It’s been a couple weeks since my trip to Croatia, and a reoccurring question I have been receiving is if I kept a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying myself. My answer: Yes, kind of... sometimes? In my position, its hard to answer that because everyone including you and I has their own definition of health, and it’s hard to try to guess who’s definition I’m trying to fit when the question is asked. Long story short, I always vow to live my best life on vacation. Sometimes that involves going on a run, sometimes that involves partying in a fortress castle turned into a nightclub until 3am. But I went into each day knowing mostly what I would be going into, and planned to eat, drink, exercise, and rest accordingly to ensure I would be able to ENJOY MYSELF, because isn’t that what vacay is about?

It me. Old Town Castle Walls of Dubrovnik.

So I know that last paragraph was lackluster of a clear answer, but part of this blog’s purpose is to get you, the reader, thinking critically about what is important to YOU on a vacation, while you can see examples of my mindset and approach to situations; this instance being on traveling and vacation. Not to toot my own horn, if I broke down everything I did (Apple Watch told me I burn at least 900 calories each day from walking around - until I lost it while cliff jumping), it might seem like I was heavily “driven” or “focused” about my GOALS and my DIET and “GAINS” (ok done with quotations), when in reality I was simply practicing my personal good habits that translate into everyday life. Once it becomes a LIFESTYLE you adapt to, these chores don’t feel like chores anymore, but rather optimizing yourself, your time, and your experience. So before I give you some tips that worked for me, next time you treat yourself and travel to your next vacay, ask yourself: what are you hoping to get out of it (experience, food, entertainment), as well as what is most important to you (health, financial management, comfort)? While you try to form and implement your own habits that will best suite your own values, here are a couple of mine based off my values of experiences and overall longevity:

When on Vacation

Great local meats and veggies. Photo by Michelle Razavi // IG: @michellerazavi

when eating 1st look for meals with veggies, then protein, and lastly simple carbs whenever you can. I personally travel for experience and not necessarily for taste, so having all the “cheat meals” is not a priority to me when I’m on vacation.
Take/eat probiotics, if you weren’t already consuming them before. Helps with any foreign foods or bacteria consumed as well as just keeps your gut and mind happy, as well as keeping regular with bowel movements. I won’t go further into detail but these should be no brainers.
Bring electrolyte tabs with you if you plan on hiking or walking for long periods of time. Especially if the weather is hot out, not only is hydration very important, but also keeping your nutrients in your food and your mind stable.
Bring running shoes/at least one pair of workout clothes. My goal for vacation is not working out, however there WILL be opportunities in your day to be active and burn a couple calories I know I could go without. I found my realistic workout time was first thing in the morning. It helped me wake up, get some energy and motivation to utilize my day, and honestly made me feel less guilty drinking a glass (or two, or… you get it) of wine day by day.
If possible, bring a Trx/bands/jump rope to enhance workout, if no gym is available where you are going. Just further preparation, tools, and convenience to practice your lifestyle habits even on vacation.

Michelle impressing the locals with a handstand. Judges score 9.5/10. Photo by Michelle Razavi // IG: @michellerazavi

BONUS TIPS. here’s some things to consider when flying:

Buy snacks prior to flight to avoid air plane food. Stuff you can throw away in case it doesn’t get consumed, and stuff you agree to put into your body before you are subject to eat the airlines shitty pre-made meals from God knows when with God knows what.
Stay hydrated; Once passed TSA, stock up on a couple water bottles for the flight; the non-bottled water serve on the air craft probably is not the most sanitary. Which leads me to my next tip.
Get aisle seat to make frequent bathroom trips. Yeah, BE THAT GUY/GIRL that uses the bathroom frequently. Boo-hoo you are peeing every hour. Honestly that’s great! I hear about too many people feeling bloated and groggy and straight up not having a good time after their flight, and when I ask what they ate/drank during the flight, it pretty much equates to carbs, salt, and no water... Hmm wacky idea but I may see a pattern here.
Invest in a neck pillow, ear plugs, and a sleep mask. If you’re going to sleep during a flight, please make sure you go all in and actually get some quality sleep. Noise cancelling headphones are also acceptable.

These tips are nothing too crazy and if you can take implement these on vacation, I promise it will be so much easier to practice these types of things in everyday life, creating a healthier, better human in the long run.

If you’d like to see another trainer’s approach to traveling, please go check out my good friend Michelle Razavi at her website at:

https://travellikeatrainer.com

She has vastly more knowledge on the topic than myself and she even has some preferred products she recommends for beginners. If you’re too lazy to navigate, just follow the link below:

https://travellikeatrainer.com/favorites/

Michelle Razavi // www.travellikeatrainer.com // IG: @michellerazavi

TRAVEL TIPS: From A Personal Trainer