While I try to plan otherwise, I often return home from vacation exhausted and tipping the bathroom scales a bit harder. But there are ways to maintain good lifestyle habits while you’re away from your regular routine.
Try to do something active every day for at least 30 minutes. Head out for a walk, make use of the resort pool or gym, or join a local stretching class – your resort concierge or guest-house host can help you find classes in the neighbourhood. Physical exertion makes relaxing by the pool afterward all the more rewarding.
Try to limit your alcohol intake, even though the temptation is there and the drinks, in many cases, are free. Drinking less will also help you sleep better. Averaging your regular number of hours of sleep is another must-do.
At mealtimes, choose whole foods and plant-based menu items as much as possible. Making smart meal choices will help you steer clear of the sofa after lunch or avoid retiring early on a full stomach. Try to curb the snacking that often comes with vacation downtime. Feel free to splurge on a rich food favourite; just don’t overdo it.
And lastly, keep an eye on stress management. Don’t overbook your daily agenda, and plan ahead so there’s no last-minute rushing about. Above all, remind yourself that your health isn’t on vacation just because you are.
Solo travel: How to stay social when going it alone
While travelling by yourself is a rewarding, rejuvenating experience – because you are your own best company – there are no rules that say you can’t make an active, social time of it.
- Work with a travel agent, who can point you to tour companies that specialize in solo travel. They also know where to find the best deals for single travellers, and all the tips and tricks for side-stepping solo supplements, such as those specified by cruise lines.
- Speaking of which, cruise ships have special events, dining configurations, cocktail parties and shore excursions for solo travellers that you can dip into as you wish throughout the sailing.
- Rather than choosing a big, anonymous hotel, go with an accommodation that encourages social interaction, such as a B&B or a guest house.
- Seek out activities at your destination that include a social angle – a cooking class, a wine-tasting, a dance class or even a language session. Fitness classes, yoga and aqua-exercise groups also let you make friends.
- “Voluntourism” combines volunteering and tourism; a local cause or organization can introduce you to a larger, like-minded community.
- Do your research! Resources like JourneyWoman (journeywoman.com) and Solo Traveler (solotravelerworld.com) have some great ideas for setting off on a singular vacation.
- In the end, if you want to just read a book, go ahead. You don’t need an excuse for “me” time.
