Travel Healthy Archives - The Wellness Perspective

5 Simple Travel Tips for a Healthy Cruise

June 26, 2016/0 Comments/in Travel Healthy /by Julie Lorraine

Spring is in the air and my husband and I are talking about making our usual spring travel plans. We have been discussing taking another cruise and since I know how popular cruising is, especially during spring break season, I thought it would be a good idea to write a quick post with some tips on how to stay healthy on a cruise.

Taking the advice of well-traveled cruisers is the most ideal thing for first time cruise passangers to do.

Click To Tweet

After all, why not learn from someone else’s mistakes or mishaps? Naturally, you will still have a few of your own, but that is what makes your first cruising experience unforgettable. I’ve made my fair share of travel mistakes so I hope giving you a few of these tips and reminders will help make your vacation stories fun related, rather than the “I should have done this differently” stories.

You’ve got your cruise booked and are awaiting the days until you set sail. Having said that, there are a few items for you to do before you even begin to consider packing.

1. Check with the cruise line to see what shots, if any, are needed for your journey. You’ll have to make a trip to your doctor to get current on any shots.

While you are at the doctor, ask them about tips on staying healthy and avoiding the flu or colds before you depart for your cruise. It is no fun having to travel sick or canceling all together. Also, ask about seasickness remedies. Some of these medications are prescription only. I’ve been on cruises that I’ve felt perfectly okay and some that were on very rough waters, leaving me to regret not having something for seasickness.

2. Speaking of prescription medications, stock up on any other regular prescription medications just in case they are scheduled to run out during your trip. Often, insurance companies will make exceptions and allow a prescription to be refilled early if you are traveling with no access to a chain pharmacy. It’s also a good idea to get a letter from your doctor on official letterhead, listing your prescriptions and stating that they were all legitimately prescribed for you. If you have to go through customs, a letter will sometimes keep you from being detained while your medication is inspected.

3. If you are on a special diet, let the cruise line be aware of this fact when you book your cruise. Most diets are easily accommodated, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. A few weeks before you depart, check in with the cruise line again to go over your reservations and special needs diet. I’ve found that there are so many food options on a cruise that any diet can be accommodated but it never hurts to be certain for your particular needs to be met.

4. Pack a small first aid kit for those just in case emergencies arise. Include antacids and anti-diarrhea medications for those episodes of Montezuma’s Revenge that seem to strike no matter where you travel (yes, I’ve been there, done that!).

Aspirin, antibiotic cream and aloe vera gel for sunburns also come in handy. Buying these things on a cruise ship will also typically run you 3 – 5 times more than buying and bringing from home.

Stow away sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm in your luggage too. When you are having too much fun outdoors, you tend to forget things like sunburn. Be sure to apply the sunscreen lotion before heading outdoors and if you are doing any water activities, be sure to reapply often.

Every cruise I have been on I have seen people with such severe sunburns that they are glowing red and typically out of commission for a few days of activities. It’s best just to be mindful and proactive and not ruin your vacation!

Moisturizer and lip balm are great to bring along as well because they keep your skin nice and soft. Sometimes the temperature changes from the cold air conditioner to the heat outside can wreak havoc on the skin and dry it out. Not to mention, if you have to fly to get to your cruise boarding destination, you will be likely be dehydrated and dry from the flight itself.

5. In addition to the sunscreen, protect your skin by wearing hats and sunglasses. When you are on the ships deck gazing at the beautiful waves, the suns reflection off the water can be pretty bright. The sunglasses will protect you from harmful UV rays from the sun. Of course, the hats will shield you from the sun’s rays and possible sunburn on your ears and face, two places that people sometimes forget to apply sunscreen lotion.

With the right preparation and precautions, you are well on your way to a healthy and happy first cruise. And when in doubt about something, ask your cruise line. They want to make sure your cruising experience is trouble-free. After all, they want you to sail with them again!

I know these tips seem like they are simple and obvious reminders, but these are some of the small things I often see easily forgotten that ruin ANY trip. If you are planning a cruise, or any travel for that matter, it’s best to plan ahead, think on the smallest prep level, and be safe so you can have the most fun and memorable vacation you can!

I’d love to hear what travel mishaps you’ve experienced – share in the comments below so we can all learn from each other’s mistakes!

