Always Be Prepared

The world is a beautiful place, full of exotic destinations that call out to the human spirit. It is for this reason that I pursued a career in the travel industry at a very young age.But the world as it is today also has a not-so-beautiful side. It is no secret that we live in a toxic world, a world where our foods are chemically altered, full of pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and hormones. The air we breathe is also full of toxins.Here are some tips I have learned throughout my thirty years in the travel industry that can keep you healthy as you travel. Sit back and relax while we take off to healthier skies!

Packing for Your Trip

You live a healthy lifestyle, you eat organic whenever feasibly possible, and you exercise regularly. Now you have to go clear across the country to a five-day seminar! Yikes! Airport, hotel, and restaurant food! The first key to all this (and the most important) is preparation. Never put yourself in a position where unhealthy food choices are the only option.1. Pack your carry on bag. This is your emergency survival kit. Always be prepared for delays and cancellations. Pack some almonds for snacking throughout the day. You may also want to pack a couple of hard-boiled eggs in case there are delays. Apples, an orange, and a protein bar are also good choices. Remember that you cannot take liquids through security.2. In your suitcase pack a bag of almonds to last you for five days. Throw in extra protein bars and some fresh fruit.3. No matter how early your flight might be in the morning, definitely give yourself some time for a healthy breakfast. You are now on your way to the airport with a full tummy!

At the Airport and on the Plane

You arrive at the airport in a timely manner, but just in case of a delay you have your emergency pack. In case of a long delay, you might find yourself looking for something more to eat.Most airports today are fully stocked. Once you get through security you can purchase liquids, but water is the only liquid you ever want to buy. (You can always add a chemical-free electrolyte drink to the water.) You can buy unsalted nuts; however, stay away from dried fruits – thePlane Healthsugar content is much too high. Fresh fruits are also usually available now, especially in major airports.If you need to sit down to a meal, avoid the fast-food courts and go to a restaurant where you can purchase a salad with some grilled chicken, grilled fish, or grilled vegetables. Remember, the only dressing you should ever have on a salad is plain oil and vinegar – avoid bottle dressings at all costs! These choices also apply at hotel restaurants.The airlines won’t be too happy with me for saying this, but if you are sitting in coach, never, never eat the food. (That’s if they’re serving it; it’s getting more and more rare!) Prepackaged hot foods sit in a warehouse, along with other things that live in a warehouse, and they are full of chemicals and preservatives. The cold foods are not as bad as the warehouse items, but most are not healthy choices. If you are in business class or first class, the food is better quality, but again it’s usually high in sodium and full of preservatives. Think before you eat, and only eat if you are actually hungry. Drink lots of water.

The Hotel Stay

If you’re taking a taxi to the hotel, ask the driver where the closest supermarket is. (For flight crews on layovers, the grocery store is usually the first stop.) Here you can stock up on bottled water. You never want to drink tap water from a hotel, so you are going to use this water in the coffeepot in your room for your tea and soups. You can also purchase fresh fruit and instant soups (make sure these soups are organic, and low in preservatives, chemicals, and sodium). The hotel can also provide you with water and fresh fruits. I once ordered a whole case of water from the front desk for a discounted price.Always wear slippers in your hotel room. Keep your toothbrush covered and away from the “flushing” area (this is a good practice at home too), because water molecules from the toilet bowl are splashing about at every flush. Bring your own pillowcase. Don’t ever sit on the bedspread or put it up to your face; it’s not washed frequently, and you never know what the previous guests were doing! And what were they were doing before they touched that remote that has now been in your hand for the past five minutes? Make sure you bring alcohol wipes for the remote, phone, and light switches – this is a must!Make sure you avoid alcohol and caffeine a few hours before bed. These two drinks can deeply hinder a good night’s rest. Instead, settle in with a nice cup of organic chamomile. Earplugs are a good idea; there are a lot of late night parties at most hotels. Don’t turn on the TV – there is lots of negativity that can cause you to worry and interrupt your sleep patterns. As an alternative, try some relaxation exercises or meditation. Half of a protein drink with some calcium can work wonders.

At the Seminar

You are fully rested and ready for your day. Remember to allow enough time for a nice breakfast. You can choose to eat in your room by having a protein shake or bar and some fresh fruit. If you are a caffeine drinker, please drink in moderation, as caffeine is very toxic. Pack your snacks, water, and fruit for the day.Be smart when eating in the hotel restaurants. For breakfast, choose poached or boiled eggs, because this way you can avoid unhealthy oils they cook with. Avoid butter and artificial sweeteners and eat whole grains. For lunch and dinner, you can order salads, grilled fish, or chicken.Remember to bring a sweater – they freeze you out at some of these events!

Have a Great Trip

The key thing is preparation; you can’t just wing it (no pun intended)! When life happens and you are starving, always be ready with your survival kit (nuts, protein bar, apple, water, alcohol wipes, etc.). The bottom line is that you cannot expect to make these choices when you’re away if you haven’t made them at home. Educate yourself and be prepared.Remember: If you can’t afford prevention, how are you going to afford disease?

Joanne Calvacca
Plane Healthy