Travel and Leisure Guide

By Naresh Parajuli

Travelling is an exciting experience. But choosing the right diet and maintaining an ideal body weight while travelling becomes a challenge sometimes. Travelling, whether for business or vacation, introduces the traveler to a whole world of temptation which a dieting traveler may not have faced at home. It is hard when it comes to making holidays and vacations healthy without getting concerned about the weight, particularly so if somebody has been struggling to lose weight in the last few months. Besides, when you are travelling, there is always the temptation of sumptuous foods and exotic menus compounded by the lack of time, break in the daily routine and company of other friends and relatives. It is not uncommon for many of us to feel guilty about not eating a healthy diet or overeating particularly during business trips or vacations. And once you are back home from travelling, you start feeling more guilty about your weight gain and start wondering whether the trip was worthwhile in the first place.

How would we then make a balance between eating what we like and at the same time not worry about what we eat? How are we going to make our vacations and holidays fun and exciting without worrying about a healthy diet? But the fact is, if you learn how to make simple but smart choices, eating a healthy diet is not a difficult task even when you are travelling. A slight modification in your diet during vacations and travels is not a difficult thing to do. Here are a few tips that can help you make your vacations and holidays healthy without worrying about your weight:

• Plan ahead the type of diet you are looking for during your vacations and holidays.
• Whenever possible, eat whole, fresh, and unprocessed foods. For example, whole meal bread contains complex carbohydrates rich in whole grain and fibers which will keep you feeling full longer; you eat less and don’t gain weight (or even lose weight).
• If you are flying, when you book your flight ticket, ask about your food options. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, go for it. Vegetarian dishes are sometimes more healthy and nutritional.
• If you want to avoid meal in the airplane, eat your meal before your flight. Eat a light meal which may include sandwiches, lean meat, fruits juice, veggies, and whole grain pasta. In-flight meals are generally rich in fat and carbohydrate.
• If you are driving, avoid the temptation to stop at every fast food restaurant. If you must, try to select healthier options like chicken breasts, diet soda and other healthy items.
• If you are travelling by car, bus or train, you can also take your own food. Loaf of whole-meal bread, lean chicken, pita wraps and low-fat cheese are some healthy foods ideal for travelling. Fruits like grapes, apples, bananas, pears and nuts like walnuts, peanuts and almonds are good for munching on the journey. Low fat biscuits, oat bars and green tea are other healthy items easy to carry.
• While staying in motels and hotels, try to chose a healthy diet; for example, for breakfast choose cereals like oat, muesli, toast, boiled or scrambled eggs and fruits; for lunch and dinner, choose sandwiches, soups, rice, steamed vegetables, fish, grilled chicken and yoghurt.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You get dehydrated fast when you are in pressurized cabins in airplanes or sightseeing in the sun. Always keep bottles of water and packets of fruit juices especially if you are travelling with children.
• Avoid excess snacking by keeping yourself busy. If you have long hours to wait for a connecting flight, walk in the aisle, or do some light stretching exercises. You can even read books to divert your attention from snacking.
• At the same time, make sure you eat enough and at regular intervals. Eat something every 4-5 hours. If you do not do this, it will disrupt your blood sugar and insulin levels both of which, promote fat storage and lower metabolism, leading to weight gain.
• Do not take extra vitamin or mineral supplements during vacations or travels but take only those recommended by your doctor or nutritionist.Taking extra supplements will not give any extra benefit.

By Thomas M Stones

10 Great Travel Destinations For Families

Planning a vacation when you’re a family with young children can be stressful and difficult, starting with the destination. If you have older kids in addition to wee ones, it gets even more complicated. You might think it’s impossible to choose a vacation that suits everyone, but never fear! We have a list of 10 great travel destinations for families chosen because there’s a little something for everyone. The trick is to think outside the box – the big-name travel destinations can be a lot to manage, especially with a fractious toddler or pouty pre-teen. Non- holiday periods or vacationing in the off-season can not only save you money, but save you the frustration level of fighting crowds, which might be worth more than the money saved.

Try these travel destinations for families for more fun than frustration:

Smuggler’s Notch – Jeffersonville, Vermont: From teen programs to babysitting services and children’s lessons, this ski resort has all the bases covered. Voted the #1 family resort by Ski Resort Magazine.

Deer Valley Resorts – Park City, Utah: Another great location for a winter vacation on the other side of the country and #1 resort, Deer Valley Resorts also accommodates families with children from a wide range of ages.

Assateague Island National Seashore – Chincoteague, Virginia: The family will totally enjoy the wild horses and miles of beach on this fabulous vacation on the shore of the Atlantic.

Sanibel Island – Sanibel Island, Florida: Not only does this vacation destination offer lovely white beaches, it is also a nature preserve with a plethora of wildlife so exciting for children to explore, including dolphins and bird-watching.

Tyler Place Family Resort – Highgate Springs, Vermont: An all-inclusive family resort, the entire family will find activities suitable for every age group.

Inn at East Hill Farm – Troy, New Hampshire: There are so many year-round fun activities here, you may have to plan more than one visit.

Rocking Horse Ranch – Highland, New York: Bungee jumping, horse adventures and a fabulous water park are just some of the activities at this family vacation destination designed for all ages.

Bluffdale Vacation Farm – Eldred, Illinois: In the heart of the Midwest, this dude ranch was voted by Parent’s Magazine as one of the top ten family resorts in North America.

Great Wolf Lodge – Several locations: No matter what time of year, you and the family can enjoy one of the best indoor waterparks in the world. Twelve different locations from which to choose.

Bar Lazy J Ranch – Parshall, Colorado: Catering to families, this is a perfect family destination for those who love the outdoors.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis- With tons of cool dinosaurs, a planetarium and a mission to create extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must on Midwest vacations where you’ll be passing through Indianapolis.

It may seem impossible to plan a family vacation that accommodates all age ranges, but it’s much easier than you think. These vacation spots are focused on providing a safe, convenient and fun time for families, and by thinking outside the box, you can have a great family vacation without any of the frustration or stress.