The Art of Traveling Well: Balancing Health & Adventure

Traveling through the Costa Rican forests, camping in Arizona, nuptials in California, and the beaches of the Philippines. 35 days of non-stop travel separates me from my hometown of Mumbai. None of these destinations are going to be ‘relaxing’ by any means, the most amount of time I will spend in a location is 4 or 5 days. These trips will span three countries, twelve airports, fourteen flights, and a variety of adventures, events, and experiences.

As I look at my calendar and await the next month, a small part of me worries about the repercussions of non-stop travel. While I enjoy travel and am grateful for the opportunity to see all these great sites and reconnect with relatives along the way, I am also concerned about how such a tight schedule will affect me. Traveling can be tiring, both physically and mentally. Constantly boarding planes, coping with changing weather conditions, and adjusting to new time zones may be incredibly exhausting on the body. These physical demands can also impact my mental health; therefore I want to make certain that I complete my journey in the healthiest way possible.

So, where to begin? Examining your existing habits, preferences, and what works for you versus what your habits might be, what conditions you will be in, and how those conditions may affect you. Here are a few ideas that I believe can help me get through these hectic summer months. (Depending on the circumstances, open to flexibility and adaptability)

1. Journaling – I only started doing this last year, but it has helped me reflect on my travels. Often, all I do is write quick summaries of my day and my moods at certain points/experiences. This strategy allows me to examine how the journey is going and allows for purposeful changes/improvements to be made as the trip goes on.

2. Limiting Caffeine & Alcohol – While these two 2 substances are enjoyable, they have the potential to inflict more harm than good. While I am a heavy coffee drinker, limiting my caffeine intake while on the road will be critical to maintaining optimal hydration levels. Similarly, alcohol is extremely dehydrating and affects my sleep schedule negatively.

3. Sleeping – I enjoy getting up early when I travel and I frequently forego a few important hours of sleep. While this is manageable in brief bursts, doing it for a month can be harmful to one’s health. Naturally waking up early has many advantages for optimizing travel experiences; nevertheless, varying the frequency of reduced sleeping hours can help us maintain our well-being.

4. Interacting with Fellow Travelers – Connecting with other tourists not only increases my cultural experience but also benefits my mental health. Conversations with people from all over the world develop a sense of belonging and community. It relieves loneliness and can make time apart from close friends and family more bearable. These connections help me maintain a happy attitude and overall well-being throughout my trip.

5. Staying Connected with Friends Back Home – This offers emotional support and aids in the reduction of feelings of isolation. Sharing one's experiences and difficulties with trusted friends fosters a sense of understanding and validation. Their good connections and encouragement give a source of inspiration and resilience. It permits me to be thrilled about returning home without making it appear as if the fun has ended.