Wellness While Traveling

We understand that traveling can disrupt even the healthiest routines. But with the right preparation and knowledge, you can properly take care of your body, stay energized and even save yourself time and money. Here are some of the ways we advisors (and frequent travelers) stay healthy on the go:

Proper Fuel

Begin with breakfast: Start each day with a hearty, but balanced meal of whole grains, fruits and some lean protein. Remember, food should give you energy, but not leave you feeling too full. ​
 Steady snacking: Eat a light, wholesome snack every 3-4 hours to curb your hunger and keep your energy levels up. If you don’t, you’ll be more likely to purchase packaged, processed snacks from airport shops and ceding machines.

Come prepared: Pack your own snacks (like fruit, nuts, sandwiches, crackers or veggies) for the airport, mid-flight, or downtime at your hotel. If you’re eating out, find healthy options by visiting www.goodfoodnearyou.com 
Stay hydrated: Always drink water, tea or 100% juice to keep you energized. Tap water filtering standards vary by country and even city, so always opt for bottled water. To save money, bring an empty water bottle to fill up with filtered water and bring your own tea bags.

Proper Protection​
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Sanitize Often: Make sure to sanitize your hands frequently to avoid the possibility of spreading bacteria. Pack a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer in your 3-1-1 bag for quick access throughout your trip. Also bring a travel-size package of sanitizing bleach wipes and give your seat armrests and tray table a quick swipe. Be aware of your surroundings (like the coughing passenger sitting behind you!) and be cautious of what your hands are touching. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

Take Proper Supplements: To help maintain a strong immune system and healthy gut, talk to your doctor about taking probiotic supplements. Magnesium supplements act as natural relaxers, which can help ease tense muscles and irritability — helping you fall asleep faster. Drink a packet of Emergen-C each day for a dose of antioxidants, electrolytes and vitamin C to keep you energized and ward off bugs.

Have other tips for staying healthy while traveling? Let us know!

For more tips, go to:
Canyon Ranch: The Travelers Guide to Eating Healthy
Huffington Post: How to Go on Vacation and Not Get Sick
Condé Nast Traveler: 16 Travel Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

Tina & Becky Aboard Oceania's Sirena

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​Tina Rose and Becky Hamilton, two of Sanders Travel’s own advisors, recently sailed with Oceania Cruises on a six-day trip aboard the M/S Sirena. After embarking in Rome, they traveled to scenic ports in Italy, France, Spain and Malta, while also enjoying several days at sea. Here is a trip report of their unbelievable voyage!​

“When we first boarded the M/S Sirena, we had no idea just how enjoyable our time onboard would be or how many memories we would be made off and on land. From the dining rooms to the state rooms, the ship was beautifully and elegantly decorated. The attention to detail was incredible, yet not overbearing or fussy. We never felt as though we were on a ship, as every space was extremely comfortable and truly became our “home” during the week. With a strong guest-to-staff ratio of 684 to 400, we received impeccable personal service, making our time onboard all the more enjoyable.”

Activities On Board

​​“One of our most unique features on Oceania was their 'Big O Points.' By participating in designated activities, we had the opportunity to win points that could then be redeemed for prizes toward the end of our trip. Every day we watched cruise-goers all around the ship engage in activities like shuffleboard and team trivia in hopes of racking up their points. This was such a great way to get involved in activities onboard, meet new people, and most importantly, have fun! If you sail, be sure to look out for activities marked as 'Big O Points' in the daily newsletter.

Your time on board is as hands-on or laid back as you want and there are tons of different activities to choose from depending on your preference. We highly recommend the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, where you can enjoy spa treatments, rest in the sauna or get primped in the beauty salon. Discounts on spa treatments are available when you book in advance, so make sure you book within your first couple of days on board. If you’re looking for some action, head over to the casino where you can receive complimentary gaming lessons in playing blackjack, 3-card poker and roulette like the pros. How ever you choose to spend your day, be sure to take advantage of the daily happy hour from 5-6 p.m. at Horizons or Martinis where you can enjoy 2-for-1-priced cocktails.”

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Delightful Dining

“Whether we ate in the main dining room or specialty dining restaurants, we never left  a meal disappointed (or hungry!). The specialty dining restaurants, Red Ginger and Tuscan Steak, were outstanding. We highly recommend giving both a try. We especially recommend the Spicy Duck and Watermelon Salad at Red Ginger.”

Off-Board 

“One of the greatest features of this smaller ship is the ability to call on ports that larger ships can’t navigate, allowing for unique itineraries. Had we not been on a ship of this size, we wouldn’t have been able to cruise the Italian Riviera, dock into the beautiful city of Monte Carlo or take the train into Nice for lunch on the French Riviera. We also were spoiled with relaxing days on the beach surrounded by crystal clear waters and sand that sparkled in the sun. One of our favorite memories was touring the unspoiled, ancient fishing village of Cassis in the South of France, just east of Marseille. The village was so charming, but the beauty couldn’t be captured in pictures!”

If you’d like more information on Oceania Cruises, such as where they sail, the ships in their fleet and their unique shore excursions — call Becky, Tina or your Sanders Travel advisor.

The Talk of Tauck

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​Tauck River Cruises stopped by our offices last Tuesday to update our advisors on the latest in river cruising, a hot travel trend. More and more people are discovering this convenient way to see multiple destinations in a high-touch, upscale setting (sans crowds and sea sickness) — and Tauck is one of the suppliers leading the way. Here's a breakdown of what we learned:

The Destination Experience

Tauck is redefining river cruises with
their Destination Fleet, composed of nine beautiful ships — five small and four long. With their spacious cabins and suites, these glamorous ships are much like five-star hotels on water. Tauck emphasizes luxury and personal service, so their ships are limited to a maximum of 130 passengers, which is 30% fewer than other European riverboats. Additionally, all Tauck sailings have an experienced crew and four directors, the highest tour director-to-guest ratio.

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Travel like Royalty

Tauck offers 22 different itineraries in places such as France, Budapest and Amsterdam. Each itinerary includes complimentary, unique shore excursions, like private dinners in European palaces with food from Michelin-starred chefs and live musical performances. Throughout the week, passengers can engage in the local culture and traditions of some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, all while creating lasting connections with fellow passengers. 

Family Programs

Tauck offers family-friendly vacations as well with Tauck Bridges. These trips are designed with all ages in mind, making them perfect for multigenerational family trips. Excursions are hands-on and most importantly memorable. Families can enjoy activities like cooking classes, story-telling and cultural explorations. To make these vacations more affordable, Tauck offers $500 savings for kids 12 and younger. Expose your children to the history, food, culture and beauty of all that Europe has to offer without the hassle of moving from hotel to hotel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you sail to each destination.

Already traveled with Tauck before? Let us know! Tauck is offering one free hotel night for new trips booked before December 30, 2016. Contact your Sanders Travel advisor to take advantage of this incredible offer and see all that Europe has to offer for yourself.