Blissful Travel

Who out there doesn't love a holiday? No one I know, that's for sure! Time away from everyday routine is a great opportunity to rest and reconnect, play and slow down, all while exploring this great planet! Funny enough, how often do you hear, "I need a vacation to get over my vacation!".  As I packed up and planned for our own recent holiday, I realized how many ways you can prepare so that you enjoy your trip even more! Here are a few tips to keep travels blissful so that you arrive home rejuvenated and ready to re-emerge into your life.

1. pre-determine your budget - create a budget before leaving when you are not being tempted by money-wasters that you don't really want or need, both en route and at your destination. Once you know what you have to spend, you can relax and enjoy the splurges more fully and completely without guilt.
2. BYOF (bring your own food) - not only does endless days of eating and snacking out kill the budget, but it also leads to abounding "funny tummys".  On the whole, roadside options are not filled with nourishing foods that are going to fuel your body. They leave you feeling sluggish and often unwell.  Pack healthy snacks (fresh fruit and lara bars are my fav's), and if your end destination doesn't involve flight and has, at minimum, a bar fridge and microwave, the options are endless for homemade meals you can prepare, freeze and bring along to enjoy on your trip.
3. hydrate - fill up on water.  In addition to your regular water needs, airplanes, cars (with heat or air conditioning) and hotels, all have very dry air increasing your water needs. Stay hydrated to feel energized and well, and if you have over indulged in other areas, the water will help flush your system.
4. clothing - Pack clothes that are multi-pupose and can mix and match the other items you are bringing. 
5. remember your practice - a yoga mat takes up very little space on road trips, and you don't even need that when en route! Take time to stretch on the plane (not only will you feel better upon arrival, you reduce the chances of blood clots in your legs!), at road trip rest stops, seated in the car and at the hotel when you arrive. A couple quick poses (seated or standing) will keep you feeling energized, calm, and ready to jump in and enjoy all of the travel adventures!

Happy Trails and...