HOW TO STAY HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY: 12 TIPS

We all know that travel lifts our spirits and makes us happier! I strongly believe there’s nothing more exciting than arriving to a new destination, exploring unfamiliar surrounds and making plans over a cappuccino! If only we could continue to feel this amazing every step of the way – before all the bad habits and questionable lifestyle choices creep in! Well, I’ll let you into a secret, you can!

Follow these 12 simple tried and tested healthy tips for a better trip.

HOW TO BE HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY

1. START WITH A HEALTHY FLIGHT

Flying long haul can leave you feeling exhausted and dehydrated just when you want to be looking your absolute best! My simple advice is to drink as much H20 as possible and avoid the wrong kind of alcohol and sugary snacks.

Avoid the wrong kind of alcohol and sugary snacks.

You know what I’m talking about – anything with unnatural colour, fizz and flavour! Instead bring your own healthy substitutes such as bounce balls, fruit, almonds etc. and opt for the lighter vegan meal if it’s available, not only will you feel more energetic, but you will also be served first!

Also why not take advantage of this down time by catching up on some sleep? RELAX guilt-free and be as comfortable as possible – start by replacing your footwear with compressed socks to prevent DVT and layer up for warmth.

TIP: Take a mini make up kit and apply it just before landing to look fresh – and use hydrating face creams, sun lotion (for day time arrival) and eyedrops throughout the flight.

READ: THE ULTIMATE CARRY ON PACKING GUIDE

2. STAY HYDRATED

Hot weather, alcohol and a whole lot of caffeine can quickly turn into dehydration, headaches and a dreadful skin complexion – no-one needs this type of issue on holiday! DRINK LOTS OF WATER throughout the day, even more than you think and carry your own Swell Water Bottle.

Also try adding water rich foods into your diet such as watermelon, oranges and lettuce – go crazy and order a side fruit bowl with every breakfast. This is my top hydration trick, plus any excuse to stretch out breakfast on the terrace!

3. PROTECT YOUR HAIR AND SKIN

Sunshine on your face and a golden glow are two very nice things, but you don’t want to cause skin damage and frazzled hair along the way! Use a good quality factor 50 and re-apply it often.

Use a good quality factor 50 and re-apply it often.

Sun lotion is really the only ‘day cream’ I bring to hot climate destinations, to be specific I only wear La Roche-Posay factor 50 invisible fluid – it’s super light, matt and you can easily add make-up on top. Another great skin save is hydrogel, it’s a perfect skin quencher if you’ve been out in the sun all day. I’m a big fan of hydrogel under eye and face masks – I use them most nights!

At least twice a week I recommend applying oil to the ends of your hair such as Argan Hair Oil – and channel your inner French Chic during the day by donning a large hat and Polarized Shades when in direct sunlight.

Want to know what other essential skin and hair saving products to take? Check out post: TRAVEL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

4. WALK EVERYWHERE

Walking is the best form of exercise and it’s one you can easily slot into any type of trip. Almost everywhere has a scenic up hill viewpoint, free city walk and if you’ve chosen well; a long beach front or pretty Rivieria for early morning strolls! They all help towards maintaining those pre-holiday fitness goals and like any form of exercise, helps to boost your mood!

5. STAY ACTIVE

Holidays are full of new experiences and provide innovative ways of getting in some fitness without you even really knowing about it?! On previous trips I’ve swam in the ocean, jumped off boats, cycled to vineyards, hiked to panoramic view-points and segway-ed around cities to name a few! Plus I’ve met some amazing like-minded travellers along the way, its a win win!

6. EAT NUTRITIONALLY

Eating well and having proper nutrition consistently is the key to feeling and looking great. One way to easily factor this into your routine is through a varied diet and a few cheeky swaps! Simply alternate between a fruit-based breakfast one day and an veggie omelette the next for example.

Eat as many (natural) colour rich foods as possible and make them the largest food group on your plate. My top healthy holiday tip is to share side/starters/small plates with your willing travel partner and take healthy snacks to the beach.

7. SUGARY DRINK SWAP

Drinking alcohol and sweet breakfast drinks every day will make a difference to your waistline, even in a week! For this reason, I ALWAYS ask for fresh orange juice, just to be sure and swap sugary mixers for healthier clear tonics or soda water and dare I say it – pick quality wine over cocktails (on some nights)! I promise, by making these simple changes you could save yourself from unnecessary calories and possible killer headaches.

8. TAKE VITAMINS

Sometimes depending on where you are holidaying, it can be difficult to eat as well as you would do at home. You are going to want to try the local cuisine, politely agree to the basket of bread and liquor desserts and definitely partake in afternoon ice-creams. With all of this going on, eating a balanced meal everyday will probably go out of the window. A daily multivitamin will help even out any shortages, I swear by Perfectil especially formulated for Hair, Skin and Nails.

9. GO ON A DIGITAL DETOX

Let’s face it, phones, Ipad’s and laptops are things we use to occupy ourselves with on a daily basis. But on HOLIDAY there are much better ways to be distracted! Allow yourself a proper break and use any technology you have sparingly.

Use any technology you have sparingly.

An easier way to do this without cutting yourself off completely is to simply put your phone on airplane mode for up to 4 to 5 hours in the day or use it only for directions and taking pictures – whip out the holiday book you brought over instead if your sitting at a nice café! You will ultimately feel less drained, see more of your holiday and I promise you won’t even miss it.

10. SLEEP WELL

Travelling coupled with a lot of heat exposure can be an exhausting experience. One of the best ways to keep your energy levels even is through getting a great nights sleep.

Make sure you are getting a FULL 8 hours sleep per night.

Make sure you’re getting a FULL 8 hours per night even if you have a busy itinerary! Choose nights out and early morning excursions carefully, for example. It’s almost impossible to do both and still feel well! Also invest in a quality Silk Eye Mask, which is better for your delicate eye area and good ear plugs if necessary.

11. PACK A MINI FIRST AID KIT

A basic medical kit is one of the most underrated items on your packing list, but it’s one of the most useful! Without fail I always have paracetamol, mosquito spray, sting relief, imodium and plasters to hand.

12. USE HAND SANITISER

Prevent unwanted holiday bugs by protecting yourself with sanitiser and soaps. Just pop a small hand sanitiser or wipes ready to use in your beach or city tote for day trips or anywhere with busy facilities like beach bars, where speaking from experience, such things can be scarce!

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How To Stay Healthy On Holiday: 12 Essential Tips