to post photos on Instagram and write extensive blog posts in order to document your experience, but there are other ways. Try leaving your phone in your hotel room and fully immersing yourself in your activities. Anyone who has travelled in less developed countries will testify that some of the happiest people in the world are those with a lot fewer possessions.
Tip: Replace a blog post with a hand written journal entry with doodles, messy layouts and paste in ticket stubs and other flat memorabilia. This will make for something fun and different to look back on and share upon your return.
9. Communicate!
This can mean asking questions at restaurants, to tour guides, and especially with any travel companions. It’s best to clearly state your intentions to follow a healthy diet and squeeze in some exercise before heading off on your trip. Others may be on a free-for-all eating regimen, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. While you should allow yourself to enjoy treats, do so on your own terms, and let your travel buddies know what works best for you.
Tip: Schedule "me time" into your day to exercise or unwind. It is definitely okay to ask your friends or family to be understanding and flexible.
10. Finally, indulge a little!
Keeping all these factors in mind, you should know that making healthy choices most of the time allows you to feel less guilty about indulging every now and then. Treating yourself to new and exciting local quinines can be a once in a lifetime experience and you shouldn’t miss out. Also, if you can, make time to pamper yourself. Visit a local spa for local specialties based on your location and try something new like a mud bath or specialized mineral treatments.
Tip: Take advantage of hospitality amenities like large tubs and cozy beds. Sleep in if you had a long night out!
Traveling with health and wellness in mind is on the rise. This trend toward wellness travel has caused agencies and tour companies to expand their offerings. For example, in 2016, travel network Virtuoso launched a new arm called Virtuoso Wellness, made up of 42 luxury partners, including cruise lines and hotels, all of whom are focused on health and wellness. So whether you embark on a health focused trip or create your own using the tips above, you can enjoy your escape in a way that won’t set you back.
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