Travel Survival Tips

Travelling can fun, thrilling and adventurous. However, it can also be tiring, draining and difficult. Eating well while trying to maintain some semblance of an exercise regimen can be challenging even for the most dedicated fitness enthusiast. Below you will find some tips and strategies to help you stay healthy and sane while travelling.

1. Eat half of what’s on your plate. If you are attending meetings or a conference, eat half of what they provide. Typically, those meals are calorie laden and riddled with salt. Did you know you can ask for special meals at the hotel? Plan ahead and request a special meal.
2. Avoid salt. If you want to bloat or completely dehydrate yourself, then by all means pour on the salt. Otherwise avoid it.
3. Walk. Book your flight later in the day so you have time to go for a walk. Walk the corridors of the airport before your flight. Walking helps get the blood pumping and improves your circulation. When you arrive at your destination drop your bags and go for a walk. I know it’s the last thing you want to do after a day of travelling but trust me, you’ll feel better if you do.
4. Get out of your seat. Even if you are trapped with a window seat, make a point to get up every thirty minutes to stretch your legs. If you can’t get up then wiggle in your seat, stretch out your arms or march while seated. A quick 1 minute of wiggling, stretching and moving will invigorate you and help you avoid the airplane groggies.
5. Just say no to coffee. I love my coffee too but it’s best to pass while flying. That’s right, when the little cart motors down the isle and the polite flight attendant asks you if you want coffee, politely reply, “Just water thank you.” Planes are extremely dehydrating so water is the best choice. Take an empty water bottle with you to the airport and fill it up once you pass security. Drink more water on travel days then you typically drink at home. If you’re not a water drinker then have juice instead. Avoid alcohol and pop. Both aren’t that good for you anyway, especially while travelling.
6. Having trouble sleeping? Who hasn’t had trouble falling asleep in a strange bed? We all have. Here are some tips to help you sleep.
   a. Avoid watching TV in bed. You will fall asleep faster if you don’t watch TV lying down.
   b. Take some lavender oils with you. Lavender is a natural relaxant and it can help you sleep.
   c. Spend 5 minutes meditating or doing relaxation yoga.
   d. Go for a steam or soak in a hot tub and then straight to bed.
   e. Download some relaxing music.
   f. Pack your own pillow case.
   g. Block out distractions with ear plugs and night shades
7. Pack your own snacks. Pass on the pretzels, chips and cookies and pack your own snacks. I always travel with my own snack pack. I pack homemade cookies, muffins, fruit bars, nuts, baby carrots, sugar peas and lots of fruit. I bring a sandwich and I avoid eating any airport food. Sure, it takes a bit more planning but think about it as a pick nick on the plane.
8. Find time to relax. Your schedule is probably jammed packed with things to do. However, take the time to relax. You don’t need thirty minutes, you only need one or two minutes to make a difference. Go outside, find a quiet place and just breathe in the fresh air. It will do you a world of good.
9. Stay at a hotel with a fitness centre. I always try and stay at a hotel that has a decent fitness centre, not one that is the size of a closet. Or I do some research and find out if there is a local gym nearby. If you are not a gym person, ask the concierge about activities that are available in the area. There are also portable equipment options you can bring with you. Such as tubing, a yoga mat or gliding discs. If any of these options seem foreign to you, then hook up with a personal trainer and they can put together a short travel workout for you.
10. Plan ahead. Travel isn’t easy so your preparation is key to your success in keeping healthy while on the road. I’ve outlined nine tips to get you started. Number ten is the most crucial because in order for any of the nine strategies to work you have to implement number ten which is to plan ahead. When you build your travel schedule include these items onto your schedule and take the time to ensure your own health.