Travel Well: Staying Healthy on Vacation
Sunshine, sightseeing and coming home feeling better, not worse.
Vacation is for enjoying yourself, and I do. But I’ve learned that a few simple habits mean I come home rested and energized instead of needing a vacation from my vacation.
Walk everywhere you can
Some of my favorite trip memories are the miles I walked without noticing: exploring old forts, wandering garden paths and taking the long way back to the hotel. Sightseeing on foot is the easiest workout there is, and you see so much more.
Water first, especially in the sun
Heat, salt air and a fruity drink or two will dehydrate you fast. I carry a refillable water bottle everywhere and try to drink a full glass of water for every cocktail.
Eat like a local, mostly
Fresh fruit, grilled fish, rice and beans: local food is often the healthiest thing on the menu. I enjoy the treats, but I build most meals around real, simple food so I feel good all day.
Keep one small routine
I don’t try to keep my whole schedule on vacation. I keep one thing: a 20-minute workout in the room, a morning walk on the beach or a few minutes of stretching on the balcony. One small habit keeps me feeling like myself.
“Rest is part of the plan, not a break from it.”
Actually rest
Sleep in. Put the phone down. Sit on the ferry deck and watch the water. Rest is part of a healthy lifestyle, too, and coming home recharged is the whole point.
— CC
