Looking Good, Staying Healthy, and Keeping Fit as you Travel

Travelers all over the globe today are finding it challenging to eat right, stay in shape, and reduce stress on their upcoming trips. The general temptation as you travel is to eat more, exercise less, and take less time to organize your wardrobe. Here is some expert health and fitness advice to get you in tip top shape as you develop a successful travel routine designed just for you. 

When it comes to food, pack smart and make a good plan when embarking on a road trip. This should minimize the enticement toward junk food, fast food, and other unhealthy snack habits. When stopping at a service station choose the foods with an expiration date (one that has not expired!) over foods that are made to stay on shelves for long-term periods. The foods with expiration dates contain less trans fat, a well known cause of artery clogging, and less preservatives. Experts further advise to go for individually packaged snacks over larger bags. These snacks should contain foods that your gogo (grandmother) can recognize as actual food,such as dried fruit or nuts, otherwise its best you drop that bag and leave it right there on the shelf.

For exercise, it is important to incorporate at least a third of your regular fitness program every third day of your trip. If this proves difficult, make a plan that allows you to begin a new exercise program at your travel destination. It is crucial to arrive during the day to ensure that you get out and do something active outdoors. This reduces the effects of jetlag and allows your mind and body to get in a vibrant mood for the duration of your trip. If you cannot make it during the day, and only touch base in the wee hours of the morning, set your alarm clock or set up a morning wake up call and hide the clocks in your room. This will help reduce the anxiety associated with knowing that you only have three hours to sleep before a busy schedule at a conference, tournament, etc. and ensure a better night’s rest to begin your trip.

If you are flying, it is important to drink plenty of water before and during the flight to combat in-flight dehydration. Take regular walks along the length of the plane every hour where possible to make your back happy, maintain supple muscles, and keep your blood flow constant. If you are not flying in the luxury of first or business class, try to book a seat in the emergency exit row where there is more space allowing you to stretch your legs out and move around more freely.

When it comes to fashion, it is important to remember the duration of your journey as well as the culture of your final destination when planning the clothing for both the voyage and your stay. Also, you should think of the types of activities and events that you will be partaking in throughout your journey. Pull out your agenda before you start packing your luggage to help you layout an outfit for just about every day. Avoid wearing tight clothing during your flight or road trip, such as skinny jeans or leggings, as these items can contribute to constricting your blood flow. Seek loose fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you to move around without issues. You can still maintain your style on every adventure of your journey if you plan ahead and do a little research about your destination prior to beginning your visit.

Keeping your body healthy and in shape will help you look your best at any location around the globe. 

-Published in Pachedu Magazine, August 2011