Healthy Travel

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?