Stay fit and fabulous on the go! Discover top travel tips for women over 40 to maintain health and energy while exploring new destinations.
Traveling in your 40s is a whole lot different than when you were in your 20s. By this point in your life, you have a lot more experience, have taken control of your priorities, and now have a little more cash to spend on the things that really matter to you. But, traveling after you’re 40 also comes with some unique challenges that may adversely affect your trip. These challenges include staying healthy, keeping up your energy, and, of course, feeling your best while on the go.
The good news is that you do not have to choose between experiencing everything that the destination has to offer and keeping yourself healthy. It only takes a little bit of planning and a few smart hacks to stay fit and fabulous while still enjoying all of the joys of life. So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and let’s take a look at some travel tips that will keep you feeling amazing on your next big adventure.
Travel Tips for Packing the Essentials
Let’s face it, packing is always a bit of a puzzle. The best travel tip is to be prepared for every possible scenario without having to lug around a huge suitcase. And, when it comes to staying fit and fabulous, making sure that you bring a few key items can make all the difference.
Lightweight Fitness Gear
If you’re planning on bringing any fitness gear with you on the road, it’s important to remember that you won’t need a full gym in your suitcase. All you really need are a few pieces of versatile gear:
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a much better option than standard dumbbells. Choosing them is one of the best travel tips I can think of. Not only do they weigh practically nothing, but they take up almost no space at all. In fact, you can often push resistance bands down into the deepest crevices of your suitcase to fill in the gaps that would otherwise just be wasted space.
Collapsible Yoga Mat
You may also want to do a few quick stretches every morning in your hotel room or at a scenic outdoor spot while you’re on your trip. For this, you will need to bring with you a collapsible yoga mat. Although these will take up a whole lot more space than your resistance bands, continuing your daily yoga routine is critical to your health and well-being.
Running Shoes
Naturally, we need to bring multiple pairs of shoes with us when we travel. No, we’re not talking about bringing 20 pairs of shoes, rather you need a pair of good running shoes so that you can hit the trail on your trip. A good pair of lightweight, comfortable sneakers are perfect for hiking, walking tours, and even hitting the hotel treadmill.
Pro tip
Here’s a pro traveltip. When possible, try to choose gear that can double as everyday essentials. For example, when bringing sneakers, choose a pair that can be used for both your workout and sightseeing.
Travel-Sized Personal Care Products
Of course, we can’t forget also pack some personal care products. When we travel to a new region, our skin and hair will be exposed to different types of weather conditions, water quality, and temperature differences. As a result, making sure that you have some personal care products on hand can mean all the difference.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen
For starters, you need to make sure that you can keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun. This is especially true if you’re from the north and you’re traveling to Florida, the Bahamas, or Mexico. You want to keep a high-quality moisturizer and sunscreen with you on your trip. But, just be mindful of the restrictions regarding the transportation of liquids on airplanes
Dry Shampoo
In order to reduce your chance of exceeding those restrictions, try using a dry shampoo. On your trip, you may find many reasons not to wash her hair on a regular basis. And, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver on these days.
Mini Fitness Towels
Then there are the fitness towels. Granted, many hotels now have their own gyms inside, but hotel towels are not exactly the best option when it comes to working out. They tend to be much thinner and made out of materials that are coarser and less than desirable. An amazing travel tip is to always best to bring a couple of your own fitness towels with you when you head out on the open road.
Travel Tips for Staying Active
Naturally, one of the biggest parts of traveling is your ability to explore new places. And, this exploration can be an excellent workout on its own. Let’s take a look at how you can stay more active when you are traveling.
Exploring by Foot or Bike
When possible, don’t take a taxi. One of the best travel tips for getting to know a new place is to visit and explore on foot or by bike.
Why not go on a walking tour? A walking tour is a great way to soak in the sights and history of the destination. But, if you’re visiting the beach or a seaside town, choose to rent a bike instead. This will allow you to explore the local parks and waterfront with ease. And, if you’re planning to travel someplace that has mountainous terrain, then opt for hiking on some of the areas most scenic hiking trails instead. Hiking is an excellent way to combine fitness with breathtaking views.
