Sunday, March 23, 2014

Healthy Traveling Tips with Kendra Thornton

I am incredibly fortunate to have an awesome guest post from Kendra Thornton to share with you today! Kendra is considered a travel expert, she has traveled the world and as a result, has tons of incredible advice to share with us from all of her amazing adventures! 

Check out her awesome tips on how to keep healthy habits for you and your family while on vacation. 




Tips for Fit Family Vacations: 




Health and fitness are important to me, and I work hard to help my family make healthy decisions on a regular basis. At home, we have a regular, healthy routine. When we travel, it can be more difficult to incorporate those healthy decisions, but I’ve learned several tricks that help keep the kids and me healthier and happier.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Don’t deprive your family of water when you travel. Both kids and adults need enough water to keep our bodies functioning properly. If you’re traveling in the heat or spending time outdoors in the sunlight, your must make sure to drink lots of water. I like to make sure that everyone in the family has a personal water bottle before we head out on any adventure. Refillable bottles can be refilled at convenient spots along the way, or you can pack a cooler with water bottles when your adventures take you away from accessible water sources.
2. Play in the Water
Water can be good for getting your exercise too. Your regular fitness routine probably won’t stand a chance while you’re away from home, but you can get a workout enjoying your vacation. Paddleboats and canoes are great ways to get a good workout and have fun as a family. Rowing around a lake or other body of water can be remarkably romantic. Almost any boating activity that requires muscle propulsion helps burn calories.
3. Watch Out for Buffets
Traveling usually requires some eating out. This can be dangerous, especially if you visit all-you-can-eat buffets. Avoid pitfalls by selecting places that offer health options. When eating at a buffet, put plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables on your plate. If you start with a healthy green salad or fresh veggies from the salad bar, you won’t be as tempted to overindulge on unhealthy, empty calories. Allow yourself to enjoy a treat, but be balanced in your choices.
4. Make Healthy Hotel Choices
Many hotels now offer fitness-friendly options. Choose a hotel with a well-equipped gym. Stock up on healthy foods at a local market rather than succumbing to vending machine options. Take advantage of walking trails on the premises or other fitness options. Some hotels even have free bike rentals for guests!
When my family stays healthy on vacation, it makes the transition back to normal life easier too. I always try to book a hotel with a quality gym and was able to find one for our upcoming trip to Orlando. The process was a little difficult as there are just so many hotels in Orlando. Sites like Gogobot however are able to help a bit as you can read user reviews. I hope these tips help your family. Have a healthy, happy family vacation!