The other side of travelling

Let me be upfront about it. I love travelling. In saying so I include all the shades bright and dull which come along with it. The odd hours, the erratic flight schedules, befriending strangers en route, walking on unknown roads, I love it all. While everyone talks about the joys, experiences and learning earned, not many delve into the other side.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Travelling is a physically taxing activity. It requires preparedness on your end to ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest. If you are unable to take care of yourself during the moments of transit you are inviting loads of trouble, my friend. We all want to experience the best that each journey has to offer. Therefore, indulging in a little self – care can take you a long, long way.

Here are my top five go – to mantras that have helped me bring on my A – game in every trip:

1. Stay hydrated: Most crucial element in my list. Most of my headaches and tummy upsets during travel are because I haven’t had my recommended dosage of water. I have realized that a lot many issues can be avoided if we keep our intake of water up to the mark. Do remember that just like alcohol, it is important to pace your water intake too. Unavailability of clean toilets can be a bummer. You wouldn’t like to be in an uncomfortable situation because of your bladder.

2. Eat well: Yes, you should try that local delicacy. Yes, you should experience the local flavours. Do keep in mind that your gut and your stomach may not always agree with you. Personally, I don’t get my regular dosage of carbs and protein per day, I end up acting cranky even when I am at home. This situation balloons up when I am travelling. As a turnaround, I end up having at least one regular meal while on the go, preferably in the afternoon. Please make sure that you eat something that closely resembles your platter back home.

3. Pack light: Some airports are notorious for their infrastructure and security protocols. Human congestion at security gates is becoming an increasingly common sight. The earlier belief of reaching an hour prior to departure “just to be safe” needs to be replaced with probably 90 minutes or something. At times, traffic jams on the way to the airport have in them the potential to cause a full - fledged anxiety attack. In such situations, a lightly packed suitcase can be a real blessing. More so, if it is allowed to check in. Pack only the necessary items and avoid those which can be obtained locally. Several hotels provide basic dental and shaving kit. In addition, they are also often situated close to the marketplace or shopping complexes or malls. Make use of such facilities to avoid last minute rush.

4. Exercise: We don’t need to be gym rats in order to be labelled fit. The idea of fitness is to mobilize our body just enough so that out moving parts remain functional. It becomes all the more important to exercise if our diet and fluid intake is below par. Not all hotels/ guest houses have a functioning gym. In its absence go for a run, or a jog, or do yoga or simple bodyweight exercises. Nothing fancy required. We owe it to ourselves and our bodies to spare at least 20 minutes a day towards it.

5. Get some rest: I know! I know! I have been guilty of not sleeping and resting well. That early morning sunrise, late night party can make you feel not so well. Thus, it is important to get enough rest wherever and whenever possible. We shouldn’t reach a point where we need to take another vacation just to recover from the one we have returned from.

Travelling is a great learning opportunity. It helps you to form your opinions and allows you to make some great memories. Please make sure that you take enough care of yourself to celebrate it.