Hotel and AirBnB Workouts
As discussed earlier, more and more hotels these days are installing gym equipment. But, in the event that you choose a destination that has no gym, you don’t need to worry because you can do great workout right from the comfort of your own hotel room.
Remember those resistance bands that you should have packed? These are excellent for building strength. You can do squats, rose, and even shoulder presses in your hotel room, or even from a scenic nearby location. However, if you didn’t bring any resistance bands, you can still use body weight exercises like planks, push-ups, and lunges to keep yourself fit.
With the help of YouTube and streaming apps, even a 15 minute workout is enough to keep your blood pumping and your fitness on track.
Local Fitness Classes
While you’re at it, sign up for a local fitness class once you arrive. Make your fitness part of the local cultural experience by joining a local fitness class. You may be able to find yoga classes on the beach or in a local park. At the same time, some locations may even offer dance classes that highlight local dance traditions. And, if you want to mix up your routine at that you can even try a Pilates or barre studio instead.
So, have fun, stay active, and meet new and interesting people along the way. Immerse yourself in the local culture and stay fit and fabulous along the way.
Travel Tips for Healthy Eating
One of the best parts of traveling to any new area is the local cuisine. An excellent travel tip is to make sure you don’t go overboard with all of the indulgent experiences available to you. The trick is to find balance.
Packing Healthy Snacks
Airport food is often overpriced at extremely unhealthy. Before you hit the open road, take the time to pack your own snacks. Not only will you be able to save quite a lot of money, but you also be able to stay healthy at the same time. Nuts and seeds are a popular choice for their protein-packed pick-me-ups. You can even bring your own dried fruit or energy bars in order to boost your energy levels naturally while you’re on the go. And, if you plan on bringing protein bars, make sure that you choose one that will melt or crumbled in your bag.
Choosing Restaurants Wisely
Always make sure to choose your restaurants wisely, and look for places that prioritize fresh local ingredients. Remember to properly balance your macronutrients, and try dishes with lots of veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or smaller portions if you need to be a little more restrictive. But, also remember to indulge mindfully. If you’re going to try dessert or savor local specialty, why not Sharon so that you can enjoy it without all the guilt. After all, traveling is all about enjoyment, so give yourself the permission to enjoy the food without stressing about every single calorie
Stress-Free Travel Tips
Traveling can be amazing, but it’s full of challenges. You will have to deal with delayed flights and unfamiliar surroundings. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, but here are some tips to keep you going stress-free.
Planning for Rest and Downtime
We have to face it, you’re not 20 anymore, and that is actually a good thing. But, it also means that you need to have your rest. A good travel tip is to make sure to build downtime in your itinerary to give you plenty of time to recharge between experiences. Where possible, take naps and enjoy quiet coffee breaks between activities. Make sure that you are always sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, as sleep is important to weight loss and maintenance.
Practicing Mindfulness
When you’re traveling, you should also practice mindfulness. And, the physical act of traveling is the perfect time to practice it. When you wake up in the morning start your day with a few deep breathing exercises and maybe even a short meditation. Take the time to appreciate all of the little moments around you, like listening to the sound of the waves or the taste of fresh pastries in the morning. And, a travel journal will help you to reflect on your experiences and allow you to enjoy your trip even more.
Conclusion
In the end, traveling is considered one of the greatest joys in life. And, when you prepare properly with the best travel tips, you can enjoy every moment of it while also staying fit, healthy, and fabulous. Remember, a perfect trip starts from packing smart, and requires that you stay active along the way in order to indulge yourself in the delicious foods you will find along the way. And, it ends with practicing mindfulness at every step of the way to create a more serene balance. So, plan that trip you been dreaming about, embrace the adventure, and come back feeling more rejuvenated inspired than you ever thought possible.
