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When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to lose control, eat whatever you want, drink more alcohol, and exercise less, right?

So start planning a healthy vacation in any destination by researching and enjoying the experience.

Indulging in unhealthy food and drinks and avoiding physical activities can lead to health issues and ruin your vacation experience.

That’s why planning and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, even when on vacation.

Let me share seven tips for planning a healthy vacation in any destination, staying on track, and enjoying the journey.

Please note: Some of the Tools below have my affiliate link attached, and I may earn a small commission, with no extra charge to you, of course.

1. Research healthy food options.

Before you travel, you want to research healthy food options available at the destination.

If your vacation comes with a food and drink package like cruises or an all-inclusive package, view the menu selection; plant-based meals are also available. Review the travel company’s website or ask your travel agent.

Search Google for the closest restaurants near the hotel or the Airbnb you are staying at.

If you’re staying at a place with a kitchen, you can go food shopping at a local grocery store and cook your meals.

FYI: use Google Maps to locate the distance between your stay and a place to eat or shop so you can be close to the area.

This will help you plan for healthy meals in advance and stay on track with your daily routine.

2. Pack some healthy snacks

You will get hungry when you are on the road or at the airport waiting for your flight. 

So, you should pack non-perishable healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to munch on at home or work.

On excursions or tours, purchase healthy, quick snacks from a local shop. 

Sticking to your daily routine is a great way to have a healthy vacation in any destination while you enjoy the trip. 

3. Bring a water bottle to maintain a healthy vacation.

Water is the best way to have a healthy vacation and keeps you hydrated, so pack a water bottle. 

However, flight rules are different, especially if you’re on the road, and some cruise lines allow water bottles; check the cruise website for more information. 

TSA says you are not allowed to bring any liquids more than 3.4 oz when flying. 

But you can bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up before boarding.

FYI: Before you board click here to read the information about going through security with items on hand. You don’t want to end up throwing out your favorite bottle.

This will help you save money and keep you healthy.

4. Choose wisely eating out for a healthy vacation.

If you have to eat out, look for food that offers healthy meal options, and order grilled, baked, or roasted dishes instead of fried food.

Regarding a side dish, go for a salad or veggies, not the fries. Look for more plant-based meals in restaurants around the destination.

5. Be sure to watch your portion sizes to avoid overeating.

The joy of being on vacation, taking pictures, shopping, and doing activities you might put off eating and not sticking to your daily routine.

If you order a large healthy meal because you were so hungry from skipping meals, you should not overeat and ask for a to-go box to eat later.

FYI: Skipping any meal can make you want to eat unhealthy food and overeat. Carry or buy healthy snacks and drink plenty of water in your travel bag to keep your hunger down.

When you stick to your daily meal plan and schedule, you will be less likely to fall off track, gain weight, get sick, or can’t stay out of the bathroom. You don’t need that experience.

6. Keep moving and keep exercising on vacation.

Being on vacation, you will want to relax, but you know you need to stay on track with your daily physical activity routine. It’s a must.

There are many ways to still exercise on vacation.  

If you’re staying at an Airbnb, cabin, or vacation home, you can go walking or hiking in the local area.

FYI: If you have a gym membership see if your plan gives access to other gyms in other states. 

Cruise ships, hotels, and resorts have gyms and some swimming pools that are accessible to guests. 

Check the vacation properties website for more information about access to gyms or swimming pools.

This will help you burn some calories and keep you energized and on track with your health.

7. Eat what you love in moderation.

Indulge in moderation: You don’t have to completely avoid all the foods you love. Allow yourself to indulge in moderation and savor the flavors.

You can set it up so that you only eat the things you love once or twice on your vacation and watch your diet throughout your vacation. Make one night when you will treat yourself to some carbs or sweets. 

That would be the only time that you would cheat while on vacation. Maintain discipline and still enjoy your trip.

8. If you fall off, get back on track.

Get back on track: I hear the stories where people get sick from overdoing their eating habits on vacation because our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. We all heard that old saying.

So, if you do end up eating more than usual or indulge in too much sugar and carbs, it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up.

Start by getting back on track with eating healthier options as soon as possible, drinking plenty of water, and continuing to enjoy your vacation.

Now that you have read my tips, start planning a healthy vacation.

Since you have read my tips and found them helpful, you can start planning your vacation, and it’s easy to start now.

Start planning by destination and season of travel, then research and book your stay of choice with my booking site, which offers great, affordable rates. 

Visit the site and register to view rates on flights, hotels, vacation homes, cruises, activities, and more.

Once you get a confirmation email for your booking, look on Google to find healthy restaurants or local grocery stores to help maintain a healthy vacation in any destination you choose. 

Do you need to list places to visit, eat, exercise, and more while on vacation? Use this travel planner to help with your itinerary.