Don't Let your Travel Plans Mess with Your Plan

I guess I am thinking about this because I am on the road and away from my normal routine.  However I could not let this much needed relaxation away from home mess up my plans for a healthier me.  I am on day 4 of my 6 day vacation and so far I have remained on track.  Below I will share with you some of the things I have done to keep my focus on this trip and vacations I have taken in the past.  

• Plan ahead:  I love Google Maps because you can search nearby locations.  I cannot stress the planning part around.  Get to know the area before you get there.  Where will you work out?  What and where will you eat?
• Movement:  So now you know where you are staying.  If you are staying in a hotel and they have a gym you don't have to do much planning but you may want to find out the hours of operation.  If your home away from home does not have a gym, no worries there are plenty of other options.  
• Local Fitness Facilities:  If you belong to a gym you may check to see if your club is in the area.  Most gyms will let you work out even if you are not a member but be aware that most places will make you pay to play. 
• Trails are your friend:  Walking is one of the best all around workouts you can do so finding a "safe" area to walk can prove to be very beneficial.  A lot of malls open their doors before the stores open so people can have a safe, weather proof walking option.  
• Room to move: There are plenty of things you can do right in your own space.  If you have bands, they are light, easy to pack and provide a great strength workout.  The basic push up works multiple muscle groups at the same time.  
• Your TV: Bring your favorite workout DVD or if you are lucky you will have access to On Demand workouts on cable.  My DVD of choice is the Insanity workout by Beach Body.  You only need yourself and water to get a good workout with Insanity.  

• Meals:  Again planning ahead is key.  Find out if you will be eating out or preparing meals in advance.  
• Eating Out:  Google Maps is your friend.  Find out about the local restaurants and after you locate them, study the menu.  Plan your meals in advance.  
• Cooking:  This is actually the best scenario because you have complete control over every meal.  Put together a list of the foods you are going to prepare in advance and make a shopping list of all the ingredients you will need.  If you can, pack some of the ingredients and take them with you to save money. 
• Staying with relatives or friends:  This one is difficult because some people will try to push food your way, trying to be nice and make your vacation more relaxing.  If this is the case you have to determine your comfort level in sharing your goals with your friend or family member.  If you feel comfortable have a conversation in advance about your food requirements.  If you do not feel like explaining anything then offer to cook a few meals and bring plenty of easy to pack healthy snack options.  When you must eat with you friend or family member focus on small portion sizes.