Healthy Travel
- At May 16, 2013
- By Susan Burlingame
- In Health
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Preparation is the key to a healthy lifestyle when traveling. Are you going to travel by plane anytime soon? If so, you may benefit from a few things I’ve learned while sitting on an airplane feeling thirsty, hungry and bored. Here is a simple strategy to prepare you for a great travel experience, while incorporating room for style, health and fitness on your upcoming flight.
Travel style begins with your carry-on bag. Some may disagree, but my personal preference is to carry a stylish, lightweight bag without rollers. If you are a notorious over-packer like me, knowing I have to carry this bag over my shoulder prevents me from packing too much. My bag is made of a durable material, it has a zip-pocket on the outside for easy access, and it fits effortlessly in the overhead compartment or under the seat on commercial flights. A lightweight carry-on bag creates a win-win scenario for everyone on the flight, especially the flight attendants. Everybody wins if you can quickly lift your own bag that fits easily in the overhead compartment.
Travel health begins with three essential items that fit inside your stylish bag. Prior to your flight, give yourself enough time to stop by the shop nearest the departing gate to purchase a bottle of water, a snack (such as a small bag of raw almonds or cashews and some dark chocolate) and a fitness magazine. These items are key if you are stuck sitting on the plane before take-off, or if the flight becomes turbulent. In either scenario, you may not be served any drinks or food. Trust me. You will be the smart and happy traveler on your flight when everyone else is waiting for the beverage cart. You, being happily hydrated, can smile pleasantly at the person sitting next to you. Note: this may a good time to offer your neighbor a piece of dark chocolate before burying yourself in your fitness magazine, if you’re not inclined to chatting.
Preparation is the key to traveling in style, to feeling healthy and to staying motivated with your fitness program prior to arriving at your destination. If it was a challenge for me to narrow it down to three essential items, what would you include in your stylish carry-on bag?
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Brandy
Totally my same plan when traveling! I always pick up a fitness magazine and a huge bottle of water before departure. I bring my own snacks (either a Quest protein bar or a Shakeology protein shake, and a pack of almonds), and make myself chug the water! But I definitely need to work on the carry-on! Definitely an over-packer!
Susan Burlingame
It’s nice to learn I’m in good company, Brandy! I think most women struggle with over-packing. We need options, right?
Heidi
I’m not an over-packer. I’ve been a flight attendant for 21 years and have packing down to a science. Like you said, water is my #1 to have on hand. Sometimes the beverage service won’t begin until there are smooth skies…that can sometimes take up to an hour. I always have a sweater/jacket for when the cabin temp is cold. I travel with my IPad or laptop where I have downloaded books and magazines and ALWAYS bring my earbuds for when your seat mate is chatty and you just want peace. Oh yeah, almonds…I always have almonds.
Susan Burlingame
Great idea to bring the sweater, laptop & earbuds! With your experience, you can definitely teach us about healthy travel, Heidi! Thanks for sharing your insight to help all of us prepare for our next trip.