21 Best Habits of a Healthy Traveler
In this post I’ll be talking about all things “healthy” travelers do. I’m relating to the word “healthy” in the sense of ways to feel happy, stress-free, and well rested while traveling 🙂 not intense “healthy” eating or working out regimens. We’re talking all around healthy lifestyle tips that carry on from home to traveling! I’m so happy you’re here to learn about ways to improve your wellbeing even while traveling.
Let’s get into it!
Here are the 21 Best Habits of a Healthy Traveler!
1. Get Outside!
I’m sure post-covid we all understand how awful it is to be cooped up in our homes, not seeing a spec of sunlight for days.
Did you know that light can actually increase your mood? There’s actually a therapy called “light therapy” that helps treat depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, acne, jet lag, etc. How fricken cool! I have definitely felt the effects of this on my morning sunrise walks😊.
Moral of the story, get outside! This shouldn’t be too hard if you plan on exploring the city all day anyways!
2. Prioritize sleep
I’m sure you’ve heard how important sleep is by now. This doesn’t change while on vacation! Yes, there’s a million things to see and do, but if you don’t get enough sleep you may just be a mope/zombie while experiencing everything (at least I know I would).
If you need to sleep in, sleep in! If you want to wake up early to catch the sunrise, wake up early to catch the sunrise, then take a nap later. Your sleep and health always comes first!
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Water is essential anywhere and everywhere! I keep a water bottle with me at all times for this reason. Traveling can especially get you dehydrated. Having the window seat and not wanting to drink water to avoid getting up for the bathroom, exploring the whole day in a new city and not making water a priority, and worst case… forgetting your water bottle on a long hike.
Get used to bringing a water bottle everywhere! Just remember to empty it before TSA😉
4. Eat Balanced
My soon-to-be dietician self could do an entire blog post on this one! For now, I’ll keep it to this section. Eating balanced is key at all times. That means having a nutrient dense wrap for lunch and then having those oreos your friend offers you at snack time.
Balanced and in moderation is key to healthy eating. In fact, that is my definition of healthy eating. Not too restrictive, and not overindulging in processed foods for every meal. It’s important to find that balance while traveling!
Have that ice cream but don’t forget your fruit and veggies!
5. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises
Going to a new place can be exciting but nerve-wracking at the same time. You’re likely going to run into some high stress situations (like forgetting where you set your beer😨). If you’re up for it, try some morning yoga, meditation exercises, or just remember to take some deep breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed!
6. Schedule in daily movement
This could be as simple as a morning walk or a legit cross-fit workout. Whatever you prefer!
Another great idea: yoga on the beach. OR goat yoga. I’ve heard that’s hilarious. Look it up😂
Moral of the story, get that body moving! You may not have motivation beforehand, but afterwards you’ll feel like a million bucks.
7. Stay relaxed
Traveling can either be relaxing or stressful, not much in between. In times of stress, just remember everything happens for a reason and it will all work out. If you’re anxious about missing your flight, just know you’ll get the next one! Every day is a blessing, and traveling is the best gift! You’ll be sitting with a beer in your hand on the beach in no time.
8. Always remember sunscreen😊
I think the worst thing ever is getting sunburnt the first day of vacation. I’ve had this happen tooooo many times.
To avoid this, I suggest carrying sunscreen all the time, or putting it on before you leave. I also suggest finding a chapstick with spf. My all time favorite is Nivea’s moisturizing lip balm found here! This chapstick is heavenly! I bought a four pack and put one in my car, backpack, lip balm, and by my bedside😆
9. Pack snacks
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. You never know when you’re going to get that hunger pang! Always be prepared with some yummy snacks whenever you’re exploring. One of my all time favorite snacks is trail mix! I even wrote a post about it – 3 Ingredient Simple Trail Mix that only takes you 2 minutes to make!
Snacking is great for keeping energy levels high throughout the day, and avoiding that hangry attitude I’m sure we’ve all experienced.
10. Have alcohol – in moderation
We all love bottomless mimosas and letting loose with our friends some days/nights. Of course, I’m not going to tell you not do this, those are some of the best nights! Just know alcohol is not the best thing to put in your body, and it’s better to consume it in moderation. I personally love having a glass of red wine with my dinner or a morning mimosa with my breakfast when I’m on vacation.
