Let’s face it--summer is just around the corner and for many of us, the season calls for exploration, memories and adventures. Whether traveling with friends or family, it is often difficult to eat the right foods or even fit in a bare minimum workout if we so choose.

As someone who enjoys traveling, both nationally and internationally, I have found the possible ways to eat right and maintain my wellness goals while in a different state (or country).

Choose fresh ingredients

One great way to eat the foods I want is to choose meals crafted from the freshest ingredients, or in a food buffet, seek local foods rich in vitamins and freshness. In Cancún, México, a popular travel destination for friends and family alike, food buffets at tourist resorts are the norm. Now, buffets are not the most healthy meals because they allow us to mindlessly seek more food than our bodies can handle, but by choosing the right foods, they are not all that bad. In fact, buffets are a great way to select your own meals and foods of all varieties. From fresh fruit options to pastries and local meals, eating fresh is possible when traveling.

Stay hydrated

Of course, what would traveling be without relaxing and visiting all the tourist attractions in the near areas? An important tip is to keep drinking water. Whether you purchase bottled water or bring your own reusable water bottle (I highly recommend), hydrating your body with liquids becomes crucial when heading off to full day excursions and exploring new surroundings. Hydrating the body is especially important in areas where the temperature includes sun and high humidity. Drinking water should be a priority when traveling from the minute you step out off the plane. Not only does water allow you to stay alert, but it also provides energy.

Photo: Koko Curio on Unsplash

Sleep when you can

If you are like me, naps come easily. So why not embrace it and sleep when possible? Sleeping not only allows you to recharge your body after long days of exploring and traveling, but it can also help with jet lag. The best ways to prevent jet lag, at least for me, are to sleep on the plane during the time zone changes and try to sleep early after a day full of activity. Recently, during my trip to Ireland, I had the chance to nap on the bus prior to full day tours and at night after checking in.

It is important to remember that traveling does allow us to maintain our wellness and fitness goals. When traveling, I tend to forget about working out because excursions and activities allow for extra energy burn. I choose to prioritize healthy eating and fitness because it improves my emotional and psychological states. Traveling is a tough journey that can be covered in flight delays and strenuous activity, but in the end, it allows us to see the world from a different perspective and teaches us to put ourselves first.