With summer fast approaching and vacation time upon us instead of
just a hazy dream, we’re going to list some travel tips to take along
wherever you go to minimize the annoyance of travel and effects of lost
time. You spend plenty of time working your hardest to look, feel, and
perform your best, now look, feel, and perform your best when it’s time
to rest and relax.
1. Bring a Towel
One of the biggest complaints people have about traveling? Sore
necks. Whether you’re on a plane, bus, boat, or sleeping in a foreign
bed on a strange pillow, you’ve probably felt the discomfort and
soreness that comes with being outside of your comfort zone. While a
sore neck is annoying enough but probably won’t cause serious damage,
the loss of sleep and inability to turn your head can compound each
other to make you one seriously unhappy camper.
If you have a ring-shaped travel pillow you know it’s worth is
several times it’s price. What some people find works just as well and
is much more versatile is the ordinary towel. Fold it in half, roll it
up, and you can mold it support your neck whether you are sitting
upright on the plane, lying down on your side, relaxing at the beach…
Essentially anywhere you can go. For people heading into a hot climate,
it also serves as a handy sweat towel. Next time you’re on the road
throw a towel into your carry on and reap the benefits of a simple but
useful neck-saving technique.
2. Fuel Accordingly
Travel itself can be hectic and stressful because schedules
constantly fluctuate and change in strange places and at random times.
If you’re not sure of when the next regular meal is coming or simply
don’t want to consume airline food (who does?), prepare for your journey
by packing wise snacks to take with you and stay alert when you need it
most. Going hungry for long periods of time isn’t a smart weight loss
strategy, and if you’ve been training on a HIIT routine for some time
you’ve felt the difference of fueling properly and regularly. Don’t let
your work go to waste now.
Aside from the actual travel portion of your vacation, take into
consideration if you’re taking a low activity, sedentary holiday or if
you’re going to be active and engaging in physical excursions. It’s
perfectly acceptable to park yourself on a scenic beach or pool and
vegetate under a sunbrella. After all we encourage a week off so take advantage but make sure to
adjust your diet accordingly. Low activity? Lower your overall calorie
intake, avoid processed and high fat, high sugar foods. Higher activity?
Continue fueling like you normally do. This won’t make or break your
vacation, but it could be the difference between coming back feeling
great and coming back with an extra 5 pounds of personal carry-on fat.
The airlines won’t notice but your friends will.
3. Stretch Out
We hear about people’s best laid plans to workout when they’re
traveling. Some plan to get up early and run, others pledge to use the
hotel gym. Realistically most hotel gyms are incredibly small rooms with
a few pieces of outdated equipment with no space for any functional
movements. Running in foreign cities can dangerous and intimidating, not
to mention unrealistic if you’re on a set schedule.
If you want release the stress of travel and tension resulting from
remaining in one position for long periods of time, MAKE SURE TO
STRETCH. Before travel, after travel, each night before bed… It will
help you relax, sleep better, and give your metabolism a slight bump. As
usual you don’t want to stretch cold so give the ancient exercise bike
in your hotel a whirl, take a brisk walk around your hotel, or simply
march up and down a few flights of stairs with your suitcases. The point
is to do a light warm up and a light stretch because it doesn’t take
long to make a big difference.
4. Hydrate
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Airlines serve water in paper cups fit for
elves, and depending on where you travel there may not be a reliable,
clean water supply. Bringing a bottle of your own to fill up can help,
but remember to start hydrating the day before to get a head start and
continue throughout your day.
A common misconception is that people in hot climates need to worry
about hydration more than people in cold climates. They are BOTH equally
in need of hydration. Certainly people in hot climates may sweat more
than they are used to, but cold weather strips your skin and breath of
moisture very fast. Use meal times as easy reminders by starting and
finishing each meal with a glass of water and you should be fine.
5. Pick a Destination & Get Moving
This last point is entirely up to you but many people will pick a
destination where the majority of the vacation involves an activity.
Skiing, hiking, diving, and many other activities are a great way to
relax, enjoy your time off, and still see amazing parts of the world you
otherwise only hear about. Some people may keep it domestic by going to
other parts of their country for an adventure race and extend their
vacation afterwards, attend a UFC match for inspiration… Whatever you
chose and wherever you go there is usually a sight to see, a bike to
rent, or some kind of outing that is the perfect opportunity to kick
yourself into a high gear even for just one day. Near or far one of the
best ways to visit other places is to get out and get moving. Happy
vacation!
