Summer is the best time for traveling around, especially by car. You can basically bring along as much luggage as you want, the weather's warm and the sun sets late in the evening. But sometimes travel vacations make us forget to stay active and eat healthy, or it feels too difficult to keep up our goals while we're away from home.
So to help you stay healthy and active on your next road trip, here are 10 tips that will make it easier to stay on track with your fitness and health goals:
Plan Ahead
In order to avoid unnecessary stress, try to plan as much as you can beforehand. Have your route planned out, GPS programmed, hotels/B&Bs booked, gas money, etc. all figured out before you get into your car. Also be sure to pack up everything you need in terms of clothes, food, medicine, electronics and chargers. You don't want to drive 100 miles and realize that you left your only phone plug at home!
Scout Out Healthy Restaurants
Do your research before you leave and look up healthy food options in the towns you're planning on visiting along your route. But of course, be flexible if plans change. Download a trusted food review app, like Yelp or Foursquare, to check out what's available and good in whatever city you end up making a pit-stop in.
Pack Healthy Snacks
Of course, you'll definitely need to eat in the car at some point in-between meals, so it's a good idea to pack some of your favorite healthy snacks for long road-trips. This will help prevent you from making lots stops at fast-food places along the road. Bring along your go-to non-perishable snacks, like trail-mix, nutrition bars, dried fruits, nut butters, and even fresh but longer-lasting fruits like apples and bananas.
Water
Keeping your body well-hydrated will help you in so many ways. Not only will it prevent dehydration, but you'll be less tired and more focused, which will make your road trip that much more enjoyable.
Protect Your Skin and Eyes
Slather on that SPF every day! Even if you're just driving for most of the day, sun-rays still come through car windows and hit you, and when you get out of the car for breaks. And sport your favorite pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes too.
Switch Drivers Often
Driving is more difficult than most people assume, especially for long periods of time. To avoid dozing off at the wheel and sore necks and legs, take turns getting behind the wheel.
Take Breaks
In addition to giving drivers a break and chance to move around, passengers also need to switch up positions. Sitting for hours on end is really rough on the body especially bad for circulation. Generally, it's smart to take a rest stop break every two to three hours to stretch, drink water, snack, and get your muscles moving.
Bring Along Your Workout
Whether you're into yoga, HIIT, or running, there's always a way to modify a workout style to fit into your time and space restraints. So include your running shoes, yoga mat, or some light-weights in your luggage, in addition to at least one workout outfit. And think you can't workout in your hotel room? Think again! You can use an online video streaming site like Grokker to watch fitness videos in your hotel room.
Get Enough Shut-Eye
Hanging out with family and friends can often lead to late nights, but skimping on sleep can be really detrimental to your overall health. Not only will you be tired behind the wheel -- which is a big no-no! -- but it will impact your energy and food cravings. So when you can, definitely opt to go to bed early to get essential shut-eye. And take a nap and let someone else drive if you're really exhausted.
Enjoy
Above all else, make the most of your road-trip experience. Don't lose site of the end-game -- having a good time with family/friends, laughing, and having fun. After all, happiness is contagious and good for the body!