Four health and wellness tips for your next holiday ....

Donna Alexander on 04 April 2019
It’s always important to take care of yourself when you are on holiday, whether that’s preparing yourself for a long-haul flight or keeping active throughout your time away. That's why, in time for World Health Day, which this year is on Sunday 7 April, we've pooled together the expertise of our Travel Counsellors to offer a selection of health and wellness tips that you may be able to use on your next holiday.

"Some may call me a health freak as I love to exercise daily and eat healthily, so the thought of all-inclusive and over-indulgence does not appeal to me at all. Going on a wellness retreat is more my cup of tea. When I stayed at BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia, I was able to take an exercise class most times of the day, and massages and treatments are also available throughout the day and are included in the all-inclusive package. If you want to travel cleaner and healthier, booking a health and wellness retreat may be ideal for you."

Stock your hand luggage with the essentials If you’re flying long-haul, particularly if you have a long layover at an airport several hours away from home, you’ll need a halftime care kit to make sure you’re refreshed and rejuvenated for the second leg. Stock up your see-through plastic bag with toothpaste, a toothbrush, moisturiser, deodorant and anything else you need to feel fresh. Flying long distances will mean you can put your shampoos, aftershave and any other bulky cosmetics in your hold luggage, ready to use when you arrive at your destination. You could also pack a change of clothes, as well as an eye mask and earplugs to ensure a more comfortable in-flight sleep.

Eat well Holidays are filled with temptation, especially when it comes to what you eat and drink. Airlines may serve up delectable fare, but bring some of your own healthy snacks such as dried fruits, nuts and seeds which are low on additives and preservatives, and will give you an energy boost as well as aiding with digestion. Your Travel Counsellor will also be able to find you a selection of restaurants which are perfect for your dietary requirements. So, if you’re a fitness fanatic who’s counting calories or you need a list of eateries which cater for allergies or specific diets, you’ll be able to depart in the comfort that you know which places are suitable for you and your party. "My first wellness trip was to COMO Shambhala Estate, and it was a break which I really felt I needed at the time. It was worth every hard-earned penny and was one of the most enlightening and memorable trips I have ever taken. This retreat, hidden amongst rice paddy fields on the island of Bali, offers the best spa treatments I have ever encountered, extensive wellness, detox and weight-loss programmes with outstanding service and residences which are in a league of their own."

Prepare your sleeping pattern If your flight crosses multiple time zones, then it is inevitable that your internal body clock will be knocked off centre and you’ll have to contend with jet lag. It is important you reduce the effects of jet lag’s effects so that it doesn’t impact your trip. Set your clock or watch to your destination’s time before you board your flight so that you can accurately allocate sleeping time, and when you arrive, try your best to adapt to the local time zone and resist the urge to sleep or eat meals at the wrong time of day. And make sure to have some melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate our sleep patterns, which can be found in cherries, tomatoes, rolled oats, walnuts and sunflower seeds.

Stay hydrated Whether you’re on the plane, relaxing on a beach or exploring a city, keeping hydrated is vital in maintaining good health while travelling. Cabin air is exceedingly dry and will dehydrate your system, so make sure to drink plenty of water during your flight, even if you’re eating and drinking other things. If you’re heading to a warm destination, you can become dehydrated very quickly, so in addition to plenty of water, make sure to eat snacks with high water content such as watermelon, peppers, cucumber and apples.