TIP: If you do get a little too tipsy and have a full day of adventuring the next day, take some liquid IV before bed, and have a water bottle by your bedside that you can down in the morning. Take care of yourself and stay hydrated!
11. Plan ahead
Plan your days! In order to not waste any time in paradise, I recommend you plan most of your days. This could be your excursions, the restaurants you plan on going to, or just sketching in time to relax.
This can help you stay organized and better manage those stress levels since you’ll know what to expect.
Another thing that may be useful for the healthy traveler is to look at the restaurant menu beforehand. Plan what you’re going to order 1) because you can order asap, avoid being hangry, and get your food right away and 2) so you make a more health conscious and nutrient dense decision instead of ordering a burger on the spot at the restaurant (but by all means, order a burger if you want! remember ~ balance).
12. But don’t plan too much
It’s very easy to plan too much. I mean, if you only have a few days at a destination, it can be very easy to plan several things you want to do in a day. This can get exhausting. Know what you can handle, and if you do schedule too much, listen to your body, go back to your hotel, grab some wine, watch a movie, and move the rest of your activities to tomorrow.
13. If you take supplements or medication, don’t forget them!
This is very important (at least the medications)! Forgetting medications you need to take every day (i.e. birth control pills, anxiety pills, etc.) could easily be a disaster. Make sure those are on your packing list and you don’t forget them. I would put those number one on the list and triple check you have them packed before leaving for the airport.
14. Carry hand sanitizer
Especially with the recent pandemic, it’s important to always carry hand sanitizer with you. You touch hundreds of surfaces every day, and you never know what kind of bacteria is on each one. Next thing you know you’re eating your lunch with a side of icky bacteria.
Go to Bath & Body Works, listen to their 10 minute spiel before you walk in about their discounted products, and then go nuts in their sanitizer section. Add it to every bag, purse, fanny pack you have so you’ll never forget it!
15. Do your research on vaccines
Some countries require you to get certain vaccines before entering. Right now, covid is the biggest. you need a covid vaccine before visiting almost anywhere these days. I highly suggest researching this before traveling anywhere!
16. Beat jet lag
Jet lag can really put a damper on your mood. We’ve all been there, you’re so excited you’ve reached your destination but all of a sudden you have no energy to do anything and just want to sleep. It’s the worst!
Beating jet lag is key to making the most of your time from the moment you land to the moment you leave. Luckily, I wrote a blog post called 7 of the Best Tips to Avoid Jet Lag to help you finally crush jet lag for good! Go check it out!
17. Pack a health bag/first aid kit
You never know when you’re going to need a band aid or medical tape. This is especially necessary if you’re going on a hike or some outdoor excursion. It’s very important to have this prepared and ready in any circumstance! You can get mini first aid kits for as little as a dollar that you can toss in your hiking backpack or suitcase just in case.
18. Make your own meals frequently
This is not only a healthier option than eating out, it’s also a cheaper option. Making your own meals allows you to create your own portion sizes, add more fruits and veggies, and have a home cooked meal with your family or friends. My typical go-to: pasta with a side salad, a side of bread, and of course, wine. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
19. Eat breakfast
Eating breakfast can help curb your hunger until lunch or a morning snack. If you skip breakfast, you may go into your next meal ravenous and end up overeating. Choosing a healthy breakfast like eggs, oatmeal, or even a protein bar is a great option!
20. Only go to places you feel comfortable in/leave in uncomfortable situations
I don’t know about you but I’ve traveled to cities, stores, etc. where I didn’t feel the comfiest. This can be such a downer and put a halt on your traveling experience. If you feel uncomfortable in any circumstance, get the heck outta there! And if you feel like a place is going to make you feel uncomfortable and you’re having doubts about going, just don’t go. Our mental health is so important! It’s not fun getting cat called or being stared at by someone from across the room. Try and avoid these situations at all costs! Although this is definitely easier said than done.
21. Lastly, smile! You’re on vacation😊
Traveling is such a gift! Be grateful for every opportunity you get to see a new place. Smile, laugh, and be open to these new experiences. Life is so so good!
Thanks for reading the 21 Best Habits of a Healthy Traveler!
If you liked this post feel free to share it with your family, friends, or social media buddies! If you have any comments or questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! See you next time!