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Top 6 ways to stay healthy, fit and fabulous on your travels

If you’ve ever been abroad jumping between hotel rooms, trains, buses and aeroplanes; you’ll know how hard it is to maintain your regular exercise routine and stay fit and healthy on your travels.

If you’ve ever been abroad jumping between hotel rooms, trains, buses and aeroplanes; you’ll know how hard it is to maintain your regular exercise routine and stay fit and healthy on your travels.

Whether you’re travelling for work or for pleasure, travelling can take its toll on your mind, body and soul if you don’t keep things in check.

So we’ve put together our top five quick and easy tips to stay fighting fit, without sacrificing your precious travel and holiday time.

Cheers to that.

 

1. Stay Hydrated

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The uber useful Bub Bottle

It might seem like an obvious one, but when you’re travelling it’s so important to keep your fluids up. Ain’t nobody got time for dehydration!

Always have a water bottle on hand – A great way to stay hydrated and without compromising precious bag space is by investing in a roll up or flexible silicone water bottle.

And they don’t even look dorky – Look how cute these ones from Bubi are! As an added bonus these bottles are environmental friendly and using them will save you money on bottled water.

 

2. Work in physical activities to your itinerary

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Yoga is a great way to calm the mind and re-energise you

If you’re destination is beachside, why not go surfing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding?

If it’s a urban escape you’re embarking on, find any excuse to walk rather than catch a taxi – walk to the train station, walk to iconic sights and walk through the local park. Or better still, jump on a bike and cruise your way around the neighbourhood.

Holidaying in the mountains? Go skiing, hiking or mountain biking.

If you’re staying in a hotel or resort with a gym, make the most of it. Sneak off before everyone else is awake, sweat out a quick session and you’ll be feeling amazing for the rest of the day.

If none of these things are sparking your interest, then look for a cultural activity or ‘must-do’ in your destination that will keep your body moving – take a dance class in Brazil, surf the sand dunes in Oman, go bungee jumping in New Zealand, practice yoga in Bali or learn Maui Thai in Thailand.

 

3. Watch what you’re eating

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There’s always a healthy option somewhere

If you’re getting plenty of physical activity on your holiday, but you’re nursing a food baby after every meal, you’re undoing all of your hard work.

Recall that old ‘beach bodies are made in the kitchen’ saying? This is why it’s so important to watch your portions.

If you’re eating out most nights, portion control can be much harder as a standard restaurant meal is much bigger than a normal serve.

Remember a ‘serve’ is normally comprised of a palm sized piece of meat, 2 palms of veggies and ½ to one cup of grains (bread/pasta/rice etc.). See the healthy food guide for full portion guide.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to say no to that delicious carb-loaded pasta dish, but maybe choose the entrée size, or make your next meal a light one. Everything in moderation.

 

4. Skip the restaurant and visit the local markets

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The many Hawker markets in Singapore are always a healthy and interesting option

One of the best aspects of exploring a new destination is sampling the local fare and experiencing the best restaurants, bars and cafes.

However, another great place to experience food and culture is the local market or store.

Try the fresh produce, discover local delicacies and learn how your destination does food differently.

You don’t have to do this for every meal, but substitute the restaurant for the markets at least one or once or twice in your trip.

You’ll be glad for it – it will enrich your holiday experience ten-fold and save you waistline.

 

5. Beware the Booze

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Everything in moderation…

When you’re on holiday, it’s easy to indulge – cocktail by the pool, couple of beers with lunch, glass of wine (or three) at dinner – those calories begin to add up.

Now, I’m certainly not saying not to drink, you are on holiday after all, but drink smart.

Keep a subconscious count of your drinks, drink water between alcoholic beverages and know your limits.

If you can, avoid sugary mixers like alco-pops, creamy cocktails and soft drinks. Instead, choose sodas, wines and natural cocktails.

 

6. Pack some vitamins

Dose up on smoothies and vitamins

Dose up on smoothies and vitamins

Fill a snap lock bag of your preferred vitamins. This won’t take up much room in your bag and will ensure you’re receiving all of the essentials.

My favourite combination is a multivitamin with Echinacea and vitamin C to fight off any looming sickness.

Where you can, try to implement these easy changes into how you travel and it won’t be long until they become habits.

But, the most important thing? Enjoy your trip; laugh, meet people and have fun!

You may be surprised to discover how much you’re actually moving and nourishing your body without even trying.

What do you do to keep in shape when you travel? Share your favourite tip with us below.