When it comes to staying healthy on the road, travelling well, there are tons of tips and tricks available. This advice runs the gamut, covering when and how to travel, which foods to avoid while in transit, and even what sort of lodging to pick. Much of this depends on whether you’re built for travel or not.
Related: Start planning that once-in-a-lifetime winter getaway
For example, some people have a hard time sleeping while on the road. From smells to bedding, the sensory changes take some time to get used to. Others might instead have a harder time sleeping because of jet lag—especially if they’ve taken a long international flight.
These types of hiccups might not seem like a big deal, but they can get in the way of a seamless vacation or, even worse, a business trip. If you’re a finicky traveler and want a few tips on how to stay well in terms of mind and body, then stick to these ideas.
Travelling well: Take a night off
One of the biggest mistakes a visitor can make is hitting the town on their first night in a new place. Naturally, this makes sense—especially for those who find themselves staying overnight in an exciting place like Rome or New York City. However, it always pays to let the body rest after a day of travel.
The advice here is to take a night off. Grab a good meal nearby to your lodgings, then stay inside your room to give your body time to relax. And don’t worry about getting bored—so long as you have an internet connection, you can dive into one of your favorite activities. One of the best options is a game, which will give the mind a bit of exercise while letting the body rest.
Rome, photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
For example, you might want to select an exciting title like online roulette. Today, online platforms offer different options to choose from, including American or European variations. Roulette challenges the mind with probability-based thinking—but the spinning wheel delivers excitement.
Another good option is a football manager. These sports simulation games allow the mind to tinker with different problems, while the familiar format can make even the newest hotel room feel like home. Best of all, most management sims can be played straight from a mobile device.
Travelling well: Walk as often as possible
Now that you’ve let your body catch up to all those miles you’ve traveled, another great suggestion to keep in mind for the duration of your trip is walking. This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s easy to get into the habit of using a ride-share or a private car. However, walking is a stellar way to explore a new city while taking care of the mind and body.
This is particularly true for those who are traveling for work. Work trips tend to bring on added stress, whether networking with a brand-new crowd or trying to impress a new boss. Walking can help rid the mind and body of those stressors, which makes things like resting later on much easier.
And if you notice the emphasis on rest, that’s because it’s one of the most trying elements of traveling. Always prioritize your rest—even if you need to stay in your hotel for an extra night rather than heading out with others. It preserves your energy in the long run.
New York, photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
Travelling well: Ask the locals
Whether you’re traveling with friends, for work, or on a solo trip, always ask the locals for a few suggestions. If you’re looking for a gym, they’ll know a close and affordable option. The same goes for grocery stores and restaurants, from sports bars to farmer’s markets.
By asking locals for advice, you also set up a few social connections. These might prove necessary later on if you need any more suggestions—but even if not, it’s always nice to have a friendly face to say hello to. For those who return to certain cities or areas for work, these connections might prove incredibly meaningful further down the line, as well.
Top photo by Sean Oulashin on Unsplash
