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Have you been dreaming about where you’ll go on your next dream vacation? Or what healthy adventures lie ahead of you? While planning a trip and creating a travel checklist can seem like a stressful addition to your daily to-do list, I find it to be extremely beneficial as it helps build excitement and anticipation before your trip. Additionally, I secretly enjoy the process of planning a trip and finding ways to incorporate wellness into the planning process.
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Once you get there, you’ll find that all your long hours of research and planning have become a reality. Imagine the white sand beaches of the Bahamas, trekking through the deep green foliage of Peru, or taking a cross-country road trip in the United States. You roll down the windows, the sun shines softly, and Google Maps tells you where to go. Or in my case, where not to go if you’re looking for vegan food in Bulgaria—but that’s another story.
(Don’t worry, Google Maps and I eventually found the answer. My husband and I found the warm Mouthwatering vegan dishes in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria.
While we may not be able to travel right now, we can dream about future trips and plan for exciting times ahead. How do you plan the perfect travel checklist from a health and wellness perspective? What items should you pack or should you leave at home?
Combine wellness with your travel bucket list
One thing I’ve learned on my health and wellness journey is to incorporate health into the art of packing. At first, it sounded a little strange trying to tie health into packing and travel planning. However, the more I practiced, the less stressful traveling became for my body and mind.
Here are some travel packing tips for health-conscious travelers to help you boost your health and wellness. Whether you’ve planned an adventurous road trip or decided to explore Europe on an epic train journey, this travel checklist is for you.
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Travel Bucket List Guide
Deciding how much luggage to bring
One way to reduce travel stress is to decide how much luggage you will be taking at least two weeks before your trip. If flying, I recommend reading the airline’s luggage weight restrictions. Baggage weight restrictions occasionally change, so be sure to double-check before you fly. It will tell you whether you can check in 50 pounds for free, carry-on luggage for free, or a personal item on your ticket.
Trains, on the other hand, have different luggage limits and allow passengers to bring more luggage. The best part is, if you need to bring an extra bag or two, there’s no extra charge! (If you don’t, I won’t tell anyone.) Again, check with your train company for exact guidelines. For road trips, just make sure you can see ahead in your mirrors and that you’re comfortable in the car.
Decide what type of experience you want and purchase travel insurance ASAP
While we can’t pack for everything, we can do our best to pack for what’s coming up. For example, if you know you want to experience an adventure trip overseas at your destination, be sure to prepare a travel checklist with adventure items like underwater phone cases, outdoor sandals, sunscreen, selfie sticks, etc.
Once you know what type of experience you want, Buy Travel Insurance.
I think it’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as possible in case you need to change your flight or an emergency occurs. Depending on the type of travel experience you want (e.g. bungee jumping, etc.) and your luggage (e.g. expensive cameras, etc.), you can add additional insurance to support these.
For long-term travelers, Safety Wing is a good option. Another option is Travel Insurance Mastervery suitable for short trips.
Notes: If you’re hesitant about buying travel insurance, I understand. It can be confusing, and it’s another expense on top of an expensive trip. But at the same time, it’s the best way to protect your health and your travels. Your health is your number one asset. If you have questions, I can help answer them. Here are the answers: Everything you need to know about travel insurance.
Add copies of your driver’s license and passport to your travel checklist
While traveling is an adventure full of excitement and new experiences, you may never want to feel that way about your personal files. The best way to protect your personal files is to make copies. Make copies of the following files:
- passport
- driver’s license
- credit card
- Medical Insurance
- Travel Insurance
Leave one copy of the document at home for your loved ones and take another copy with you when you travel.
Research your destination
Researching a destination will not only help with packing, but it will also give you more travel tips specific to the destination you are visiting. It will help you choose the right clothing to pack, give you insight into the culture you will be experiencing, and give you more ideas about what to do in a particular city.
For example, if you are planning a trip to Barcelona next year – here are List of 50 Things to Do and See in Barcelona, Spain Plan your dream trip.
Avoid pre-travel stress by packing ahead of time
Yes, it is a thing! Have you ever been stressed out two days before your trip, scrambling around at the last minute to buy more items for your suitcase? Or is your room so full of clothes that they’re all over the floor? You pack one set of clothes, then dump your suitcase out to pack another, only to find yourself finishing your packing at 1am on the day of your departure.I must admit, this used to be my normal packing strategy.)
Packing your luggage ahead of time may be your solution. Not only will this allow you to relax and avoid stress in the days leading up to your trip ( Essential Oils or massage! ), it also allows you to maintain a normal routine. I’ve found that using these two healthy travel tips can reduce stress and lead to a happier, healthier trip.
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Pack some extra clothes in your carry-on luggage
If you have checked luggage, this packing list tip is for you. Sometimes luggage gets lost. It happens. However, you can prevent this luggage mishap in advance by packing a spare set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on or backpack. I also recommend packing a few TSA-approved toiletries in your carry-on. Zero waste bathroom Products that are easy to package are: mouthwash tablets, conditioner bars or soaps, shampoo bars, and lotion bars.
Stay organized with storage bags or organizers
I personally love these products from Amazon! This travel checklist makes it relatively easy to find anything in your suitcase because now all your clothes and gear have a home. It also helps you avoid overpacking because you know what gear and clothes will fit in each cube.
Put flip-flops on your travel bucket list
This is probably the first thing on my vacation packing list. Flip-flops or sandals are incredibly versatile. In cold weather, they can double as slippers to keep your feet warm under the chilly tiles, or as shower shoes for a spa day on vacation. (I have a mild germophobia, so flip-flops are a must for a spa day.) On the other hand, in hot weather, they can be a great addition to your summer outfit for pool days, and if you’re staying at a hotel, you can say hello to your new shower shoes.
Pack plenty of healthy travel snacks
Try to pack healthy travel foods that are high in fiber, protein, and fat. While I’m no nutrition expert, I can say that whenever I’ve used these Healthy Travel Snacks My husband and I shared a few tips and everyone’s tummies and moods seemed to be happy. Here are some snack ideas to add to your travel list to help boost your happiness while on the road:
- Dried Fruit Mix
- Granola Bars
- Fresh Fruit
- Hummus and Carrots
- A sandwich made with whole-wheat bread, avocado, lots of veggies, and protein
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Pack breakfast for the next two days in your carry-on luggage
Packing a breakfast is a great way to travel healthily because it helps you get back on track once you reach your travel destination. Choosing the right healthy travel foods for your trip can enhance your health, provide you with nutrition, and keep you fueled after a long flight or drive.
Put prebiotic foods on your travel bucket list
Prebiotics It’s high in fiber, which provides nutrients for healthy gut bacteria. Some studies suggest that these nutrients, in turn, help improve your Digestive systemboost your immune system, and possibly improve your metabolism. Prebiotics are found everywhere in food, and they can be a great addition to your healthy travel food list. And they can be found almost everywhere! Here’s a great list of prebiotic foods to get you started:
- apple
- Flaxseed
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- banana
- oat
Don’t Overpack
Remember, less is more.
Do you have any packing list tips for health-conscious travelers? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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