Vacations are the freaking best, right? But sometimes after returning from one where you consumed your weight in carbs and laid on a beach all day, you return feeling blah and worse than when you left. And ugh, I hate that feeling! Of course we all need those trips to just veg out, but I’m been doing my BEST to make traveling more healthy. It actually hasn’t been quite as hard as I expected, and throwing in a workout here and there leaves me with more energy – yes, I actually do need MORE energy sometimes if y’all can believe that – for exploring. I love coming home feeling refreshed but also good mentally and physically, ya know?

If you’re thinking this means I don’t go out to eat on vacations or just workout the whole time, that’s totally not the case, but I’ve found a balance that I’m into. Here are some things that have been working for me:

Planning meals

Just like in the real world, knowing what you’re going to chow down on and eating often helps big time when it comes to staying healthy. I love to scope out restaurants before I leave for my trip so I have an idea of places I want to try and their locations. Instead of just trying the best pancakes or pasta at every place – and yes, I’ve done this before – finding fresh farm-to-table options is now a priority, too. Mixed in with the pasta, obviously.

As I map out a trip, I like to have an idea of some food options depending on where I’m heading or what I’m doing that day. I aim for two healthy meals and one meal of whatever the heck I want because I’m not about to say no to delicious food on a trip – or in life in general, let’s be real. If I’m dying to try a place and it’s not the healthiest, I’ll ask for a side of veggies and eat those first. Basically, I try to mix in healthy options throughout the trip and be conscious about balancing nutrition. You’d be surprised at how many delicious good-for-you meals you can discover when traveling, and I love trying fresh fruits and vegetables from the location I’m at.

Packing snacks and water

Also, SNACKS! I’m now that person who stocks up on healthy snacks before traveling and will pack them, or I find a grocery or Farmer’s Market and get some when I arrive. Things like single packets of almond butter, nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, and jerky are my personal favorites to bring and they all pack up easily. Keeping snacks in my bag at all times is a huge lifesaver for trips where I’m on the go and don’t always stop to eat every few hours. This has been a huge change and I swear it helps with energy and avoids me getting hangry, because that struggle is real.

Bringing a water bottle – like this one – is also really smart. It’s good for the environment and I can fill it up all around town as I travel. No more wasting $5 on airport water either – isn’t that just ridiculous?! Staying hydrated is a really important part to keeping vacations and life feeling good, plus it’s good for digestion.

Limiting Alcohol

Ugh, I know, I’m the worst for even typing that, but alcohol adds bloat and calories FAST. Plus, even slight hangovers can lead to really lazy days and bad food choices. I still have my wine or something yummy, absolutely, but I won’t have it multiple times a day or anything. I also avoid really sugary drinks like pina coladas because I just don’t need that. Champagne is light and so is hard alcohol that’s clear – so I’ll get that on the rocks with some lime if I want it. Being conscious of my intake here makes a huge difference of my body (and my bill), so when I want to feel healthy, I limit it.

Exercise

Hear me out! I know exercising on a vacation doesn’t sound great to everyone, but I’m not talking about boring hotel gym workouts instead of site seeing (though I do take advantage of those when I need alone time, want a BBG workout and the weather sucks or whatever).

I’m not a huge runner, but I tryyyy to run around whatever location I’m in, or at least brisk walk. I love me a long brisk walk. Plus, you’re basically site seeing while burning calories and pumping endorphins. Also, HIKING (hand praise emoji). My favorite, y’all. If I’m somewhere with any sort of incline or hills, I’m there. Hiking has become a form of therapy and I love it while traveling. Lastly, biking! Pretty much every city or place I’ve visited recently has offered bike rentals, so I’ll check that out beforehand and can pick one up when I get there. Way easier and more fun than a car, and it’s a great way to get a workout in while getting place.

Also, hotels often offer group classes like walking tours, kayaking, or paddle boarding if you’re by water. No matter where you’re staying, definitely take advantage of whatever terrain you’re in and check out how you can add in physical activities.

I always, always pack comfy shoes and clothes. I’m a big fan of wearing workout clothes on trips too because I’d rather not look my best but be game for walking everywhere and not worrying about blisters.

Balance

At the end of the day, health takes balance (and a little planning) – just like when you’re at home. I make sure that my whole vacation isn’t unhealthy and unstimulating for my body, but I also don’t freak out if I have a lazy day. It is a vacation after all! But adding in healthy meals and movement while not compromising plans or cuisine has made such a difference. Plus, it’s much easier on your body to keep it in a routine rather than treating it poorly on a trip to come back and try to get back into working out and eating well. Make health consistent in your life and it becomes a lifestyle that’s somewhat actually easy to keep up!

How do y’all feel about staying healthy while traveling? Any tips you have for me? Let me know if you have any specific questions and I’m happy to answer them!

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