Leaving Behind Ballwin for the Summer

While it is true that winter holidays hold the title for busiest travel days, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that summer travel starting Memorial Day Weekend holds a large chunk of travel as well. 

The bureau reports that 90 percent of travel covering 50 miles or more is done in cars, but more air travel is being utilized as well. Travel is done more for leisure, too.

Summer vacations have been the subject of several movies and comedy routines, but stresses of unfamiliar environments, exposure to lots of germs in small spaces, and limited access to nutritious food can take their toll on your health.

Here I'll give you some of the ways I keep active and healthy for my trips. 

Before the trip

• Keep your immune system up. Cut down unhealthy habits and take care to increase healthy habits before your trip. Even if you feel like you have a million things to do, remember that if you get sick you won't be able to do enjoy your vacation. Maintain a sleep schedule, pay special attention to nutrients (especially selenium, vitamins and zinc), quit or decrease smoking and get exercise before you go. You'll need your natural defenses on the ready, especially with the germ traps in airports and on planes. 

• Pack for health. When packing, don't just look for your outfit for the restaurant and swim suit for the pool. Think about the climate you'll be going to and what kind of fitness activities and the clothing they will require. You'll be a lot more likely to go skiing if you only have to grab a new pair of gloves rather than ski goggles and an outfit. Also, make a mini-medicine cabinet for your checked bag. Motion sickness tablets, digestion aids, and anti-inflammatory agents are great to include- and both natural and store-bought options are available. Lastly, in your carry-on and checked bag so you don't get snagged by the airport cinnamon bun or burger place.

During Travel

• Mindfully eat. Although healthy fast food is a developing trend (especially if you fly into Detroit), I've mentioned before that it is the exception and not the rule. Food places are a business, and businesses are often meant to make money, not look out for your health. Still, if you do your homework, there are some healthy food options available. IndependentTraveler.com did some research on common vendors for you, but nutrition facts are usually available in a pamphlet by request, and most definitely available online. When you know that a burger is 2000 calories versus a 400 calorie sandwich, it may be a little more difficult to make the wrong choice. 

• Keep your hands to yourself. If you are traveling in your own car, sanitize your car before you leave. When at an airport, or in a bathroom anywhere, try to avoid touching doorknobs, arm rests, and seatback magazines. Just think- if airport security and staff uses gloves when they touch your IDs and money, its probably for a reason. 

At your destination

• Go places during off-peak times. If you plan on site-seeing, save yourself some stress and exposure to the sniffling, sneezing sightseer by calling ahead and asking the least busy times to visit.

• Shop locally. When I stay in a hotel, I almost always find a place that includes a kitchenette like an extended stay or suite set up. Not only will you save yourself a bundle of money, but you'll save yourself a bundle of calories as well. While eating out and enjoying a few indulgent meals are part of the pleasure of vacation, hitting up a greasy breakfast sandwich rarely enhances your time off. Instead, make local shopping part of your experience in that city. Find a farmer's market if possible, or head to a local store you won't get to experience elsewhere and get proper fuel for the excitement of the day.

• Incorporate physical activity into your plans. I leave soon for a trip to Las Vegas, then a friend and I head to Los Angeles. While dancing, and indulgences are in our plans, we decided to also visit some national parks for hiking for a few days between. When planning your business trip or trip for fun, use the internet to research local parks, exercises classes, and activities. Also, try to walk as many places as possible. When in Chicago last summer, my friend and I made a goal to use our feet as much as possible. Over the weekend, my FitBit showed we walked about 40 miles. 

So get on with making your Memorial Day weekend plans confident that you will look good in your bikini or board shorts, and feel good enough to water ski or dance all night!