If circumstances permit, we recommend you get away this summer – even if it’s just a couple hours away for a weekend. There’s nothing quite like a timeout and reset for the soul, so we snagged some travel tips and tricks to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Tip: Be Prepared
“My advice for stress-free travel is to be prepared,” says Camille Hoheb of wellness travel consulting company Wellness Tourism Worldwide. She offers seven quick and easy tips for a successful trip:
- Pack healthy snacks
- Stay hydrated
- Wear comfy clothes
- Listen to your favorite music or podcasts
- Be flexible
- Be nice to those around you
- Enjoy the ride!
Trick: Bed and Breakfast
Part of being prepared is making a plan before you travel.
“Something I always do when in the planning phase of a trip, is to seek out accommodations that offer breakfast,” says Katie Dickinson, who blogs about budget-friendly travel at The Budget Backpack. “I prioritize places that have healthier options.”
She suggests checking out review sites like TripAdvisor if you can’t find menu information on the establishment’s website. “Doing a little research beforehand can save you from consuming a lot of junk!”
Tip: Explore on Foot
Once you’ve fueled up on a hearty breakfast, you’ll be ready to start exploring wherever it is you’re visiting.
“One of the best ways to see a new city is walking,” says Franklin Antoian, ACE personal trainer and founder of the online personal training website, iBodyFit.com. “One of the best forms of cardio is walking, so it’s a perfect match,” he adds.
If you're not visiting a city, Antoian suggests trying out a hiking trail, swimming, surfing, canoeing or paddle boarding to explore and get a fun, outdoor cardio workout in at the same time.
Trick: Make Walking Fun
If walking sounds like a good idea to you, check out Sidewalk, an app that delivers guided walk experiences to help you discover more about where you are. The app navigates from point to point, based on topics you choose – architecture, foodie, local culture, street art, spooky, etc. – and gives you an insider look at the neighbourhood you’re wandering through.
“[Exploring a new city on foot is] the best way to absorb and explore a new place,” says Sidewalk co-founder and CEO Jason Donahue. “And [it’s] certainly the healthiest way to do it. Often, one does not realize how much they walk because they are so engaged with their surroundings.”
Sidewalk is available on both iOS and Android.
Trick: Use a Cooler Bag
While you’re out exploring, don’t forget to eat – and eat well. Kara Landau, a New York-based dietitian and the founder of Travelling Dietitian, swears by the Fridge To Go cooler bag.
“It’s this savvy little cooler bag that allows you to keep refrigerated products cold for at least eight hours!” Landau says. “I find this means I can pack some of my usuals, such as skyr [an Icelandic dairy product similar to yogurt], berries, and even some salad with a protein source, without worrying that it will go bad or not taste as good upon consumption on my trip!”
Tip: Bring the Gym with You
Landau also emphasizes the importance of staying active and getting enough quality sleep while travelling.
“Have a few small at-home exercise equipment pieces that you can take with you and utilize whilst on your trip,” Landau suggests. “I like to take a couple resistance bands, my light hand weights and a small barre ball.”
You can also pull up a workout online to follow along, she adds.
Trick: Wear an eye mask
Last, but most definitely not least, remember to rest. This is supposed to be a vacation after all!
“Schedules can definitely be knocked off path when on holidays, and rest is one of the most overlooked important factors of health!” says Landau. “If you don’t know what the light situation is going to be like in your room, or you think you are likely to be out late and [then] trying to sleep in the morning when the sun is rising and lighting up your room, pack an eye patch with you.”
She explains that making the room super dark helps the body release the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, meaning you will get better quality sleep.
We hope these tips and tricks help you on your next trip. Happy travels!