Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Staying healthy on the road : wellness tips for travellers by Hannah REES
Travelling is one of the most rewarding experiences, not only do you get to explore new places and discover different cultures, but you can also learn a lot about yourself along the way.
That said, the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle when travelling can sometimes be daunting and, more often than not, we find ourselves falling off the wagon, with long flights, irregular schedules and exposure to new environments really taking their toll on our wellbeing.
But there’s no need to worry or cancel your next holiday just yet, here are some wellbeing tips on how to prioritise your health, wherever your next adventure takes you.
Staying healthy on the road: wellness tips for travellers.
1. To stay healthy on the road, preparation is crucial.
One of the most important things to do before embarking on a new journey is to prepare yourself mentally and physically.
This can mean taking the time to prepare an itinerary so that you can plan your trip well and eliminate some of the unnecessary stress that can arise when faced with the unknown.
It can also mean packing nutritious snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruit and cereal bars to avoid relying on the unhealthy options available at the airport. Another good travel tip is to bring a reusable water bottle and try to stay well hydrated, especially during flights.
If you’re prone to fatigue and illness, consider taking immune-boosting supplements or vitamins in the days leading up to your trip to fortify your body against potential travel stressors.
2. How to maintain a balanced diet when travelling
Let’s face it, one of the hardest things about travelling is maintaining a balanced diet. And with a whole new cuisine to explore and a myriad of restaurants to tempt you, it’s easy to see why.
And you should embrace the local cuisine, it’s part of the travel experience after all. But a good rule of thumb would be to balance indulgent meals with healthier options to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. A good idea when dining out is to opt for meals that include a variety of vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Depending on the local cuisine, this may be more or less difficult, but the trick is to avoid excessive consumption of fried or overly processed foods. And another good idea might be to share dishes to avoid overeating.
Another very important subject to address is alcohol consumption. Although it’s tempting to indulge in local drinks, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and disrupt your sleep, so consume in moderation and balance it with plenty of water. That said, pay attention to the quality of water in different regions and if in doubt, opt for bottled water to avoid the potential health problems associated with contaminated water sources. Similarly, be wary of adding ice to your drinks in countries with potential health risks.
3. The importance of staying active when travelling
Another very important thing to do when travelling is to keep active. If you’re travelling by plane, this can start during the flight and make sure you do simple in-flight exercises such as ankle circles, seated knee raises and neck stretches to help improve circulation and reduce stiffness, especially on long-haul flights.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, explore on foot or by bike whenever possible. This not only gives you exercise, but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local environment and culture.
And don’t forget to take advantage of fitness facilities at your hotel to maintain your fitness routine, or try some simple yoga stretches.
4. Don’t give up sleep because of your travels.
When you travel, prioritise sleep as much as possible. Remember that you won’t be able to get the most out of your destination if you’re too tired to enjoy it.
The best way to combat jet lag is to adapt to the local time zone as quickly as possible and spend time outdoors during the day to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
When travelling, it’s important to create a comfortable sleeping environment. To do this, bring along items that improve the quality of your sleep, such as an eye mask, ear plugs or a travel pillow, and consider using soothing scents such as lavender to promote relaxation.
Finally, try to reduce your exposure to screens, especially before bedtime. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with melatonin production, affecting sleep quality.
5. Travelling for work
Traveling for work can be both exciting and challenging. While it offers the opportunity to explore new places and meet interesting people, it also demands a high level of productivity and focus. In order to make the most of your business travel experience, it is crucial to prioritize both staying connected and ensuring quality sleep.
In addition to the above tips you may want to search for accommodations on TripOffice, as they guarantee accommodation options with a dedicated workspace, including an ergonomic chair and reliable wifi access.
Mastering the art of traveling for work involves finding a delicate equilibrium between staying connected and prioritizing quality sleep. Knowing that you have the perfect environment for both with a guaranteed high spreed connection will ensure that your business trip goes smoothly.
6. Practise mindfulness while travelling
Travelling is supposed to be a time to disconnect and recharge. So why not consider a digital detox or simply take short technology breaks during your travels. Disconnecting from constant notifications allows you to immerse yourself completely in the present moment.
Even if you are travelling for work and need to stay connected, try to incorporate mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga into your daily routine as these can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
And finally, try to immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible and whenever possible, engage with locals and attend cultural events as this can enhance your overall travel experience.
7. Always give priority to health and safety
Finally, never forget that hygiene and safety must be a priority. So wash your hands regularly, especially before meals, to prevent the spread of germs, and take hand sanitiser with you for situations where soap and water are not readily available.
If you go somewhere sunny, protect your skin from harmful UV rays by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade if necessary.
And it’s also be a good idea to find out who to contact in an emergency, and to locate the nearest medical facilities.
Final words on Staying healthy on the road: wellness tips for travellers.
In conclusion, keeping fit on the road is not only essential for your health, it also enhances your travel experience. By prioritising preparation, nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep and mindfulness, you can meet the challenges of travel while promoting your overall well-being.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Staying healthy on the road: wellness tips for travellers, and you can also have a look more of our travel features.
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Article By Hannah Rees
Hannah Rees is a writer based in Paris. She currently divides her time between completing her second novel, writing songs on her guitar and working as a fashion designer for private clients. She has a strong fashion background, having studied fashion design in Paris, and counts Prada, Lemaire, House of Marlow, Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney among her influences. She loves discovering the world and dreams of going to Iceland.
