40: Tips for Healthy Travel
Tips for Healthy Travel: Prioritizing Your Wellness on the Go
Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, but it often comes with a set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining your health and wellness.
From jet lag to indulgent food temptations, staying on track with your fitness goals can seem daunting when you’re constantly on the move. However, with the right mindset and a little preparation, you can thrive on your travels and stay healthy.
In this episode, Tara shares 40 expert travel tips that will help you stay fit, energized, and grounded, no matter where you are in the world.
Here’s how you can integrate her advice into your next trip.
Why Healthy Travel Matters
For many of us, travel often signals a time to relax, unwind, and let go of routine. But what if you could travel without sacrificing your health or wellness goals? Tara LaFerrara, health and wellness advocate, shows us how to prioritize self-care while still embracing the adventure of new destinations. Her podcast episode on healthy travel is packed with practical and empowering tips that ensure you stay fit, energized, and aligned with your wellness vision, no matter how far you go.
By planning ahead and making intentional choices, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t get derailed just because you're away from home. Tara’s 40 tips aren’t about strict rules or rigid schedules; they are about finding balance and making mindful decisions that keep you feeling your best.
Tip #1: Preparation is Key to a Healthy Trip
Preparation is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy routine while traveling. Tara encourages you to plan ahead by researching your destination and understanding the options available to you. Before you even leave, look up nearby gyms, walking trails, or parks where you can stay active. Most hotels also have fitness centers—research them before booking to ensure they meet your needs.
When it comes to meals, identify healthy food options around your accommodation. Knowing where you can grab fresh, nutritious meals will keep you from defaulting to unhealthy snacks or fast food.
Tip #2: Hydrate Consistently
Traveling, especially flying, can be incredibly dehydrating. Tara emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, not only to keep your energy levels up but also to combat the dryness caused by air travel. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it often to ensure you stay hydrated throughout your journey.
To enhance your hydration routine:
Carry a bottle that’s easy to fill up at water stations or airports.
Drink herbal teas or water infused with fruits like lemon or cucumber for variety.
Avoid over-consuming caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
Tip #3: Pack Healthy Snacks for the Journey
One of the most common travel pitfalls is reaching for convenience foods—chips, sugary snacks, and overly processed options—when hunger strikes. Tara advises that you pack healthy snacks that will fuel your body and keep you energized without overloading on sugar or empty calories.
Some great snack options include:
Nuts and seeds: Rich in protein and healthy fats, they’ll keep you full longer.
Protein bars: Choose ones with minimal sugar and real ingredients.
Fresh fruit or veggies: Easily portable and packed with vitamins and fiber.
By bringing your own snacks, you have more control over what goes into your body, avoiding those impulsive airport snack choices that derail your wellness.
Tip #4: Make Movement Part of Your Travel Routine
Sitting for hours at a time during long flights, train rides, or car journeys can leave you feeling sluggish and tight. Tara encourages her listeners to prioritize movement every day. Whether it's a quick walk, a yoga session in your hotel room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, small bouts of activity can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day.
For a simple movement routine:
Walk more: If you’re in a new city, opt for walking instead of using transportation.
Stretch: A quick 5-minute stretch routine can reduce muscle stiffness.
Bodyweight exercises: Push-ups, squats, and planks can be done almost anywhere.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a full workout session—just find ways to move your body consistently.
Tip #5: Prioritize Sleep to Recharge
Sleep is one of the most important factors in staying healthy while traveling, yet it’s often overlooked. Whether you’re dealing with jet lag or a busy itinerary, getting quality sleep is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting your immune system. Tara suggests being mindful of your sleep routine, even if it means adjusting to a new time zone.
Tips to improve your sleep quality while traveling:
Set a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
Create a restful environment: Use earplugs, a sleep mask, or a white noise app to block out distractions.
Avoid screens before bed: The blue light from phones and computers can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.
Quality sleep will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore, rather than drained from long travel days.
Tip #6: Manage Stress with Mindfulness
Travel can be stressful—delayed flights, long lines, lost luggage, or navigating new cities can all cause anxiety. Tara recommends incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine to keep stress at bay. These can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to relax and reset.
Mindfulness techniques to try while traveling:
Breathing exercises: Take deep, slow breaths to calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
Meditation apps: Download a meditation app like Headspace or Calm for guided sessions.
Mindful moments: Whenever you feel stressed, take a minute to focus on your surroundings, breathe deeply, and ground yourself.
Stress management is crucial for your overall well-being, and mindfulness helps you navigate the unpredictable nature of travel.
Wrapping It Up: Travel with Intention and Balance
Traveling doesn’t have to be a reason to throw your health goals out the window. By planning ahead, prioritizing movement and hydration, packing healthy snacks, and maintaining your sleep and stress levels, you can stay fit and energized no matter where you go.
The key is balance—travel is about experiencing new things, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your well-being along the way. Take the time to set yourself up for success before you leave and make small, intentional choices every day to stay healthy.
Your Turn: How Do You Stay Healthy While Traveling?
Now that you have Tara’s top tips, we’d love to hear from you.
How do you maintain your health while on the go?
Share your favorite travel wellness tips in the comments below or tag a friend who could use these tips on their next adventure.
Find more from Tara:
Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/
Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app
Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
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