Published by: Halaal Travels
Last Updated: 27 November 2022
Guest Writer: Amina Khan @amanahfitness.
In this article, Amina from @amanahfitness. shares some of her travel tips and hacks to stay healthy while travelling. Our bodies are truly an amaanah from Allah, let’s keep looking after it even whilst we are travelling with these tips and hacks.
Travel Tips you need to try to feel fit and energised while travelling
I recently got back from a long journey (Australia to Jerusalem, then Madinah & Makkah!) Alhamdulillah. I’m still jet-lagged! During travel, oftentimes our routine gets completely thrown out the window. And, that’s to be expected. But…
Here are my must-do travel healthy “Tips” that ALWAYS help me feel more energised: The aim is to arrive at your destination feeling fit, ready to go, and with good energy, instead of lethargic and grumpy! How?!
1. Pack healthy snacks
- Portable fruits in “skins” (oranges/dragonfruit/bananas)
- Bagged washed small fruits (strawberries, pomegranates)
- Pre-cut firm fruits (apples/pears)
- Pre-cut munchable veggies (cucumbers, crunchy red/green bell peppers, baby carrots.
- Nuts (Almonds, walnuts – watch the portions!)
- Single-serving yoghurt cups
2. Take every opportunity to walk around the airport before your flight.
Skip the moving sidewalk/travelator to get your steps up! You’ll be sitting for most of the flight, so get moving as much as you can before boarding.
3. Hydrate often, especially on the plane.
Take an empty water bottle with you to fill up in the terminal before boarding your flight so you always have water with you. You can also ask the stewards at the back of the aeroplane to fill up your bottle if you run out. Don’t rely on the aeroplane beverage cart giving you a few small glasses of water to get you through an entire long flight!
4. Watch out for eating just because you’re bored.
On the plane, you’re always getting offered free pretzels, chips, or biscuits. I am a firm believer in de-stigmatizing food and eating what we love & enjoy in balance & moderation. But often while travelling, we begin to snack constantly on cheap processed foods we wouldn’t even want to eat normally, just because it’s there and we’re bored in our seats! Eat your healthy snacks first, and remember, you don’t have to take everything offered to you on the plane. Feel free to say, “No thanks!”
5. On the flight, get up and walk down the aeroplane aisle to the bathroom/steward area to mobilise.
Do some light activity & movements to reduce fatigue in the air. You could also perform some light stretches in your seat like toe raises, marching your feet up and down, and seated core rotations.
6. Keep moisturiser cream & lip balm in your carry-on.
Aeroplane cabins have very low humidity levels so you’ll notice your skin feels dry very quickly. Moisturising helps you feel a lot fresher!
7. Bonus: Keep a travel prayer mat.
Did you know most airlines will happily let you pray in the back of the plane!? Having a foldable prayer mat is a must-have so you’re ready anytime.
My favorite is this one my friend Nursena made: Quality Portable Prayer Mats by Sujud – (she also gave me a coupon code for you: AMANAHFITNESS10 for 10% off!)
This prayer mat is so convenient, more comfortable and sturdy AND more portable than all the rest. It goes everywhere with us!
About the author: This article was written by Amina Khan of @amanahfitness.
Thank you Amaanah Fitness for these tips that we cannot wait to try out the next time we are travelling in an aeroplane again. The Sujud portable prayer mat is also available in South Africa via @sujud_za. We are glad to see that you share the same sentiments about the sujud musallah that we do. Over the years I have used various prayer mats, but none of them have been as comfortable or have lasted as long as my Sujud musallah. If you would like to read up on my full review of the Sujud Musallah click here.
Which of these tips shared by Amaanah fitness do you currently do and which ones are you excited to try out the next time you are travelling in an aeroplane?