Summer is just about coming to a close so maybe you’re ready to take a break in traveling…but also maybe not. We’ve had a fairly packed summer with travel and expect the fall to be a bit slower, though we have several trips coming up. Healthy hacks absolutely help make traveling with kids more enjoyable.
We aren’t strangers to traveling with kids (and even embarked on a cross-country road trip with one), but I still often struggle to feel healthy and good while traveling. It can be overwhelming to take care of kids while traveling with everyone being out of their normal routines. And it really does take a lot of extra brain power to think about yourself and making healthy choices while traveling. However, when I add in some very small healthy habits to traveling, I feel so much better during the trip and especially when I get back home.
These really are easy things to do and make a big difference. If you have trips coming up, here are some healthy hacks to keep you feeling your best.
Stay hydrated with a good water bottle
I swear I am on the brink of dehydration every time I travel. I don’t know what it is but I drink way less water when not at home. On my last trip I brought my favorite water bottle and made sure to fill it often. Even on the long car ride (when I typically try to avoid drinking water to avoid extra stops). Drinking enough water is the smallest thing to do and is pretty impactful. Quite simply put, drinking water is the most basic of healthy hacks, but it’s a key one.
Sorry to share a water bottle that is always out of stock, but I’m newly obsessed with my 40 oz Stanley bottle, bookmark it and try to snag it the next time it’s restocked. It’s amazing because it fits in the car cupholder and is comically huge (meaning you’ll be very hydrated with this by your side).
And make sure you actually drink the water with fun flavors
A lot of drink mixes will promote that they are low salt. Not LMNT! Their whole thing is that you need more salt and this is a great way to get it. The first time I tried it I was a bit shocked by how salty it was and now I can’t get enough. It is SO good and so hydrating. If I’m low energy, hot, exhausted, etch, I drink one of these and instantly feel better. I can’t explain it, just give it a try and report back to me please.
My favorite flavors are Watermelon Salt, Mango Chili, and Lemon Habanero. I especially loved these during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Keep moving
Traveling can lead to a lot of sitting. We’ve done some crazy long car rides and I feel so stiff afterwards. It’s not much but I recommend making stops every 2-3ish hours even if you’re just stretching your legs. This is good for both adults and especially kids when traveling. If you’re taking a flight and have extra time in the airport, go on a walk! It’s easy to just sit and wait for the plane but it’s prime time to get in good movement before you’re forced to sit during the flight.
Bring a jogging stroller
If you are trying to pack light, I get that. Still you should bring your jogging stroller if you can. I love going for walks with the kids at home and if time and location allows, this is a simple way to stay active during trips. I have an early riser so on our last trip I would grab my toddler, our jogging stroller, and off we went before anyone else was awake. We got some fresh air and I found a great coffee spot a couple of miles away to make our destination. I got a tasty iced coffee as my reward and Millie got a pastry of her choice. This is another fun way to explore a new place.
Find a local workout
Before kids this was my go-to thing for trips. I’d always look up a local gym or workout and it was such a fun way to experience a new place. Since having kids (and Covid) I hadn’t been doing this and really missed it. So on our last trip I added this back and it was so great! I found an outdoor bootcamp by the beach and it was the perfect way to start my morning. This takes a bit of planning to make sure you have someone to watch your kids while you do this, but it’s worth taking the time and effort to plan.
