Top 7 Healthy Travel Tips for On the Road

Spring is here, and when the warmer months arrive many of us are excited to get out for some vacation time. If you’re planning to travel this year, don’t forget the importance of caring for yourself—even while you’re on the go. Making a point to eat, move and sleep well will make your vacation time more enjoyable because you’ll feel good.

To help, we’ve compiled our top seven healthy travel tips you can use while you’re traveling this year. And remember that wellness is about balance. You don’t have to practice health perfection here. Enjoy your vacation but try to incorporate some of these factors into the days of your trip.

1. Use a Health and Fitness App

Health apps are invaluable for anyone on-the-go. If you have a smartphone, download an app that will help you track your habits as you travel.

Withings Health Mate is a good option. It keeps track of your weight, sleep, activity, food intake, and more, plus shows your progress and any trends in your health habits.

If you don’t want all of that or have other areas of health you want to emphasize during vacation, there’s likely an app for that. We’ll include app recommendations that fit the following tips, as well.

2. Do the 7-Minute Workout

The seven-minute workout is a science-based routine containing 12 different bodyweight workouts and interval training.

As you probably guessed from the name, the seven-minute workout can be completed in … seven minutes! And it doesn’t require any equipment (except an optional chair). It’s a great option for when you’re traveling and don’t want to devote a lot of time to exercise.

There’s even an app specifically for the seven-minute workout. It’s called 7 Minute Workout by Wahoo Fitness and guides you through each exercise, complete with text and video descriptions if you need them.

Another good way to get movement in before your day is by stretching for 5-10 minutes in the morning or before bed.

3. Scope Out Healthy Restaurant Options

Restaurants—even fast food places—are getting more savvy about healthy options. Before hitting the road, do some research to find out what eating places along your path have healthier options. This is one of the classic healthy travel tips, and it can make a big difference.

Most restaurants have dietary information available on their websites. Or, you can use an app to search for a place nearby and see calorie counts and nutritional information for specific dishes.

If you want vegetarian or vegan diet, the HappyCow app is good for that.

4. Do a Walking Tour

Walking tours are a great way to get to know a new city—and they give you a chance to stay active, too!

If you want an app for that, download a travel tour app like GeoTourist. The GPS lets you choose tours in certain cities with guided audio tours.

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can easily leave you sluggish and fatigued—which are the last things you want to feel while on vacation. Add a travel water bottle to your packing list and make sure water is always available for everyone.

Need a reminder to drink enough? Use iHydrate to track your water intake and get reminders about when to drink more.

6. Track Your Sleep

Good sleep is another crucial factor in feeling your best while traveling. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep while on vacation. If you’re driving to your destination, take turns so everyone can get enough rest on the road.

Use the SleepScore app to track when you fall asleep and wake up and tips for improving your sleep. This can be helpful for long distance traveling that leaves you with jetlag, too.

7. Slow Down

Finally, but just as important, in our healthy travel tips: Don’t rush too much.

You’re on vacation to take a break from “normal” life and enjoy yourself. Remember to pause and appreciate the location you’re in, people you’re with, and sights you’re seeing.

The Bottom Line

If you start to feel stressed or anxious from the travel process, stop and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Try to be present and focused on the wonders around you. Prioritize choices that help you feel your best so you can get the most out of your vacation time this year.