Me, blogging away on a cruise ship!

food shaped like Italy healthy travel food picture

Yes, It’s Possible to Keep a Healthy Diet While Traveling

June 12, 2016/0 Comments/in Travel Healthy /by Julie Lorraine

As a Pilot’s wife I travel quite a bit and I am well aware that sticking to a healthy diet while traveling can be one of the more difficult things to do.

If you learn how to make smart choices, maintaining a healthy diet while traveling doesn’t have to be that difficult!

Click To Tweet

Traveling is probably not the best time in which to start a healthy diet, but if you are currently making healthy choices in your foods already, modifying your diet slightly to accommodate travel is not as difficult as it first may seem.

Traveling By Plane

If you are traveling by airplane, your diet may have to include airplane food, which can often be of poor nutritional value depending on the selection. When you book your flight, ask about your food options. Most airlines now provide meals that accommodate special dietary needs such as gluten free or vegetarian. I often opt for a vegan meal and I always, always turn down the dessert!

If you can, eat a larger meal before your flight so that you don’t have to eat the entire meal that is served to feel full. If your travel involves a full day I suggest having several of my favorite Think Thin healthy bars on you so you don’t end up having to eat crappy airport food while waiting around.

Traveling by Car or Bus

When driving or taking a bus, you may be tempted to stop at fast food restaurants and eat the meals found there. Avoid this whenever possible! If you’re on vacation, you may wish to splurge a tiny bit, but having fast food more than once during a week can really be bad for your health. If you must, choose the healthiest options available, like chicken breasts and salad and drinking water instead of soda will not only be better for your health but it will be better for your pocketbook.

DIY

Also, remember that you can often take your own meals when traveling. Carrying a loaf of whole-wheat bread or pita wraps, some lean lunch meat, and low-fat cheese in a cooler is a great way to avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol and sugary junk food meals and snacks while on the road. These are much better choices and again, you’ll save a lot of money as well. I even suggest you call ahead to ask if there will be a refrigerator in your hotel room. Once you arrive you can then find a close market and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables as well.

Eating Out

Lastly, make smart choices when you eat out. If you choose salads or pasta get the dressing on the side and ask about low-carb options. In fact, these days many places print these dieting options directly in the menu for the health-conscious people. Control your portions by ordering lunch menu sizes or splitting the meal in half and getting a doggie bag, and you’ll be well on your way to healthy eating, even away from home.

Yes, eating healthy foods when you travel can be a challenge. However, your health is worth it. Eating meals high in nutrition will also assist in fighting illnesses that you are likely to encounter when traveling and you will find yourself more alert so that you can enjoy your trip.

Do you struggle with eating healthy while traveling? Comment below and let’s find a solution!

8 Tips To Stay Healthy While Traveling

June 24, 2013/0 Comments/in Travel Healthy /by Julie Lorraine

In my part of the world it’s summer time, school is out and many people have the travel bug. I’ll be honest, with a Pilot for a husband we travel a lot for business and pleasure and I get asked often how to stay healthy and eat right on the road.
I’ve put together my top eight list to maintain wellness when traveling.

1. Eat well
This may be difficult when staying in hotels but if you plan in advance, there are things that can make eating and snacking a little easier.

– Bring snacks: When I travel I carry a lunch box cooler. I pack it with things like raw nuts which are loaded with healthy fats and keep you feeling full longer, low sugar Quest bars (I only buy the ones with no artificial sweeteners), rice cakes, packages of nut butter, tuna packets (flavored or plain), pre-measured protein powder with a shaker or bullet blender, dark chocolate, a few slices Ezekiel bread (for your nut butters and tuna), old fashioned oatmeal and a plastic bowl to cook it in, pre-cooked or frozen snacks or make your own healthy trail mix. If you have access to a local food store while traveling you can always replenish if running low.

Travel food in fridge

– Don’t be scared of hunger: If there is nothing healthy to eat, it’s okay to let yourself be hungry for awhile. We tend to always want to eat and satisfy that hunger, but sometimes we should acknowledge that we all get hungry and it’s okay to let your body fast occasionally. (This does not apply if you have medical condition such as diabetes or hypoglycemia that doesn’t allow you to fast in a healthful way. If this is the case, please ensure you follow any recommendations your doctor makes!)

