Travel Smart: 5 Tips To Stay Healthy While on the Road

Dinners out every night. The siren call of croissants or gelato. A break in routine that has us lounging more than usual (beachside pina coladas, anyone?).

While vacations are no doubt a boon for our mental health, the same story doesn’t always apply to our physical health. As a frequent traveler myself, I know this all too well—and I’ve worked hard to develop healthy habits while traveling, that don’t sacrifice the fun. August is “National Wellness Month,” so I wanted to share my best tips for how to stay well on the road:

Tip #1 – Pack what you need

Set yourself up for success by packing the right workout clothes and gear. I recommend resistance bands, which fold down to practically nothing and slip into your suitcase easily. Or, instead of focusing on packing the right equipment, make sure you book a stay at a property that has you covered (I can help with this!). For example, not only do most Westins have robust gyms, they’ll even supply you with gym clothes if you need them!

Tip #2 – Move your feet

Most destinations are best discovered on foot—so try your best to skip the Ubers and public transport and stroll your way to landmarks. Download Google Maps offline so you don’t get lost as you wander or eat up all your data. You don’t have to spend every moment of your vacation on your feet to reap some benefits; studies have shown that just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day does wonders for your health, like reducing dementia risk. You’re more likely to walk your way through your destination if your accommodations are centrally located; I’ll help you pick the perfect property that allows you to explore on foot.

“When it comes to healthy aging, exercise is about the closest thing we have to a miracle drug,” said Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and the director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California.

Tip #3 – Incorporate heart-pumping activities

You’re on vacation, so let’s make your movement fun! Consider activities and excursions that get you moving and exploring all at once. Instead of simply visiting a restaurant, opt for a walking tour that has you sampling the local delicacies from markets, artisan producers, and bakeries. Instead of a visit to a winery for a tasting, cycle your way through the vineyards and stop for a rest at multiple wineries for private tastings with the vintners.

Tip #4 – Find your “local” gym

Sometimes strolling is not going to cut it, and you really want to work up a sweat. If you’re a member of a national chain or boutique gym, like OrangeTheory or SoulCycle, you may be able to pop into the gym in the destination you’re visiting. This is more likely to work domestically (but there is an OrangeTheory in Paris!).

Tip #5 – Start at home

Sure, you can pack a resistance band—but if you’ve never used it before, it’s not going to do much good at the hotel. The key to a solid on-the-road fitness routine is to develop it and practice it at home first! Even if you’re not a workout-at-the-hotel type, this applies too to vacations that will have you more active than usual. For example, in preparation for a visit to Europe, where it’s not uncommon to spend all day on your feet, start lengthening your daily walks at home to increase your endurance.

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Featured image by Nick Fewings