How to stay healthy while traveling
Ivory Howard
This summer will be the busiest travel season ever as Europe is expected to relax restrictions, mask mandates are falling in the United States, and borders are reopening to welcome back international tourism. Most Americans are expected to travel this summer.
But for many us, traveling can mean a disruption to our health and fitness plans.
Here are a few travel tips to help you travel like a fitness professional and workout accessories you can take on vacation to make things a bit easier to maintain a consistent workout routine while away from home.
Seek out an airport gym or wellness center. See if the airports you’re traveling to offer exercise classes you can take before or after your flight. Many also have yoga rooms.
Avoid airport pitfalls by eating before you arrive and packing snacks. Unfortunately, not every city will offer healthful, plant-based options, so it's best to bring your own snacks. Nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, and granola bars are great snack options to have on hand. Remember, you never want to decide what to eat when you're hungry because it can only result in poor choices and regret.
Stay hydrated when traveling. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water on the plane. Many airports offer water bottle refill stations so that you can fill up before or after you board your flight.
Find a health-conscious hotel. Book a fitness-friendly and health-conscious hotel that offers loaner gear, so there’s no need to bring yours. They may also offer fresh fruit, running concierges, personal trainers, workout clothes, and gyms with phenomenal equipment, earbuds, and cold towels.
Use the city as your exercise partner. While it's easy to call a taxi or get an Uber, walking or biking around town is a great way to get in a simple yet effective exercise session. Also, if you’re not in a hurry, try getting off one metro or bus stop early to get a few steps in on the way to your destination. This tip is one of the easiest methods to squeeze in a bit of exercise into your day.
Meet new people. Social networks have a significant influence on your healthy (and unhealthy) lifestyle habits. Sign up for a local Pilates or yoga studio or join a local running club for a city tour.
Visit a local grocery store or farmer’s market for healthy, nutritious options. Look up grocery stores or markets that sell healthy food. It’s also a fun opportunity to explore the different foods the city has to offer. When in Rome, right?
Take online exercise classes. The pandemic has encouraged more fitness instructors to offer sessions online through streaming services. With these classes, you can quickly get a workout right in your hotel room.