Healthy Travel : A Wellness-Focused Approach to Exploring the World
Pura Vida!
I was relaxing in the living room with a cup of tea when Brad, my hubby, burst in with a huge grin on his face. Without preamble, he announced that he had crushed his work performance target and, after a dramatic pause, revealed this meant only one thing: we were headed to this year's Club!
For those not in the know, "Club" is a company's way of rewarding top performers with an all-expense-paid trip to a particular destination. Then Brad dropped the real bombshell. This year's destination would be to... drumroll please… Costa Rica 🤩.
Oh. Hell. Yes! Here's to overachievement!
Quicker than you could say Costa Rica, I was in full-blown holiday planning mode, diving into research about Costa Rica and the Club's resort, the Westin Reserva Conchal. While scrolling through the resort details, I started thinking how my years of travel experience have equipped me with a treasure trove of travel tools and tricks.
Travel Wellness Mode…Activate!
In my blog, Travel Through the Ages, I shared how my journey as a military brat sparked my love for travel at a very young age. Later, as a professional Tour Manager for big bands, I had the incredible opportunity to travel the world and rack up an impressive country count. Fun fact: I am now at 69 countries and counting!
Over time, I became a pro at navigating the complexities of global travel. I refined the tools and tricks I learned on the road and adapted them into a set of planning steps flexible enough to accommodate a variety of destinations and time spent away.
As my adventures continue, I've made it a priority to weave wellbeing into every aspect of my travel planning. I've developed a system that ensures I am set up for success no matter where the road takes me. In this blog, I will walk you through my process because, hey, sharing is caring (❤️). I hope these little gems help you plan your next healthy and happy adventure!
Step 1: It all starts with YouTube 👩🏽💻
No matter the destination, I follow a series of pre-travel steps that ensure I am fully prepared when I arrive at my next port-of-call. It all begins with selecting flights and accommodations but the real magic begins with some preliminary desk research. I never book a trip without doing a deep dive into the destination.
I am a huge fan of starting with YouTube videos and online searches. Typing in "Top 10 things I should know about (destination)" is my go to first step that always provides valuable insights.
Whether it's information about local weather, identifying peak tourist seasons, learning about electricity & voltage standards, or pinpointing the best (or worst) areas these searches give me the intel to help fine-tune my travel plans. This way, I am always ready for anything including unexpected lunch guests!
Step 2: Loyalty has its perks ✈️
Years ago, when I started travelling solo, I made the smart decision to join several frequent flier programmes. I then deliberately focused on accruing mileage points with a single airline and its alliance partners; in my case the One World alliance.
Over time, my loyalty has paid off in spades, granting me elevated frequent flier status with perks and privileges that help me start my trips on the right foot.
Travel, especially air travel, can be nerve-racking, but perks like priority check-in and expedited security have transformed my pre-journey experience into something far less stressful. Shorter lines and quicker security screenings give me more time to enjoy a post-security stroll and get in some more steps🚶🏽♀️.
Lounge access has been a secret weapon in my wellness-focused travel arsenal. These curated spaces are serene escapes from the chaos of airports offering a variety of food and drink options, relaxation areas, and even facilities to shower and refresh.
The best part? The more I travel, the more awards I accumulate, allowing me to enjoy these perks over and over again.
Seat and cabin upgrades have also been game changers. Whether I fly in economy plus, premium economy, business, or first class these premium options all offer extra legroom and recline levels for maximum comfort. Regardless of travel class, I always choose a seat with uninterrupted aisle access so I can move freely around the cabin. And, as you might have already guessed, I never travel without my trusty compression socks 🧦!
Step 3: Home's where the gym's at 🏋🏽♀️
Whether you are on team-Airbnb, team-B&B, or team-hotel, the options of where to rest your head are endless. For me, maintaining a fitness routine on the road is key in selecting an accommodation and this is where some advance research also comes in handy 🤓.
Knowing if there is a gym on-site, or nearby, and whether it's included or at an extra cost helps me narrow down my search. Additionally, being aware of the available equipment lets me plan ahead so I can pack supplemental equipment if needed- cue a TRX or resistance bands.
Brad and I secretly love exploring new gyms, and get excited whenever we find a place with a cool piece of equipment, tennis courts, or access to pools, saunas, and steam rooms. As a group fitness enthusiast, I also appreciate gyms that offer fun (and free!) classes. I've discovered that fitness, especially yoga 🧘🏽♀️, transcends language barriers.
When considering wellness-based travel, walkability is always at the top of my list. Being able to easily walk or 🚴🏽♀️, to local sites and activities not only helps me stay active, but it also allows me to immerse myself more deeply in the destination.
After all, there’s nothing like exploring a new place at your own pace, with the freedom to stop and savor the unexpected along the way. By prioritising this simple yet impactful aspect of my travels, I ensure that every day of my vacation starts with purpose, adventure, and a healthy dose of movement.
Finally, though it may seem obvious, room experience is a game changer. Always check online reviews—issues like lack of air conditioning or heating, noisy nights, and other factors can seriously affect your stay and sleep quality. Confirming that your room has the right amenities for a restful night's sleep can make or break your vacation.
Step 4: Did somebody say buffet 🥗?
Ah, food… one of the greatest joys of travelling is indulging in the delicious delights a country has to offer. But, let's be honest - it's hard enough not to resist a cookie at home, let alone staying disciplined on the road. That's why I approach my culinary choices one meal at a time.
My latest trick? Packing one small & one medium leak-proof food container. This handy duo lets me bring some healthy bites from home (a great way to clear out the fridge) or squirrel away goodies from the airline lounge to enjoy in-flight. It's an easy way to dodge questionable airplane meals or avoid regrettable snack choices.
I like to kick-off my day with a well-balanced breakfast, and many hotels offer spreads that include a variety of items to keep you fuelled throughout the day. At breakfast, I often pack portable items like hard-boiled eggs, cheese, chopped veggies and bread rolls into my containers for an impromptu snack or lunch while exploring.
On other days, Brad and I often turn a late lunch into our dinner. We’ve discovered that eating just two meals a day allows us to savour local culinary offerings while keeping our dining out in check. This approach helps us avoid overeating during our trip and also leaves room for an impromptu gelato 🍦.
For extended stays, I prefer accommodations with a kitchen where we can prepare some of our meals. I take great joy in walking through local markets and becoming acquainted with the local produce. Having a kitchen with whole foods on hand helps me maintain a balanced diet, allows me to prepare snacks for outings, and gives me the ability to bring back leftovers for the next day.
And we're off 🛫
I hope these ideas give you inspiration to start planning your next healthful adventure. Like me, you'll arrive at your destination with the confidence that you've crafted a journey that's both fun and focused on well-being.
Safe travels and Bon Voyage!