Before you load up your car for an epic road trip, or pack your bag for a sweet summer getaway, keep these wellness tips in mind for a safer, healthier vacation for you and your family.
• Plan healthy snacks and meals. Just because you’re going on vacation doesn’t mean you have to leave your good and healthy eating habits by the wayside. Oftentimes, how you start your journey will determine the eating and drinking patterns you establish while you’re away. So cut up some raw veggies to snack on in the car at the beginning of a road trip or on the way to the airport. Pre-purchase healthier nut and granola-based bars to stash in your bag to avoid tempting candy vending machines en route.
Summer is the perfect season to sample local and delicious fruit and vegetables for snacks and meals, so plan to make roadside fruit stands or resort salad bars priority stops during your getaway. Naturally infused herbal, fruit and vegetable waters make refreshing take along beverages (to make, add or crush a small handful of berries, cut vegetables or herbs into a to-go cup filled with ice and water; shake to blend and the fruit and herbs will infuse the water with subtle flavour and colour. Try strawberry, cucumber, mint and lemon). Take your own empty water bottle or to-go cup through airport security then fill it up at the drinking fountain once you’re through screening.
• Keep everyone amused. Avoid stress-inducing bickering in cars and on planes by packing engaging and amusing treats for each individual. Try a new book for each child if you are travelling far on a plane. Pre-load your tablet or phone with short, fun videos and movies to keep the kids and adults amused. Pack magazines for adults or teens focusing on wellness topics such as fitness or yoga to inspire healthy activities while on vacation.
• Plan some serious downtime. Try not to jam or plan so many activities into your holiday that there is little time for spontaneous play or simple relaxation. Take naps, learn to meditate, go for walks or soak up the sights and sounds of a new place without a particular agenda. Allow yourself to relax in the moment, wherever you are, even if it’s only in your backyard.
• Don’t get overwhelmed when you pack. The wise rule to pack, then remove half of what you think you need, applies especially well in summer, when moods and weather are usually more forgiving. Go with your gut when packing, choose clothes that you feel both comfortable and beautiful in and don’t stress if you leave something behind. Pack an eco-friendly dryer sheet or a little bag of dried potpourri in your bag to keep clothes smelling fresh. Hotel plastic laundry bags are handy for dirty clothes or wet bathing suits and plastic shower caps are useful to pack shoes in to protect your clothes from dirty soles.
• Remember medication, favourite wellness products and contingencies. Pay attention to packing enough prescription medication and/or holistic treatments and tablets and make sure you have labels for everything if travelling across borders. Scan or take a photo of your travel insurance, passport and transport documents as well as prescription labels and medical information. Avoid carrying all the paper by emailing the photos or scans to yourself so you can access this information while away, if needed.
• Consider the safety and comfort of your pets. Want to take Rover on your road trip? That’s cool. Just be sure you can safely and comfortably accommodate your pets and attend to their needs while you’re travelling. Pack plenty of the food they are used to and keep them well hydrated. Transportation can be stressful for pets, especially when they aren’t used to it. Long, hot journeys by automobile or plane travel that involves cargo cartage are best avoided when travelling with pets.
