(Forbes) -- You don’t have to take a wellness-focused vacation to incorporate wellness into your getaway: Tara Cruz, the spa director at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, said that it’s possible to include elements of wellness from staying active to eating well on any trip, whether it’s an urban holiday or a cruise.
“Promoting well-being is such a big priority in the travel industry right now so it’s easier than ever for travelers to make health-conscious decisions when they’re on the road,” she said.
Here, her tips on how to get a flavor of wellness on your next holiday:
Stay Calm: All the stressors of travel today can make even the most seasoned road warrior anxious, but meditating or doing deep breathing even for five minutes a day can help you maintain a relaxed state of mind. Try an app such as Headspace, which is loaded with guided meditation sessions or The Breathing, which leads users through breathing sessions that last anywhere from one to 30 minutes. Ms. Cruz relies on both whenever she get stressed on her travels.
Fly Right: Air travel is dehydrating and on top of which, it can be difficult to get quality sleep on long, overnight flights when rest is essential.
You can combat dehydration, Ms. Cruz said, by drinking lots of water before and during your flight. Salty meals can contribute to dehydration, but, with 24 hours advance notice, most airlines will accommodate a request for a low-sodium meal.
Ms. Cruz also advised wearing loosely fitting clothes in breathable fabrics when you fly because they keep your body cool and make it easier to sleep more soundly.
Hit the Spa: Even if you’re not getting treatment, hitting your hotel’s spa to use the steam room, sauna, hot tub, and other facilities is a good way to get a flavor of a decompressing spa experience without spending big bucks. Spa access is usually free for hotel guests. If you’re not staying at a hotel or if your property doesn’t have a spa, you can likely buy a day pass for a one either at another hotel or in a freestanding location.
If you do spring for a service, Ms. Cruz recommended a massage because it helps to boost circulation and decrease the swelling that can happen during travel. “Many spas today even have specific services which are meant to help combat jet lag and help you get better rest,” she said.
Move, Even a Little: No, there’s no need to spend your vacation exercising, but Ms. Cruz said that some sort of daily physical activity is a way to keep your energy levels high when you’re on the road.
You can even combine exercise with sightseeing: book a walking or biking tour of your destination or go on a guided sightseeing run, which many hotels, including Westin Hotels & Resorts, offer to their guests for free. Or, rent a bike and ride around town to see the sights on your own. You can also get your heart pumping by taking the stairs to the top of a cathedral or other viewpoint in your destination.
Follow a Balanced Diet: Overdoing sugary and fatty foods during your vacation will likely leave you feeling lethargic, Ms. Cruz said.
While you should definitely indulge daily in local specialties such as gelato in Italy or deep-dish pizza in Chicago, try to stick to eating local fruits, vegetables, seafood, and lean meats as much as possible. Many hotels also offer wellness menus for guests who want to eat healthily.
