Hooked on healthy travel
Raise your hand if this scenario sounds familiar:
The countdown to your vacation is on, and you've started the "I have to get into a bathing suit" diet. You cut calories, limit alcohol, hit the gym, and get yourself in a relatively happy zone so putting on a swimsuit doesn't send you into a complete state of shock. Then it's time to travel. You hit the airport, go straight to the bar, throw back a few before the flight (and maybe a few more on the flight), and indulge in all the flavors of the local cuisine when you finally arrive at your destination. We indulge. We savor. We taste-test our way through Five-Star restaurants and mixology classes at the swim-up hotel bar. And why shouldn't we? We work hard so we can play hard, right? And sometimes, playing hard means stuffing your face with a bowl of fresh-made guacamole and a pitcher of margaritas.
So much for saving calories.
Yes, it's normal, and yes, we've all fell victim to this routine at one point in our travel lives. The bad news is: bloating occurs at rapid rates at 35,000 feet. The good news is: airlines and hotels have created ways to help you beat the bloat in the sky and on the ground.
Let's start with the Virgin Atlantic Jumpstart Jetsetter, available at the airline's Clubhouses. The juice combines pineapple juice, coconut water, ginger, agave, mint, angostura bitters, egg whites and fresh lemon into a blender to create a healthy alternative for those wanting to feel a little without the alcohol.
The airline is also creating a new in-flight menu to coincide with calorie-counting travelers. Everything from steamed salmon to kale salads are making an appearance in flight.
The airline even created a Destination Wellness page full of tips to healthy eating and in-flight exercises.
In a piece I wrote for The Huffington Post, I found a few hotels that are also offering some unique get-fit-stay-fit escapes. Next time you're ready to get away, and want to stay focused on your fitness, check out these heart-healthy hotels:
At Mii amo Spa, Sedona, AZ: Enjoy a complimentary juicing classes to learn the health benefits of juicing.
Gramercy Park Hotel, NYC: Enjoy a glass of fresh-pressed juice from the hotel's new in-room dining menu, which features selections including the Green Machine (kale, apple, pineapple), Citrus and Spice (carrot, ginger, orange) and more.
Hotel Vermont, Burlington, VT: Explore the town of Burlington with complimentary bike rentals from the local alternative bike shop, Old Spokes Home.
the Nines, Portland, OR: Business travelers are invited to explore the city with the Meetings in Motion package which allows groups to conduct their business meetings outside while they discover Washington Park and learn about the local sites.
The Spa at Hotel Madeline Telluride, Telluride, CO: The new ISUN Emerald Sun Signature Facial and ISUM Gemstone Massage use gemstones to open and balance the energy points in the body.
Readers: What's your favorite way to keep fit on vacation?
The author is solely responsible for the content.
