Is it just us or is everyone heading off on epic vacations right now? It seems our social feeds are filled with pictures of beaches, exotic cities, and shameless selfies of friends on holiday. We’re getting the travel bug, too, since the summer is such a great time to get out and see the world – but taking a break from your day job doesn’t have to mean taking a break from your healthy lifestyle! With the five healthy summer travel tips below, you will be well on your way to having a fun and fit vacation.
#1 – Plan to Eat Well en Route
Airport food, vending machines at train stations, drive-thrus beckoning you off the freeway – oh my! However you’re traveling you’ll come across a bunch of unhealthy options. To remedy that, plan ahead and always travel with easy snacks like almonds and dried fruit to munch on. Energy bars (with a balance of protein and fat but not a lot of sugar) are good in a pinch since they can be eaten easily on the go. Even better, make your own meal for airplane or car rides to avoid expensive unhealthy airport food and roadside fast food stops. Pack protein rich foods, things that won’t leak, and solid fruits and veggies that won’t get smashed. We love almond butter and banana sandwiches, hummus and veggie sticks, and apples and cheese.
#2 – Plan to Eat Well Around the World
When you’re on vacation, even though the foods are different, the times of day and quantity of your food should remain consistent. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks should be (portion and nutrient-wise) similar to what you’d have at home. We tend to want to stave off food all day to “save up” for dinner but that usually leads to overconsumption so don’t forget to eat throughout the day, making sure to have breakfast. Not sure what to eat? When in doubt, look for meals packed with protein and lots of veggies. It’s great to try local fare, but there’s no need to sample dessert at every meal of the day. Remember to enjoy each bite slowly and take in the scenery.
#3 – BYOWB (Bring Your Own Water Bottle)
Hydration is a crucial part to feeling good – it can ward off jet lag, and it keeps your metabolism humming. It’s easy to confuse dehydration with hunger so keep drinking water. Make sure you pack a refillable water bottle so you can hydrate all day or be prepared to purchase bottles of drinking water before and during your vacation.
#4 – Make Fitness The Destination
Have you heard of fitness vacations? Lots of companies are putting together epic adventures for folks who want to spend their time sight-seeing AND staying fit. This post from Livestrong lists some pretty dreamy destinations – all of which are designed for active travelers, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a sweat session with new scenery. Healthy vacations are becoming more and more popular so check them out when you’re planning your next getaway!
#5 – Keep Moving No Matter Where You Are
Pack your walking shoes and go see the sights! Whether you want to troll a beach or museum, it’s a great way to clear your head and de-stress – the whole point of getting away in the first place! If you’re tight on time, do a FitStar session. No need to leave your hotel room – pick a short Freestyle session like Greatist Wherever Workout, 7-Minute Workout, 10 Minute Abs, or Stretch Further With Westin, to get your blood flowing without taking up too many vacay moments. You can also check out these 9 Moves You Can Do in a Hotel Room from our Fitbit family which don’t require any equipment!
And most importantly, have fun! Vacations are the time to relax and recharge so keep moving and enjoy. Safe travels!
What are some of your best tips for staying fit while traveling? Share in the comments below!
Make It Happen,
-Team FitStar
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