For many of us, wellness and travel are two leading priorities in our lives. But, sometimes they can both seem to be at odds with each other.
Some locations in the world will offer you plenty of yoga, beach, and healthy food options, while other locations may be more challenging. However, no matter what your wellness routine is at home, you should never pass up the opportunity to pass up a new adventure.
These are the easiest travel tips I have used to ensure my wellness on trips around the world.
Build up your immunity
Before I travel anywhere I always ensure that my immunity is at its peak. As someone who suffers from an auto-immune disease, recycled air on a plane can have negative consequences on me.
I start several days before any flight by insuring my diet is full of immunity building foods such as citrus, ginger, turmeric, yellow and orange peppers, and bee pollen.
Tip: Add bee pollen, ginger, turmeric, and crushed black pepper to your favorite smoothie or tea day of flight for a big immunity punch.
Snack Attack
No one likes to be stuck grabbing a bag of greasy chips or sugar laden cookies in between flights - or even between adventures. These foods will just slow you down and not give you the fuel you need.
Packing snacks from home is a great way to ensure you're always ready to fuel up. My personal favorites are Two Moms in Raw Soul Sprout Blueberry Bars, Healthy Warrior Chia Bars, and my good friend, all natural, no stir peanut butter (Whole Foods 365 makes an awesome organic one!).
Buying local fruit at the market is also a great way to stock up on snacks. Just make sure the fruit is well washed or is peeled before consuming.
Tip: Make sure you stay hydrated. Many times our bodies interpret thirst as hunger.
Don't Use Uber
Walking around new places is one of my favorite things to do. Its cost effective and you get to stumble upon hidden gems you may not otherwise have found.
You also get to get in plenty of steps. Even if you can't make it to the gym, walking a couple extra miles each day instead of taking a taxi adds up, allowing you some room to try local cuisines without the guilt.
Tip: Map out where you want to go before losing wifi or grab an old school paper map before heading out.
Use Trip Advisor
It can be difficult eating for your particular diet while traveling. I always use Trip Advisor to seek out restaurants that are tagged "gluten free" "vegetarian" or "vegan. Even if you do not follow these diets, restaurants offering these options likely have a commitment to locally sourced and high quality ingredients as well as healthy meal options.
Tip: Ask people working at your hostel or hotel where some of the best local eats are. Even if you pair a big salad with a fried local delight, your body won't take as much time to recover.
Be pampered like a local
In many places, taking care of your body is a cultural experience - and one you should not miss.
In Costa Rica, I have covered myself in local blue clay. In Iceland, I sought out the warm waters of local public swimming pools while in Ethiopia I enjoyed a traditional Hamman scrub.
Find out where the locals go to unwind and rejuvenate.
Tip: Make sure you know what the gratuity norms are before you enter a spa and be prepared to leave the tip in cash.
Take time to center yourself
No matter how on the go or relaxing your trip is, take time every morning to do a quick 10 minute breathing exercise. In the afternoons, journal a few new things you have learned about yourself - or humanity. And in the evening, seek out a sunset.
Centering your mind and soul and connecting with nature will decrease any stress that rose up while traveling and help you to re-set your nervous system.
TIp: Apps like HeadSpace or Omvana provide wonderful quick meditations for you to use on the go.
Wherever you are in your wellness journey, know that your journey to new locations around the world shouldn't derail your wellness.
By making sure you are prepared and keeping an open mind, you may just find new ways to incorporate wellness into your every day routine.
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Are you looking to pair wellness with travel? Join us in Costa Rica or Bali for our yoga retreats.
