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Travel, especially international travel, is one of the most exciting things in the world! However, I know it can also be incredibly hard on your body… so… How do you stay healthy while traveling??
From the moment you arrive, your body clock is already stuck in another time zone and it only gets worse from there. The recycled air on the plane trip, unfamiliar traffic, and food, dehydration–your body can be overwhelmed by the time you get to the hotel.
Luckily, due to traveling for work and vacationing internationally, I have mastered a few tips that help me stay healthy and thoroughly enjoy any trip I take!
Stay Hydrated
It’s almost impossible to drink too much water when traveling. If you’re going on a hike or another type of physical activity, dehydration is a real danger. Even if you’re just walking around town, it can be difficult to be sure where your next meal will come from. Carrying a bottle (or more) of water can be crucial to avoid dehydration. Not having enough water will make everything else worse, especially lack sleep and aches from jet lag. Drink up! Salud!
Eat a Big Breakfast
Along the lines of the previous tip, it’s important to stay fed. Protein is critical for maintaining strength on active days, and the old advice of eating a big meal at breakfast to reset your body clock still holds true. You’ll be surprised how quickly you adjust to a new time zone with a hearty breakfast in your system.
My favorite breakfast bars I bring everywhere: Lärabar
Fight Germs
Especially when traveling somewhere you don’t speak the language, it’s hard to tell exactly how recently something might have been cleaned. Carrying a small tube of hand sanitizer can help you fight off the disease if you’re on a hike and need to hold onto the same rocks that thousands of other tourists have that day. There won’t always be a sink everywhere you’re hungry. Get that exercise, but bring as few germs to the table with you as possible.
My favorite hand-sanitizer I bring everywhere: All Day Sulfate, Aluminum, Triclosan AND Paraben FREE
Buy Groceries when Possible
Just like at home, it’s always going to be cheaper to make your own food with groceries than buy it from a fast-food restaurant. While some parts of the world are famous for their absolutely incredible street markets, you can save money and stay healthy by having groceries to make meals from when you’re not intentionally going out to sample the local delicacies. Just because you’re outside America doesn’t mean fast food is suddenly healthy.
Have Fun!
The world is huge, but it’s easier than ever to get anywhere you want to travel. Keep these tips for a safe and healthy trip in mind… and get out there!