The season of Summer vacation is here. As a kid that meant a road trip! We would pile in our green Oldsmobile station wagon and head to the beach; some national historic landmark; or if we were lucky Cedar Point (Ohio’s greatest theme park). Summer travel, when done right, leaves us refreshed, relaxed and with great memories but we have all had vacations that leave us feeling like we need another one as soon as we get home. So, whether you’re road tripping, flying or maybe taking a cruise here are some simple tips to optimize your summer travel–keeping you balanced and healthy so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
6 Tips for Healthy Summer Travel
Plus My Favorite Travel Snack Recipe
Hydration – Stay hydrated—especially if you’re flying or on a long trip. Proper hydration will help you to avoid fatigue, muscle cramps and constipation, which can happen while traveling.
Keep Moving – Waiting in lines, sitting on planes or in cars can leave you stiff and tense by the time you arrive at your destination. Take breaks to stretch. Do a little yoga in the airport. Put your legs up the wall to get the blood flowing, relieve cramped muscles and calm the mind. During a layover take a stroll rather than sit at the gate. If you are driving take a little longer when stopping for gas and walk for at least 10 minutes.
Delight in the Unknown – Traffic jams, lost luggage, detours and the unexpected are all parts of Summer travel that can leave you feeling frazzled and grumpy. Rather than stressing out about that which you cannot control take a few deep breaths, feel you feet on the ground, put a smile on your face and know that it will all work out. It always does and the unknown is part of the adventure of Summer travel.
Healthy Eating – Even the healthiest eaters can have a difficult time eating well while traveling. It takes a little planning but packing some fruit, a sandwich, cheese and crackers, hummus and veggies and mixed nuts is a great way to make a little travel picnic. Once you arrive at your destination enjoy a few meals out but also find a grocery store and stock up on you favorite healthy breakfast and lunch items.
Tunes – I love making a new playlist for Summer travel. Next week I am heading out to Colorado to meet my friend Brooke and then we are road tripping to the Telluride Yoga Festival so I am making a special playlist for the occasion. Packing music you love to celebrate, tune-out unwanted noise or help you fall asleep is an essential part of summer healthy travel.
Be Scent Savvy – Essential oils are great for travel. Here are two I like to travel with: Lavender has many uses including, relaxation, relieving tension headaches, repelling bugs, and soothing bug bits. It is also an antiseptic. Peppermint oil is energizing, anti-bacterial and cooling for sunburns. Just put 10 -15 drops in a spray bottle and spritz the affected area.
Where ever your Summer travels take you take enjoy and post which tip you found most helpful.
KT’s Favorite Trail Mix Recipe
G.O.R.P – Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts
One of my favorite snacks for summer travel is G.O.R.P. Known to most as trail mix. My mom used to always make a big Tupperware container of raisin, peanuts and M&Ms for our road trip adventures. Making trail mix is easy and a healthy snack to have on hand while traveling.
Feel free to get creative and mix up the types of nuts and dried fruit you use. Walnuts taste really good with raisins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanuts (or your favorite nut)
- 1 cup almonds (or your second favorite nut)
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 – 1 cup organic dark chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Toss all ingredients together and store in an air tight container.
- Enjoy!
Wishing you Vibrant Living!
Kate