Traveling Fit
Feeling fit is practically a prerequisite for enjoying your trip. Who wants a walking tour of London, Paris or Prague when you have got a headache? Here are a few precautionary measures that you can tale to assure that you will feel as healthy as possible during your trip.
Squeezing physical fitness into your travel schedule can be easier than you think. Although you may be far from your gym and out of your routine, you can still get a sufficient workout. Many hotels feature exercise and spa facilities on the premises, from the most sophisticated weight training systems to lap pools, Lifecycles and tanning beds.
Develop mitigation strategies for dealing with people, things and circumstances that may prevent you from reaching your goals not to stop exercising yourself during vacations. Your partners may pressure you to skip your workout. Rehearse your firm "No, thank you" response.
There are no workouts in the hotel you are staying at. Do not give up! Choose walking tours! Or explore a new place on your own with a map. Moreover, renting a car in big cities is not a good idea. One word applies to driving a car in New York City and Moscow: Do not. Streets are jammed and parking is scarce. However, these cities are a paradise for walkers, who enjoy green streets, parks, rivers' views, and interesting buildings as well as the finest window-shopping and people watching. When proper cautions are exercised most areas are safe. It is best to use well-lighted and busy streets.
Since most travelers eat out when they are away, finding a good balance of your proper nutrients may not be a priority. Do you ever skip meals because you know you will be indulging in a wonderful dinner? This is one of the worst things you can do to your body.
Try to avoid fast food and junk food. Better pack healthy snacks. Having snacks on-hand also helps ensure you won't be stuck eating unhealthy foods if you are stranded due to travel delays. You may use the list below that will help you stay fit and healthy while traveling:
- Raisins,
- Nuts,
- Dried fruit (better without sugar),
- Protein bars,
- Dry cereal (oatmeal and rice meal are good),
- Pretzels.
But remember that even healthy snacks lose their goodness if you eat enough of them. Avoid over indulging by packing single-serving sizes. Keep only enough for the current day readily accessible in your briefcase, purse, or laptop bag.
Do not forget to drink enough water to prevent dehydration. In some countries, e.g. Israel, tourists are strongly recommended to have a bottle of water with them wherever they go. Be careful with caffeine and alcohol. They are diuretics, so forgo coffee, tea, and sodas in great amount. A cup of coffee in the morning is good to wake your up.
A good night sleep is essential to maintain good health. You may rejoin, "it is more easily said than done when you are away from home." Travel, the change in routine and sleeping in a strange bed can conspire to prevent you from feeling well rested. Fight back with the following time tested guidelines.
Refrain from drinking any type of caffeinated beverage at least four to six hours before you plan to go to bed. If you are a smoker, do not smoke for at least two hours prior to bedtime - smoking is a stimulant and can hinder your best efforts for a restful night's sleep.