As we become more and more involved in this healthy and vibrant lifestyle, things that we used to take at face value and accept as the norm, may no longer be normal or okay enough for us. While there are an increasing number of options when traveling, it can still be a challenge to stay healthy in a traditional travel environment. These healthy travel tips can help!
I once commented to a friend that I wish I could pack a bag and hop on a flight for the weekend at an all inclusive resort, but for me, that option is no longer an option. Knowing that the food budget per guest is usually around $5, it makes me wonder what I’m eating and how the staff is treated. The chemicals used in cleaning products from the ones that are sprayed in the bathrooms to the sheets and towels they are washed with are what I like to avoid.
I also don’t like having plastic bottled water as my only option for drinking or sitting on my balcony to find others on theirs smoking. And so it goes.
For most of my life, I didn’t think twice about these things. Now I think about them a lot.
But that didn’t stop me from traveling. It has simply changed how I travel, where I go and what the focus of my travels is. The simple goal for all my trips is to want to return home feeling more refreshed, inspired, rested and restored than when I left. Simple. This goal does not waver even when my trip is for business. When I travel for biz – there’s always time for UnDiet live sweetness.
Years ago, I stayed in a very special place called Casa Bianca (image above). An estate, which temporarily lived its life as a hospital, has since been restored and turned into a guest house. I liked it because:
- They emphasize supporting the health of their guests.
- They offer an organic breakfast as part of your stay.
- They use organic bedding and organic cleaners.
- The soaps provided are all natural and locally made.
- It has windows that open! (This should be mandatory in ALL hotels and it is not).
- There are no air fresheners or other chemicals sprayed around the place.
- The shampoo they offer is in large refillable glass pumps rather than mini disposable plastic bottles.
- It’s right across the street from a park and they offer enjoyable walking and cycling tour ideas.
- They have a kitchen that guests can use.
Check it out…
Now this list may seem very long, but when you think about it, it’s actually not that hard to find as often all of these factors come together!
The odd, unique and special places I’ve put my head while traveling are all part of the experience for me. Holiday Inn is not my thing.
One of my favorite quotes from my friend Scott, a photographer I met on a random island in Fiji in 2002 is this:
“Travelers don’t know where they’re going. Tourists don’t know where they’ve gone.”
To really break it down, I’m going to give you my top five healthy travel tips for a truly healthy vacation!
5 healthy travel tips
1. Stay somewhere with a kitchen
This is non-negotiable for me at this point. With so many options through AirBnB, HomeAway, and VRBO, you can find an affordable, comfortable place to stay anywhere in the world. With a kitchen, you can:
- Save big by enjoying simple breakfast at home
- Have a place to pack snacks and/or a picnic lunch
- Where appropriate, enjoy the freshness of the local market and prepare beautiful meals in truly fantastic locations
- Ask questions about who you’re renting from – is there a blender, pots/pans, food storage containers, refrigerator – and plan accordingly
2. Find your shopping/dining location
Before you leave home, do a little research on the area you’re going to.
- Map out some key restaurants you want to try.
- Look for your nearest health food store and/or supermarket to stock up on fresh produce.
- Check out your local farmer’s market schedule to make sure you include it in your itinerary. This is also a great way to connect with the local community and learn about local events and attractions.
3. Bring your own healthy travel items
This list may seem long, but once you get down to the basics of travel, it really isn’t. Even bringing all these essentials, I can travel for weeks at a time with just a carry-on. It’s one of the most amazing things about using all natural products with no fillers. Often you only need small amounts to get the job done, whether it’s a dropper full of laundry soap or a single drop of oil to moisturize your entire face.
- Bring your own refillable water bottles.
- Bring your own soaps and shampoo if they don’t provide the good stuff.
- Bring your own little laundry soap.
- Bring your own sheets if you are extremely sensitive to detergents.
- Bring your own shower filter. What!;! OK – consider this optional. If, like me, you react to chlorine and use a filter at home, it won’t take long for your skin to catch fire under the chemical if you’re not used to it.
Find out more about my travel essentials here.
4. Be ready to snack
Unexpected things often come up when we travel – whether it’s delays, weather challenges or simply getting lost. Always have some snacks prepared and ready.
- Trail mix – a must.
- Granola – the recipe at UnDiet it’s always my go to.
- Dried fruit or homemade snacks like these fruit rolls.
- Some packaged food bars. I love raw food bars!
- A powdered greens. Any will do. This is great to add to water in a pinch if you need an extra boost or a good starter if you don’t have a kitchen but need something to start the morning before your full breakfast.
- Elixir and/or your favorite teas. These are nice extras to have and can make any place feel like home.
Find more travel meal and snack ideas here.
5. Classify your activities
Healthy holidays will involve action! Find out what you love, what you want to try and bring the right shoes and ensemble to make sure nothing stands in your way. Sightseeing on foot and by bike are some of the most interesting, free and fun ways to explore a new place. You may not go the same distance, but you’ll definitely remember where you’ve been!
- Look out for bike rentals and/or tours (and know if you need to bring a helmet – safety first).
- Local hikes, guided or toured.
- Yoga fun in wild locations (a personal favorite).
- Take public transport (where safe) as a great way to meet people and take the scenic route.
What are your tips for healthy travel?
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