– Eat a large meal before you travel: I’ll typically try to schedule earlier flights then eat a hearty breakfast so I am not tempted by horrible and expensive airport food.

– Plan ahead: I’ll usually research and call ahead to make sure I have at least a microwave and small refrigerator, possibly even a kitchenette. That way, if I’m traveling for just a few days I can always freeze several meals ahead of time and bring them with me to re-heat on the road. If I can get a small refrigerator, I’ll also bring apples, boiled eggs, cut up veggies I also research the area and hotel restaurant if they have one and ensure that there are healthy options nearby.

2. Hydrate
Staying hydrated while traveling is important so instead of sipping on that latte at the airport I always pack an empty water bottle so I can get water once I’m through security and have it with me as I’m out and about at my destination. Flying naturally dehydrates you, so make sure to drink even more water than usual on the plane so you can feel refreshed when you land.

If you get tired of plain water, try sipping on coconut water or something similar so you can be sure to keep your water intake up.

3. Stay active
You may think staying active while traveling is difficult but I truly believe it is one of the most important things you can do for your health while on the road. Exercise releases endorphins, or “feel-good” chemicals, it stimulates the immune system and keeps you brain sharp. Here’s how my husband and I stay active during our travel:

– Hit up the hotel fitness center: When I book a hotel, I try to ensure it has a good fitness center or at least a connection to a nearby fitness center.

– Invest in some travel workout equipment: I pack equipment like jump ropes and workout band to get some active time in my hotel room. Sometimes I will take my jump rope to a nearby park and do mini circuits or the like. OR, so there are NO excuses, find some hotel room exercises you can do that don’t involve any special gear.

– Walk as much as possible: Whenever you are in a city or town that is walkable, walk to your appointments, dining, etc. rather than taking a cab.

4. Wash your hands!
It’s hard enough to protect ourselves against colds and flu, but being on an airplane with a bunch of people coughing and sneezing seems to be an easy way to get sick. Washing your hands should go without saying but you’d be surprised how many times I see people NOT washing their hands in bathrooms (I know, ewwww!). Frequent hand washing can make a real difference and help keep you well while traveling. If a faucet and soap are not always available you can bet I always have natural sanitizer handy.

5. Take your vitamins
If you take vitamins or supplements as part of your daily routine, don’t forget to pack them to take on your trip. Traveling adds enough stress on your body, which may throw off your immune system. Whenever I travel, I always make sure to take my favorite daily vitamins and supplements. I also take vitamin C to give my immune system an extra boost. I’ve also found that taking spirulina or chlorella tablets helps give my body the phytonutrients it may be lacking since I tend to eat fewer greens than usual during my travels.

6. Skip the fast food
I’ve never been a fast food eater and I certainly won’t eat fast food while traveling either. In fact, one of my favorite things while traveling is trying new foods and restaurants. It is important to fuel your body with high quality foods and the best way to do this is by avoiding fast food chains. Instead, explore local cuisines, opt for healthy options and try adding some greens and veggies to your meals at every opportunity.

Ignite It! Sample Dinner

7. Rest and sleep
Rest is crucial while traveling because travel in and of itself is inherently stressful. It can be hard to find downtime so I’ve found that scheduling rest periods into my day, just as I schedule appointments and meetings, is very beneficial. It’s nice to get a little reminder on my phone that it is time to rest because things get busy and I simply forget.

When I’m home, I always try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep and I do my best to keep it to this while on the road as well. It may not always be possible, but it really makes a big difference in keeping me healthy and energetic.

8. Be flexible
I’m sure we all have travel horror stories to tell. Travel seems like it rarely goes as planned and for me, ranging from delayed or cancelled flights to bad food to hotel mix ups and more. Instead of letting things beyond your control stress you out and affect your health, why not use these times as opportunities? When my flight has been delayed I will break out the computer and get some work done. If I’m tired and don’t feel like working, I have the Kindle app on my phone so I can read my most recent book anywhere. If you are feeling stressed, remember that you probably can’t change the circumstances so take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to be adaptable and flexible.

I hope these tips help you maintain your wellness and sanity on your next trip!

Do you do anything specific to stay well while traveling? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Happy, healthy and safe travels!

ℒℴѵℯ and thanks,

Julie

Sharing is caring – if this article could help someone you know, please share!