How To Stay Healthy During Travel

Winter and the lack of sunshine (which means the lack of Vitamin D) can sometimes wreak havoc on your immune system.  Many of you (including myself) often travel in the winter to somewhere warm and sunny just to get that boost of vitamin D.  So, with your possible upcoming vacation plans this spring break, I decided to provide a bit of insight on how to you stay healthy during travel?  

In matters of healing the body or the mind, vacation is a true genius! Mehmet Murat Ildan

Whether you travel frequently, or once in a blue moon, staying healthy during travel is always a concern and a must.  I’ve known people to get quite stressed weeks before their travel plans in hopes that a flu bug or other ailment doesn’t hit. While you cannot predict when or where you will come down with a cough or cold, you can step into some healthy habits prior to and during your vacation to instill some good health.  

What is good health?  

Good health is actually your body fighting off those dreaded ‘bugs’ naturally. Good health is about your body doing its job – keeping your blood flowing, your heart beating, your lungs breathing and all of your senses working in sync. For example: If you have a temperature, that is your body doing its job at fighting off an infection or a virus. Your body is designed to heal itself.

However, we do have to do our part in keeping our body strong. We can’t just stuff our faces with fast food, high sodium, or foods full of sugar and think we will continue to stay healthy. We do need to maintain a good balance of the right foods and supplements if needed. Travelling can sometimes create a challenge in maintaining good health, but I am here to tell you that it is possible.

How do I ‘try to’ stay healthy:

First off – I try very hard to lead a balanced lifestyle.  I exercise regularly (at least 3x/week) and eat a well-balance diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and a mixture of proteins.  That being said, I do love my chocolate, LOL – so I do sneak a treat (a piece of chocolate or a cookie) daily.  

Prior to any type of travel, I do make sure I am stocked up on my necessary vitamins:

• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Acidophilus/probiotic
• Dairy Enzymes (for those who are allergic or have a hard time digesting dairy)
• Activated charcoal – great for upset stomachs
• Apple cider vinegar – Braggs (or any organic with the ‘mother’) – great for overall digestive health and immunity

Optional Nutritionals:

Veggie greens and/or protein powders – however make sure these are clearly labled or in original packaging as to avoid any ‘suspicious’ substance coincidences at the airport.  There have been incidences where travellers have been pulled aside and questioned due to these items just in ziplock bags. (Just a tip). So, be sure to have a small original container for transport.  

While travelling, whether that is somewhere warm and sunny or across the pond to Ireland or UK, I try to stay consistent with finding and eating well-balanced meals.  Sometimes, it may be difficult to avoid the fast-food chains or quick food grabs, but overall, healthy (or healthier) options are not hard to find. 

What are my go-to’s or steps in eating healthy while travelling?  

If we are away at a Caribbean resort – we find it super easy to eat healthy.  Usually, there is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables at hand.  Whether we are eating at a buffet or an a la cart restaurant – the options are plentiful for nutritious eats.  

• Avocado Toast
• Omelets
• A vast variety of melon, berries, pineapple, bananas
• A variety of fresh fruit juices or smoothies
• Most resorts now have a selection of milks available – regular cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk or almond
• Many kinds of salads
• An abundance of fish options
• An abundance of chicken options
• Most resorts now offer a gluten free section at buffets or on their menu’s

We have even found – if we were in search of an item or idea – simply asking the team and they will go above and beyond to deliver (if they can).  

With Regards to exercise:

If your body is used to regular exercise throughout the week – keeping up a routine of some sort will only benefit you.  When you really think about it, do you want to just be a lump all week?  Probably not.  

Ways to stay active while on vacation:

• Walking – whether you are down south or travelling across Europe, a daily walk will keep your body in check.  We love to walk the beaches of Punta Cana.  Bavaro beach stretches for miles and feeling that soft sand on your feel, with the ocean waves lapping across your feet and breathing in that salty air – just feeds the soul.  Anytime we have travelled to Ireland – we tend to walk an average of 6-8 km/day.  Over a course of a 8-10 day trip – we have walked over 70 km.  This would include hiking up hills, walking trails to castle ruins, or just exploring ancient towns.  Our legs and lungs get quite the workout in the land of leprechauns.
• Fitness Centres – Every resort tends to have a fitness centre of some sort.  Some may be large and some may be tiny, but each of them will have the basics to allow your body the overall fitness workout its used to. 
• Tennis Courts or Pickle Ball – Many resorts tend to have outdoor court activities.  My husband and I love to play a bit of tennis if we can while on vacation.  Next, we want to learn pickleball – since this is the new fitness fad around.  
• Golf – Most Caribbean resorts either have a golf course or are affiliated with one.  If you are a golfer – simply ask your concierge about how and where to golf.  If you are travelling to Florida, Europe or any other area deemed for golf – search out the nearest golf course prior to arriving.  Most courses have their website information listed – especially for visitors.
• Resort Activity Teams – all resorts have an activity/entertainment team to engage its patrons.  The daily activities are posted each day so there is no excuse not to be aware of what is planned for the day.  These activities are endless but can range from (but not limited to):
  • Yoga
  • Beach volleyball
  • Pool aerobics
  • Dance lessons
  • Fitness classes
  • Horseshoe tournaments
  • SUP board yoga

You see, it is quite easy to stay active and healthy while travelling or on vacation.  It may take some willpower and/or some planning, but your body will be thanking you for staying consistent.  You will probably find you are less likely to become sick as well.

Now, if you are heading away this coming March break – you have a few weeks to prepare.  Stock up on your vitamins and you’ll be good to go.  No need to stress or fret about anything.  Get your body’s nutrition up to par and you’ll be one step ahead with staying healthy this vacation.  

Happy Traveling.

Sidenote: If you are thinking of travelling, but just don’t know where to go, click HERE to my travel page to see a variety of reviews and ideas.