Half-term has come and gone. Many of us went skiing, visited family abroad or enjoyed a staycation.

There was also the other kind of travel — trips for conferences or business. No matter what type of trip you take, sometimes the last thing you want to think about is how to stay healthy or fit while on it.

Putting together a checklist prior to travelling can make things easier.

Before flying

Drink plenty of water first thing in the morning. Plan for a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack just in case you have any travel delays. Think about your out-of-routine food and fitness plan.

Flying tips

Drink plenty of water. Try and avoid soft drinks and alcohol as they are dehydrating.

Wash your hands frequently with hot water to avoid colds — easily caught while travelling. Consider taking extra vitamin C and make sure and take your vitamins regularly.

Dining out

There are fabulous apps that can lead you to the restaurants that fit your dietary needs.

Check out the online menu of any restaurant you plan to visit ahead of time, so you can make the healthiest meal choice. Don’t be afraid to enquire how your food is prepared: are the vegetables sautéed in butter or steamed?

Ask for baked or broiled chicken instead of fried. Ask for a smaller portion of the meal or ask the waiter to wrap up half immediately, to take home.

Snacks

Pack a snack bag for the plane or any long rides, ahead of time. Suggestions for healthy choices typically found in airports: hard-boiled eggs, fruit, nuts, unsweetened Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, raw vegetable slices, hummus with veggies, peanut butter and celery stalks and edamame.

Staying active

Ask the hotel concierge for walking, hiking or running paths in the area. Plan your fitness regime and stick to it. I like to book classes at various gyms before I travel. It makes me stick to my programme. Try and exercise in the morning. It can be difficult to find the energy to exercise after a long day at work. It’s also possible for meetings or business dinners to pop up suddenly, and stop you from working out. Pack comfortable workout clothes and sneakers. Be sure to go online and see what the hotel’s fitness centre has to offer.

If there is no facility on-site, search for a local gym. Pack a jump rope, resistance/strength bands or a stretch band. Take the stairs when you can.

Try and be open-minded and flexible. Make it easy by preparing ahead and modify your routine if you need to. Your trip may not be 100 per cent healthy, but at least you have a plan in place. It’s your choice to follow it.

Have a great trip and B-Active For Life!

Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife