Mariel Hemingway wants you to travel healthy

Many Americans take to the highways and skyways for some sort of trip each year — be it business or pleasure, and they often fall prey to the “ease” of fast food drive-thrus and prepackaged snacks, or extravagant and excessive meals just because, “I’m on vacation.”

“On your next trip away from home, take the opportunity to be picky and turn your travels into a time where you actually feel great in your body and have the energy to do things that you want and need to do,” said actress and author Mariel Hemingway. “Make treats actual treats and indulge in moderation and you will find you enjoy them even more.

“Staying healthy while you travel is your choice. Make your next getaway enjoyable for the body, mind and spirit.”

“Practicing good health habits at home will make it easier to translate those same habits to your next vacation,” said John Sessler, vice president of Travelers Advantage and TravelersAdvantage.com. “But even if you’re not on the good-health wagon, it’s easier than you think to get started when you travel.”

The experts at Travelers Advantage and I offer some of the following tips to help you stay healthier — and happier — on your next trip:

• Avoid eating “fast and easy” food — That little sack of peanuts may seem harmless, but in reality is packed with sugars and carbohydrates. While you can’t bring your own beverages from home on a plane, you can bring your own food. Pack a healthy snack at home (try raw nuts, fruit or a veggie sandwich) and avoid the burger and fries at the airport food court for your trip. If you’re on the road, avoid the chip aisle and look for a freshly prepared sandwich, fruit cup or nuts without loads of extra salt and sugar.
• Bring your workout gear — Regardless of if it’s for work or pleasure, you shouldn’t have to abandon your workout routine when you’re on the road. Today, most hotels have some sort of workout room. You don’t have to do your full-circuit training, but fit in 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day. Not only will you have more energy, but that inevitable treat that’s outside your usual diet will not make you feel as guilty. Even if you don’t have access to a workout area, try doing sit-ups, push-ups, squats or lunges in your own room, or take a walk around the area you’re staying. Traveling on foot is by far one of the best ways to get to see a new place so take advantage of the opportunity.
• Be proactive about your health — Get plenty of rest when you’re on the road regardless if you’re traveling for work or play. This will allow your body to recharge and keep your front-line defenses in top shape. Frequently wash your hands, especially when traveling through busy airports or other high-traffic, public places. If you’re traveling abroad (especially outside of Europe), make yourself aware of any potential issues with public water sources. And while trying the local cuisine can be a great experience, ensure meat is fully cooked and buy smart if you chose to buy from local street vendors.
• Take special care on airplanes — If you’re traveling by plane, dab sesame oil in your nose to keep from getting dried out and becoming susceptible to illness. Silver spray, a product that can be picked up from almost any health food store, is also a great way to help boost your immune system while it attacks any germs you may pick up.

About Mariel Hemingway
Mariel Hemingway made her silver screen debut at 13 years old in “Lipstick,” and was nominated for an Oscar four years later for Woody Allen’s “Manhattan.” She has starred in some 30 films. Currently, she is producing a film based on her grandfather’s epic best-seller “A Moveable Feast,” a set of memoirs of his experiences in Paris in the 1920s. In addition to her film career, she found a passion for holistic and balanced living. She’s written two books and conducts wellness retreats across the country sharing her insights about yoga, meditation, nutrition and home. She is currently working on a cookbook called Mariel’s Kitchen Cookbook that will be released by Harper San Francisco Publishers in the spring of 2009. Hemingway is the mother of two teenage daughters.

About Travelers Advantage
Members of Travelers Advantage (http://www.travelersadvantage.com or 1-877-841-1335) can save money on air travel, cruises, car rentals and accommodations, as well as earn five percent cash back on eligible travel booked with preferred providers through the service. Travelers Advantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.