Anyone who knows me knows my love of travelling. I may not be an adventurous type but I love exploring new destinations, new cuisines and new cultures.

However, travelling also means being exposed to germs on the plane as well as subjecting yourself to new foods which can upset your stomach.

These are my go to tips for staying healthy:

1. Before leaving I ensure I take probiotics for 2 weeks before travelling as well as pack them in my travelling bag. My favourite brand is Usana probiotics that don’t need refrigeration. They will also help avoid digestive issues that can ensue with the introduction of new foods that you may not be accustomed to.

2. I also like to take St.Francis Deep Immune for a week before the trip to boost the immune system. It works great for adults and kids (just ensure that you buy a kids version which is not as concentrated).

3. I try to stay hydrated and get sufficient sleep as lack of both contribute to a suppressed immune system which will leave you more prone to getting sick.

4. While on vacation I am  careful as to the water I am drinking as in many countries the tap water is not safe for consumption. Depending where I go I pack a few bottles of water in my luggage that I can have until I get to my destination; since all resorts have either filtration system or bottled water for the guests.

5. I also bring some healthy snacks/bars/nuts/instant oatmeal that I can have if I don’t like a certain type of food.

6. Depending on where you go you may want to be more careful with experimenting with new foods or eating foods that are not fully cooked. Safety standards in various countries are different so be careful. This goes for meat, fish as well as raw vegetables. Stick to cooked veggies and ask for the meat to be well done.

7. Vacations are lots of fun and whether you are in the Caribbean or exploring the Alps make sure you use sunscreen every day. You will be getting a lot more exposure to the sun while on vacation then any other time. I always pack a ton of sunscreen as well as take powdered sunscreen from Eminence that can easily go on makeup.

8. Vacations are for indulging but if coming back 10 lbs heavier isn’t your idea of fun, it’s easy to avoid it. First of all limit your drinks. Many tropical drinks have a ton of sugar packed into it and when you have 3-4 a day the sugar really accumulates. Also try to stay away from fried foods; choose grilled instead. And watch your portions. It is so easy to get carried away on a vacation, especially when it’s all-inclusive. But if you stick to smaller portions and wait half hour before getting seconds you’ll be able to stick to your healthy lifestyle.

Hope these tips help next time you go travelling. I would also love to hear your best travel tip, so comment below.

Stay fabulous!

Maria, xoxo