Going on vacation should be a time for you to relax, unwind, and recharge. Sadly, though, many of us return home feeling drained, anxious, and exhausted – in other words worse than when we left!
The secret to having a great vacation is staying healthy while away from home. Eating right, sleeping enough, and just taking care of your health are the keys. But with so much newness and excitement around you it can be hard to stay focused on health.
In this article we are going to share with you tips and tricks that will help you stay healthy while on vacation. We’ll also explain what to do when things don’t go according to plan so that you come back refreshed rather than tired.
Schedule a consultation prior to your trip
If you’re worried about how to stay healthy while on vacation, then schedule a consultation with your doctor prior to the trip. This is important because it gives you the opportunity to ask questions and tailor advice for your particular health needs.
Your doctor can conduct a full assessment and provide you with any medication or information needed for staying healthy in different climates or countries. They may also give health warnings on food safety, sanitation and other concerns.
For individuals who are susceptible to illness or medical conditions, scheduling a consultation prior to trip ensures that you have any medications or treatments needed during your travels. Listening to professional advice from a medical specialist will help keep you safe and healthy on your vacation.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for a healthy and happy vacation, so make sure you plan ahead to ensure you get the rest your body needs. Having a consistent sleep schedule can help keep you energized and help counteract any jet lag.
Set an alarm for bedtime and stick to it, even if you’re in a new time zone. Avoid naps as they can disrupt your regular sleep routine.
Monitor your caffeine intake as well; drinking coffee late in the day might mess with your sleep cycle. Make sure to stay hydrated too; water helps us regulate our circadian rhythm – enabling us to fall asleep quicker, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling more refreshed.
Finally, thoroughly check any hotel rooms for proper ventilation and temperature controls – this will allow you to adjust the space where necessary – helping you drift off into dreamland sooner!
Walk
Walking is a great way to stay healthy while on vacation. Consider taking a leisurely walk each morning to experience the new location and get some fresh air.
Not only will this familiar daily routine help you to stay in shape, but it allows you to take in the beauty of your surroundings. Maybe you’ll find something new off the beaten path that would otherwise have been missed!
Walking is also an opportunity to explore local markets and small shops along your route. You can learn more about the culture and make a few purchases while getting some exercise at the same time.
For an even more exciting adventure, consider signing up for one of the many guided walking tours available. This could be a great way to get an introduction into a new city and really immerse yourself in its history and charm!
Eat breakfast
No matter where you are in the world, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Taking the time to enjoy a good breakfast sets you up for a healthy and successful day.
This doesn’t mean reaching for a pastry and hot cup of coffee from your local cafe or grabbing an unhealthy snack from an airport. Try to make time every morning to cook a nutritious breakfast, even if it’s just in your hotel room.
Make sure you have key staples at your disposal so that you can try new recipes or stick with old favorites. Scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, bread, nuts and seeds all make fantastic options when travelling as they are easy to source and keep fresh while on the road.
Breakfast is your fuel – make sure what you’re consuming is quality fuel and start each day off on the right foot!
Drink plenty of water
When you’re on vacation, make sure to drink plenty of water. People often forget just how important it is to stay hydrated while they are away from home.
Staying hydrated keeps your organs functioning properly and boosts your overall health. Plus, drinking lots of water will help you avoid becoming dehydrated—which can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness and more!
Another benefit? Drinking plenty of water will help keep you energized for sightseeing and other vacation activities. And when the weather is warm (or you’re doing any strenuous activities) that increased hydration is even more important!
Finally, if you tend to indulge in alcoholic drinks on your vacations, remember that consuming a lot of alcohol contributes to dehydration as well—so drinking some extra water and limiting your drinking can be a great idea.
Limit the sweets and alcohol
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on vacation, but it’s not impossible! One of the best ways to do that is to limit your intake of sweets and alcohol.
Sweets and alcohol are two big sources of empty calories that can sabotage your diet quickly if you let them get out of control.
Not only will this help you feel more energetic during your trip, but you won’t come back from vacation feeling bloated, sluggish, and generally unhealthy either.
On top of limiting sweets and alcohol, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with lots of water will help promote great health during your journey. Additionally, keeping track of portion sizes when dining out is essential for staying healthy on vacation.
Eat healthy food
Eating healthy food while on vacation is key to staying healthy. Stick to foods that your body is used to and make sure they are nutrient-rich.
Your vacation should include plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and other sources of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Avoid processed and sugary snacks that can rob you of energy or cause digestive issues.
You don’t have to completely avoid local goodies – just remember that moderation is key! Try out different flavors and dishes without overdoing it. Don’t forget your portion sizes – try not to eat too much since it can increase your risks for weight gain.
Lastly, grocery shop as soon as you arrive at your destination so you always have healthy options available in your vacation rental or hotel room!
Wash your hands
No matter where you are on vacation, it is important to wash your hands often. Not only does cleaning your hands regularly keep diseases at bay, it helps to keep you healthy and stay safe while traveling.
Using good handwashing techniques can help reduce the spread of germs and prevent you from getting sick while on vacation.
Handwashing doesn’t have to take a long time. Simply wet your hands with clean running water and lather the soap between your fingers and over the back of the hands for 20 seconds or longer before rinsing off with running water.
Using warm water and soap along with scrubbing for at least 20 seconds can help remove dirt, bacteria and viruses that could be living on your skin.
For extra protection, carry hand sanitizer in your pouch or bag, just in case there isn’t access to soap and running water during your travels!
Don’t overdo it
It’s easy to overdo it when you’re on vacation and that can derail your health goals. In the moment, you might not be aware of how much walking and sightseeing you’re doing.
Before long, you’ll find yourself exhausted from too much fun in the sun. That’s why the key to staying healthy while on vacation is to take frequent breaks throughout the day.
Make a point each day to rest your legs and give them a few moments of respite so they don’t get worn out completely. Also, don’t forget to rehydrate often with plenty of water as it’s important for replenishing minerals lost when sweating in tropical climates.
When taking breaks, make sure to eat light snacks full of energizing ingredients like nuts and fruits. Eating light based snacks every few hours prevents blood sugar crashes that can leave you feeling sluggish.
Beat jet lag
Jet lag is one of the biggest challenges when traveling long distance. It can be difficult to beat jet lag, but it’s not impossible.
To avoid feeling foggy, sluggish and exhausted when you reach your destination, make a plan for adjusting to the time change before you even step foot on the plane.
Prepare your body to adjust by gradually shifting your waking hours by an hour each day starting a few days before travel. If possible avoid caffeine and alcohol while traveling and try to drink plenty of water during your flight.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, avoid taking any lengthy naps in the middle of the day – this will only compound confusion around when you should stay awake and when you rest! Instead try to slowly expose yourself to natural light as soon as possible to help get back into sync with local time more quickly.
Final Words
Vacations can be a great opportunity for you to relax and take a break from your everyday routine.
However, if you don’t take steps to stay healthy while on vacation, it can quickly become an unhealthy and unenjoyable experience.
With the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can now make sure that your vacation is not only enjoyable but also safe and healthy. Use these strategies to ensure a healthy and happy trip!
