Keeping to program on holiday, lessons from a mama dragging her toddler around Kenya

My husband has an adventurous gene...maybe more than one of those but definitely enough to keep us living out of suitcases for a good part of the year.

I love routine. I should have been an accountant, I would have been good at it. My own mother makes fun of my schedules saying that children should not be brought up that way. My argument? It keeps me sane knowing what's supposed to happen at what time otherwise with ad hoc arrangements, traveling with a boisterous toddler can get hectic.

But my OCD tendencies are not the reason behind this blog, it is how to keep healthy, and exercising while traveling.

My advice? Be a little OCD about it. Plan ahead. It is true that failing to plan is planning to fail. So far, this is what has been working for me.

1. While packing, be sure to pack suitable wear for whatever physical activity will be available where you are going. If there is a swimming pool, pack swim wear, if there will be hiking, pack hiking gear, if you plan to run pack appropriately. How will you know what to pack? Call ahead and know what kind of space is available and what activities are possible, e-mail, google, look at trip advisor, lonely planet, whatever, just be in the know. Don't be afraid to sound stupid or too much, you're probably paying for it, it is their duty to answer every stupid question otherwise you will take your money elsewhere.

2. If you think you need equipment, keep it simple. Ever since I discovered and learned to use bands effectively, my life is so much easier. I can do resistance wherever I am and they weigh almost nothing considering all else I am carrying (and occupy very little space), so I am less afraid of my muscles withering away while on holiday. Also consider other items that can be used as weights, like your children for example (:-) )

3. Do not miss any days on the build up to travel day. If at all, try to plan your rest day on travel day as it is more likely you will miss a workout on the go than when you're in your comfort zone. I tend to work out up to the day of travel and then consider that day my rest day.

4. You might be on holiday, but wake up earlier than everyone else. It might not be the 4 or 5 am on a normal day, but those few minutes to an hour ahead will give you enough time to get a small workout in. Yes, it sounds a bit too much but trust me, when you're eating that dessert after dinner, you'll be glad you put in that 5 mile run in the morning.

5. Don't be afraid to cheat a little. Watching what you eat is important. Especially when confronted with sinfully delicious calorie full artery chocking foods. Don't feel bad if you cheat a little, but remember to still watch your portions. Getting back to where you were is more difficult than maintaining it for now.

6. Do not feel the need to justify yourself every time anyone makes a snide comment about your habits. Everyone seems to know more than you about healthy living. Why don't you eat like I do, I am ok and I don't workout. Don't be mad, just keep on doing what you know is good for you, what is working for you, what makes you feel good, what keeps you healthy. Don't go to Dr. Google to justify why you're doing it, they probably have a smart phone, let them use it.

Have an active day will you

:-)