Travel and Gut Health: Pre Travel Preparations Part 2

Pre Travel Preparations
Part 2: 3 Min read

I’m back at it this week with part two of a blog series on traveling and keeping your gut happy and healthy. Last week we talked about pre travel packing considerations and this week we will focus on travel preparations. Away we go...

1. Eat healthy
I’m talking about eating really clean just before you leave for your trip. Put your gut in a happy place before you take off on your journey. The travel itself is hard enough on the digestive system, but adding an unfamiliar city, late nights, and possibly navigating a language barrier, it could be a recipe for disaster if your body isn’t prepared. 

2. Prepare a Travel Meal
Be sure to call the airline to choose a special meal that suits your dietary or nutritional protocol best. You may discover that the meal options won’t work for you at all, so make sure you pack something healthy to eat and don’t fall into the trap of eating a bag of chips or skipping a meal. It’s a good rule of thumb to check travel restrictions before choosing the food and containers you will bring. If you are traveling by car or train it will be easy to pack a meal to take with you. ​
​
3. Research your destination and surrounding restaurants
Make sure that you are able to eat the staples of the country or city you are traveling to. You don’t want to be traveling to Japan and not be able to tolerate white rice… Do your research on the restaurants you want to go to. I search for Paleo or gluten free restaurants and try to go to ones that have allergens clearly labeled on the menu. This isn’t always an option, so calling the restaurant beforehand to discuss your needs is always recommended--the restaurant will also appreciate the heads up! I tend to do a google search or check the following sites: nationalceliac.org/directory or findmeglutenfree.com. 

4. Translate
If you are traveling to a place that speaks a different language, you will need to do some translating. Do this ahead of time, and write down items you can and cannot eat where they are easily accessible during your trip. This will make it easier when communicating with a restaurant or market. 

5. Locate a market and a green space
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is go to an open air market. The colors and smells are a unique cultural experience that you shouldn’t miss. You can buy everything you need to make yourself a picnic. Pick up some locally sourced fruit, veggies, and sliced meats, and head over to a park where you can enjoy your picnic lunch with friends. This also works if you are planning a romantic night with your partner, wink wink, nudge nudge! 

6. Stay Active
If you’re exploring a city, this will happen naturally, but if you’re on a lazy beach vacation, you’ll need to be more intentional about your movement. Take a walk, go on a hike, play tennis, go for a swim, do some stretching… I’m not saying you have to go run a marathon, just make sure you are getting in some movement every day.  

7. Drink LOTS of water
I can’t say this enough. Drink water before, during, and after your trip. Make sure you pack enough water on the journey to your destination, as this will help keep your immune system strong, fight jet lag, and keep your gut happy. Packing a reusable water bottle will allow you to keep your water consumption up and your card charges down. It’s also more environmentally friendly. Side note -You should always check to see if the water is safe to drink at your destination. Bottom line, drink more water!

8. Stay somewhere with a kitchen
With so many options for places to stay now, it’s easy to reserve somewhere that has a kitchenette or a fridge at the least. I prefer to stay somewhere with a small kitchen so I can cook a few meals with the beautiful produce I bought at the market. It’s a great way to be fiscally savvy, but also ensure you have several nutritious and safe meals that don’t have any surprise ingredients. 

I hope some of these tips over the last two weeks regarding travel packing and prep will ease your anxiety and increase your excitement! So get back out there and get traveling!

Find me on instagram @lifestyle_innovations and let me know if this was helpful and which points resonated the most with you. Follow me for more wellness tips! 

Happy Travels Y’all!

​
​