Holiday health and travel tips
It’s the time for longer-than-usual breaks. A time to use up one’s remaining leaves of absence. A time to bond with family and friends. It’s the most popular time of the year to travel by air, by land, or by sea. A time to relax and explore, whether on another island of this archipelago or beyond our borders.
While traveling without a plan works for many, introducing them to a handful of wonderful discoveries, it is better to have a simple plan ready. That means, of course, setting your travel objectives and building an itinerary, taking travel options and distance into consideration.
It is very easy while on vacation to fall into excessive indulgences—from over-shopping to overeating to skipping sleep. So how do we go back home in the same, if not better shape, than when we left?
Here are a few tips:
- Prioritize hotel accommodations that have gym facilities or jogging trails. Choose those beside parks, especially those with outdoor exercise stations. Take a few relaxing laps in the swimming pool or explore the neighborhood on foot. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore your new surroundings by going for a walk, jog or hike. This allows you to stay active while also sightseeing.
- Include fitness in your itinerary. Throw in lightweight workout clothes, resistance bands, jump rope, or any compact fitness equipment in your luggage.
- Engage in bodyweight exercises. These require no equipment and can be done in a small space. Incorporate exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and burpees into your routine.
- Download your favorite High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout. These are short, intense, and effective. You can find plenty of HIIT workout routines online that require minimal equipment and can be done in a small space. You can also use the hotel stairs for cardio or do in-room exercises like yoga or Pilates.
For sure, you already have a favorite online fitness coach by now. Many fitness trainers and studios offer online classes that you can access from anywhere. Look for virtual workout classes or videos that suit your interests and fitness level.
- Create a travel workout schedule. Plan specific times for exercise during your trip, just as you would for any other appointment or activity. This helps ensure that you prioritize and make time for fitness.
While traveling without a plan works for many, introducing them to a handful of wonderful discoveries, it is better to have a simple plan ready.
- Stay active during transit: If you have a layover or are waiting for transportation, use that time to walk around the airport or train station instead of sitting idle. If your destination has a good public transport system, ditch the car rental plan. Taking the train involves a lot of walking and stair climbing,
- Stay hydrated and eat well. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are crucial for overall health and fitness. Pack healthy snacks for the journey and make smart food choices while traveling.
- If your travel involves a lot of buffet meals, make sure to start by taking in more fiber. Go first to the fresh fruit and salad station for one or two cups of colorful food. Your daily requirement is five servings or two and a half cups.
- Make sure to have a bag of your trusted over-the-counter meds such as paracetamol, antacids, diarrhea tablets, eye drops, throat spray, nasal spray, allergy and asthma medicines, as well as your vitamins, and maintenance medications.
- Travel light. When you have to carry your own luggage such as in a train service, make sure you bring sturdy luggage and do not overly stuff your bag. A bag that is too heavy to lift up will certainly hurt your back.
- Do not overly stress about sticking to your schedules or following your plan by the letter. You are on vacation to have fun. Take disruptions in your plans calmly and just go with the flow.
- Keep gadgets away while having meals together or during a nightcap. How can you bond effectively if everyone’s eyes are on their screens?
- Keep everything in moderation. What’s a feast without sweets? Keep them fresh (such as fruit platters) or keep them scarce.
Remember, the key is to be flexible and find ways to incorporate physical activity into your travel plans. Every little bit counts, so aim for consistency rather than perfection. Overindulgence is not a great idea.
Lastly, do not forget to always be grateful for your blessings. Look around you, take time to appreciate the smallest things, and treasure each and every moment of your togetherness.