Routines While Traveling (Without Being Too Rigid)

Having just come back from a short trip away, I figured this would be a good time to highlight what I do to make my travels feel better. Maybe not so surprisingly, I have always been a routine person and traveling used to completely throw me off. I like slow mornings, movement, cooking my own foods, and having my days built around the things that make me feel good.

So when I used to travel, the different environments, airport food, late dinners, and skipping my workouts would lead to me coming home and feeling out of whack. I would be tired, bloated, and feel like I needed a week just to reset.

For a while I thought the answer was trying to stick to my exact at-home routine when I traveled but that only led to more stress. I would spend half the trip worrying about what I should be doing instead of enjoying where I was, and that also led to a general feeling of guilt. 

It took a while but I eventually realized that the goal isn’t to replicate my routine while traveling, but rather adopt my non-negotiables into the trips. I started finding little ways to weave the habits that make me feel good into my travels and it completely changed how I feel when I’m away.

Here are a few things that work for me:

Bring your own sacks

Nobody likes a hangry (ahem - bitchy) traveler. Especially not my husband or family. After many times being stuck with slim food options, I now always keep a few snacks on hand that make me feel good - nuts, dates, clean protein bars or fruit. Having something available to eat that can hold me over until my next meal is huge. It keeps me from splurging on not-so-great options and helps prevent those 3pm crashes when I’m on the go. 

Hydrate like its your job

The way I make sure to have multiple beverages on me at all times is comical. Between the flights, long days and different environments - travel can dehydrate so quickly and lead to feeling sluggish, puffy, and generally unwell. I make a point to drink tons of water (bonus points if I can find coconut water!) and bring electrolyte packs with me. Such a small thing but makes a huge difference in my energy and how my body feels. 

Travel at times that make sense for you

This one is so underrated IMO. I used to book flights based on cost or fit with my calendar - but now I try to prioritize travel that aligns with my body’s rhythm. I’m a morning person so I personally enjoy taking the earlier flights - it just makes more sense for me. If I know I’m not a late-night person, why start my trip that way? Traveling at times that makes sense for me helps set the tone for the whole trip (I know this isn’t always possible but we try to make the best of our options).

Layer in movement where you can

I used to beat myself up for not getting a “real” workout in when traveling. Now I just focus primarily on movement - walking everywhere, stretching in the morning, maybe a quick hotel workout where I can. It doesn’t have to look perfect to count. The point is just to stay connected to my body and show up for myself where I can.

Embrace being out of routine

!!! Read that again!!! This one took me the longest to learn. When I travel I am out of routine - and that’s OK. You’re meant to enjoy where you are, try new foods, have a drink ,stay out late or sleep in. That is the whole point of traveling. Switching my mindset has allowed me to embrace being present and release myself from any pressure of trying to copy-and-paste my usual routines.

At the end of the day, the little things matter most: staying hydrated, moving, and eating foods that make me feel good. It's not an all-or-nothing situation, it's about finding a middle ground and honoring the things that make you feel good in order to fully enjoy where you are. Wellness isn't about control - it's about connection and balance, and travel is an opportunity to find balance. It's about holding onto the small habits that make me feel good while also allowing space for new experiences.

Point is - book that girls trip, weave in only the non-negotiables, and go enjoy yourself!!

With Love,