Summer is here and you’re looking forward to getting out of town and enjoying that long awaited vacation you’ve been planning for months. Whether there is a beach in your future or you’re taking a weekend trip to the city, sometimes it’s nice to just get away for some downtime.
But it’s no secret that traveling can cause even the most strong-willed among us to ditch their healthy lifestyles. From crappy airport food to endless pitchers of margaritas, vacationing can wreak some serious havoc on your healthy habits.
This doesn’t have to be the case though. With some minor tweaks, it is 100 percent possible to enjoy your vacation while not entirely falling off of the healthy living bandwagon. Here are seven ways you can stay healthy and active -- even while you’re on vacation:
Forgo buying overpriced chips or cookies at the airport and bring your own snacks instead. Not only will this save you money, you’ll feel better, have more energy, and stay full longer since you aren’t eating a bunch of empty calories.
You’re on vacation so of course, you are going to want to eat out. After all, isn’t one of the benefits of vacation that you get a break from cooking? But try to avoid just stopping at McDonald’s for the sake of convenience.
If you are taking a road trip, plan out where you will stop for your meal in advance. This will allow you to choose healthier options and keep yourself on track.
And if you are traveling internationally, it is recommended that you stay away from raw foods. This is because they are likely to be hard on your digestive system. Ask your Dr. to give you a prescription of Cipro in case you catch a stomach bacterial infection. And be sure to pack portable water tablets.
The best way to stay active is to get out and enjoy the local scenery. After all, that’s why you are on vacation, right? So take a walk through a park, go on a museum tour, or go for a bike ride. Taking a bus tour can be incredibly rewarding, for example, you can discover all the romance and history of Paris for just $40 and a half-day tour including all the major local attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, to Grand Palais and Notre Dame. We promise you will enjoy it much more than sitting in the back of an Uber!
One surefire way to stay in shape is to simply plan out some time for movement every day. Horseback riding, rock climbing, or scuba diving are all fun activities that are sure to raise your heart rate. Regardless of the activity, just get out of your comfort and try something new.
Check on Travelocity for reviews and insides. Also, your hotel front desk may have discounts and coupons on local business.
When you’re choosing your hotel, pick the one that includes a fitness center. By getting even a short workout in every morning, you’re ensuring that you will get at least some fitness in daily. That way you won’t have to feel guilty for lying on a beach all afternoon.
Okay, we know that you’re looking forward to kicking back and enjoying a drink or two. Just keep in mind that most cocktails are full of sugar and calories so try not to overdo it. Drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated and help you flush those toxins. You will thank yourself in the morning when you don’t have a raging headache!
Take the opportunity to forget about work, leave your email unopened, and wait to post those vacation photos until you get home. (Your Facebook friends can wait a week to see that photo of your legs crossed on a lawn chair, we promise!)
Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about your physical health -- it’s about your mental well-being too. By giving yourself the mental space to unplug from the technology you are sure to come home refreshed.
