Seniors are on the road more than any other age group.  Lucky us!  We have the time, the resources, and more and more, the desire to be off seeing the world.  Here are a few tips that will help you stay healthy and fit while you travel. 

 Travel light!  Even with wheels heavy suitcases can pull out our backs, strain our shoulders and generally be a burden.  My rule is to take only what I can comfortably carry.  Even with porters we end up handling our own luggage some of the time.

 Adjust to a new time zone right away.  No matter how tired you are or what time it is at “home” stay awake on your arrival day until it is at least 8 or 9 pm in the new time zone.  When you wake up the next day your body clock will be congruent with local time and you will be off and running.    

 Walk a lot and do it in good walking shoes that have been broken in before the trip.  If you are on a sports vacation such as golf, tennis or skiing these activities fulfill your exercise requirement but warming up with a brisk walk will prepare you for your sport and help prevent injury.  Be consistent and do some exercise every day.  Start by working out soon after arriving at your destination. This will help relieve jet lag and the general stress and fatigue of traveling.

 Adventure vacation trips designed especially for seniors are widely available.  You’ll get plenty of exercise white water rafting or scuba diving.  Perhaps try something different on your own like renting bikes for the day.  If you’re staying in hotels try to book into places with gyms and/or good outside walking paths nearby.  If you have a favorite exercise tape take it along.  You can always slip it in the VCR when everyone else is sleeping.

Drink lots of water!  Keeping your body hydrated is essential if you want to stay healthy.  Dehydration is one of the main causes of the constipation travelers often experience.  I drink bottled water, always the same brand, no matter where I am in the world.  I think it’s easier on my body to make all the other adjustments travel requires if my water is consistently reliable.

Enjoy the local cuisine but don’t overeat.  This can be really challenging.  One of the most interesting facets of traveling is the food and drink.  I like to try a lot of different dishes but I never finish any of them.  A few bites of this and that give variety to meals and I still wake up the next day feeling light on my feet and ready to go.  Be especially careful with bread, pasta, sugar and alcohol. 

Even if you just walk an hour or so a day and do a few push-ups against the wall (as pictured) or on the floor (much harder), you will maintain some strength and endurance in both your upper and lower body.  Combined with our other travel tips you should return home in fine condition ready to start planning your next trip!  By the way, if you travel in a motor home all of the same advice applies.  Get out and hike and swim and bike.  You are in the perfect situation to enjoy outdoor exercise.