Last week we were fortunate enough to go on a great holiday to Cozumel as it was Lauren’s U.S. school Thanksgiving break. For those of you that follow my blog regularly, you would know that I was in Cozumel in September competing in the World Triathlon championships. We liked the place so much that we decided to go back for Lauren’s break. If you missed the previous blog on my experience at the Worlds – http://kevinbradyhealth.ca/my-world-triathlon-race-experience/
One of the things I am often asked about is what to do in order to stay healthy while travelling. Often people get sick when they are travelling so I thought I would share the routines that I try to follow in order to stay healthy.
I find that prior to travelling, it can be a very stressful time with trying to get everything done prior to going, packing, getting up early to get to the airport etc. I find people often need the first few days of their holiday to recover from all the stress they experience prior to going away. I am going to share what has worked for me when travelling so that I feel good and stay healthy.
Before You Leave Home
Leading up to a holiday, I try to be as healthy as possible with good sleeps, normal workout routines, double up on vitamin C and vitamin D as they help build immunity prior to travelling. The key thing I try to focus on is not to get run down prior to travelling however I realize this is much easier said than done.
What to Pack For Plane?
I always try to pack healthy foods for the plane such as veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds and usually pack a few sandwiches. I always bring a backpack filled with any food plus I bring a water bottle and try to fill it up and drink a few bottles prior to boarding the plane. Every time a flight attendant goes by I ask them to refill my water bottle. As you likely know, flying really dehydrates you so it is best to try so stay very well hydrated. I try to sleep on the plane if I can and also bring headphones, ear plugs and eye shades all which help me sleep if I want.
If there is a time change or if I have had to get up really early in order to be at the airport, I try to bear it and not sleep that first day so that I get a good sleep the first night so I wake up feeling fresh for the first full day.
Try to Keep Normal Routines
When I travel I try to keep my normal routines as much as possible. The day we arrived in Cozumel, we had a healthy lunch and healthy dinner. Since we had to get up at 3:15 a.m. to catch our 6:00 a.m. flight, the first night we were exhausted so we went to bed relatively early and had a great sleep. I did my normal sleep routine including vitamins and my nightly pre sleep routine(see previous blog –5 Natural Remedies For A Great Sleep http://kevinbradyhealth.ca/5-natural-remedies-for-a-great-sleep/
The First Day
A great way to get the cobwebs out when travelling is to start the day with easy exercise. Also if you are a runner or walker, it can be a great way to get your bearings and see the city. In Cozumel I woke up early after a good sleep and had a gorgeous early morning swim in the ocean while the sun was rising. I then met Barb and Lauren for a healthy breakfast and then went for an easy 60k ride around island which was gorgeous. By eating healthy and getting some easy exercise in on the first day, I felt great and had tons of energy for the rest of the trip.
Bring Food and Supplements If Possible
In order to attempt to keep my normal routine I packed some healthy foods including Mary’s Crackers, nuts and seeds as well as Almond butter. I also packed all my Vitamins and supplements including my Pre Workout powders(Vega), electrolytes for long workouts and my Protein powder. This was all in an attempt to help me be as healthy as possible while travelling.
Exercise/Movement
The common theme here is that I try to keep the same routine’s as I do while at home. Usually while travelling I find we eat and drink much more than we do at home so I generally try to workout every day when possible. On this trip since the Ironman Cozumel was on, I did more than exercise than usual(11 hours in total for the week) but I did most of it early in the morning so it wouldn’t impact our family holiday. While I was doing my workouts, Barb and Lauren would be doing the same or going to Yoga which was great as we could meet after for breakfast or lunch. Lauren and I had a few great father/daughter runs and weight sessions at the gym which I loved.
Healthy When Home
I often find that people get sick when they get home from a trip. This may be a result of being run down from flight(s) home, picking up a bug on the plane or just being tired from the trip. Once again, I try to do the same things that I do when travelling on a plane as outlined above. I continue with vitamins C and D, and I continue doubling up my normal amount for the first few days I am home. If I feel something coming on I will have a few drops of Oil Of Oregano under tongue mixed with water and have it a few times a day. All of these things help build your immunity.
I hope some of these tips while travelling will help you and your family stay healthy on your next trip away.
Have a great healthy day, Kev
1 comment
All very good information as always a Kevin!:). I have a question for you re taking your own snacks for the flights. I’m thinking you are a Nexus member – I am and I was severely worned by an American agent when starting my membership not to take any food in hand luggage – -not so much as a granola bar. So I haven’t done so since being a member and I really miss it. Are you a member and it hasn’t been an issue for you through security?
Thanks
Linda:)