5 SIMPLE tips to feel your best while traveling

Have you ever returned home from a trip and thought “I need a vacation from my vacation”? In this article we are sharing 5 simple tips to enjoy your trip and also feel good while doing it!

When preparing for a trip, we often research all the restaurants and cafes we’re going to visit, all the food we want to enjoy, the different drinks we want to try and the sightseeing we plan to do. While all those things are essential parts of traveling and getting to know a new place, the very activities that bring us joy could also leave us drained and exhausted. Follow these 5 simple tricks to feel your best!

View of Table Mountain from the top of Lions Head in Cape Town, South Africa

Watch your diet

Eat healthier and eat less. Oftentimes when we travel, we tend to eat out more at restaurants and we let ourselves go when it comes to our diet. Often, we eat more sweets, grease, and more food. But, by just opting for one more veggie or fruit-forward meal per day, you will feel refreshed.

Listen to your body, and don’t overeat. Overeating can cause us to feel lethargic and can also make us physically ill.

Drink clean water and lots of it. With the pressure of getting from one place to another we can forget to drink the correct amount of water. So, bring a refillable water bottle and refill anywhere that is safe to do so.

If you’re like us and like to travel light just remember to order a water (or two!) every time you sit down to eat. Bring water to your hotel and stay hydrated before you sleep. Water is very important as it’s vital for all of our organs and it can help us to have a clear mind to make good decisions.

Pro tip: Elevate your hydration by using electrolytes. Orange LMNT is our favorite. Get a free sample pack!

Bring your necessary medications. Prescription medications are obviously necessary as you probably need those just to function normally. But also think about extra medications you may need like pain relievers or stomach. We love this travel pill case to save space and leave those bulky pill bottles at home.

Save yourself the hassle of running into a pharmacy in a panic trying to read labels in another language or trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak the same language while your stomach is churning. 

Sleep Well

Late night walks, music clubs, and dining can have us going back to our hotel well into the night. While we may have a lot of fun doing those things, the lack of sleep can make us feel exhausted very quickly and our immune system could take a hit. So, if you know you have to get up early the next day, make sure you’re back in time to get enough sleep for your body and your family’s. 

Prepare for jet lag. If you travel to another time zone that is much different than yours, your body may experience jet lag. So, do what you can to be in the same time zone as your destination even before you leave on your trip.

Take naps. If you can’t nap, rest. In between plans or events, go back to your hotel and wind down a little bit. This can give your body and mind the second wind it needs to feel invigorated to finish the day.

Do some exercise

I hate this one, but it works. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and go to your hotel’s gym if there’s one available. If not, do some stretching and small exercises in your room. If you have to get somewhere that’s not too far away, opt for a brisk walk instead of taking an Uber or fast transportation. 

Explore Paris by bike. There are several easy-to-use bike rental systems throughout the city.

If you decide to walk more often than not, make sure you do plenty of stretching to keep your legs feeling loose. Also consider adding a hike to your itinerary as it gives you a new point of view of the city you’re visiting as well as a good workout.

Slow Down

Plan fewer things. You may want to see everything. Every attraction, building, museum, and restaurant. But, being constantly on edge trying to fit everything into a finite amount of time can be a recipe for mental and physical disaster. It is not possible to do it all, even when traveling for an extended period of time.

You cannot see AND fully enjoy it all. Take the pressure off and plan a balanced trip from the beginning.

Enjoying a peaceful stroll through “bosque los colomos” in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX

So, leave time to enjoy a nice, sit-down meal, rest in a park, have a short nap, and time to think. Slowing down, having a good diet, and getting rest can really help you and your immune system. You’ll be less likely to get sick and you won’t feel exhausted throughout the trip.

Create a travel budget

Know how much money you can spend. Being stressed out about spending too much money or having to pay the debt off when you get home can affect your well-being as well as your enjoyment.

So make a budget and stick to it. Traveling with others? Talk about expenses prior to traveling and discuss who will be paying for what.

Plan which experiences you would like to splurge on before-hand, like glacier kayaking in Seward Alaska.

Traveling is such a rewarding experience. By taking just a few steps, you can feel great throughout your trip and feel good when you come home.