You spend all year keeping fit, so your holiday is a chance to relax, ease back, and put the fitness routine on the back burner for a couple of weeks. However, if you want to stay fit while travelling, there are things you can do to keep on top of your health, and still have a good time.
If you travel regularly for work and are a high-mileage flyer, then your health and wellbeing is even more important. Here are a few tips on how to stay fit while travelling.
Pick a hotel with a pool or gym
Whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, a hotel with a pool or gym is a great choice. Not only can you keep up with your routine, but a swim at the end of the day is a great way to unwind and relax, too. Don’t forget your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing, so destressing with a massage or a relaxing sauna can go a long way to keeping you healthy.
Avoid those all-you-can-eat buffets
They may be tempting, but they’re also usually packed full of fatty foods which can quickly pile on the pounds and leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Enjoy your meal by making healthy choices, such as lean meat or fish, vegetables, and lighter snacks. Avoid filling up on bread too, especially if you’ve got a busy day’s sightseeing booked in.
Don’t have salads or ice in your drinks
Most travellers will suffer from stomach upsets at least once in their travels. Bugs are most often transferred in either water or uncooked foods, so you’re most at risk from salads and other uncooked dishes. You may be religious about ‘not drinking the water’, but don’t forget about ice cubes in your evening cocktail. Either ensure that the bar uses bottled water to make them, or dodge the risk and have your drink ‘straight up’ rather than ‘on the rocks’.
Work out in your room
You don’t need to go to the gym to get a workout. Pack your trainers and go for a jog (make sure where you’re running is safe before you set out and that you know your way back to the hotel), or devise a HIIT (High Impact Intensive Training) workout that doesn’t need equipment.
Walk around the sites rather than taking a taxi
Simply going for a good walk is one of the best workouts you can do. So rather than take taxis everywhere, start exploring on foot. Not only will you stay healthier, but you’ll also end up seeing sights you might otherwise have missed.
Take your meds
If you take any kind of medication then make absolutely sure you have enough to see you through the entire trip, and perhaps a little bit in reserve just in case you’re delayed getting home. Simple things like pain-killers (non-pre##ion) should be easy to find, but specific medication should be arranged beforehand. If in doubt, talk to your GP before you go. They’ll also be able to advise you on any shots you may need before you travel to more remote regions.
Make sure you have medical insurance
Being prepared and taking sensible precautions should keep you happy and healthy on your travels. However, there are times when things can go wrong, and you may need medical assistance. Remember that in most countries, you will need to pay for treatment, so it’s vital that you have good travel health insurance before you set off. A fractured ankle could cost you thousands if you don’t have insurance, so make sure you arrange cover before you travel.