Staying Healthy While Traveling on a Budget

Whether you’re in the midst of interview/rotation travels (like me), or holiday travels/vacation, it can be kinda tough to stay healthy!

I’ve shared 5 ways to healthify your vacationĀ in the past, but here are some tips onĀ staying healthy while traveling on a budget! (I’m trying to make my cost of living as close as zero, in hopes toĀ minimize my student loans as much as possible, and still have a little to spendĀ towards friends and family!)

stayinghealthywhiletraveling

Find fitness classes/gyms in the area.

I did this a lot during my rotations!Ā ManyĀ places offer a free or discounted trial class, and some even offer a free week! I tend to be honest to a fault, so I’d tell them I was interviewing for a residency program in the area and was looking for a gym/studio (whatever it happened to be) to join. If you’re still a student, there are often super-discounts too!

For instance, in the past couple months, I’ve gotten 5 free gym memberships, dropped in on a BJJ class with Rhalan Gracie (I found him in the bay area!! Super hoping to get to go back as often as possible when I’m back in CA again), did an aerial lyra/hoop class in Asheville

aeriallyra

…and a pole & silks class in Huntersville.

polesilksclass

Pack yo’ snacks!

If you’re staying at a hotel that offers a free continental breakfast, they will usually have fresh fruit,Ā whole wheat english muffins/bread,Ā hardboiled eggs,Ā yogurt, andĀ oatmeal. You could probably get away with making yourself a little meal/snack for later! If that’s not an option, make some healthy snacks beforehand and bring themĀ with you!

Do drop-ins at university/college clubs.

If you have a specific hobby/niche and happen to be in a university/college town, there are usually lots of clubs specific to whatever your hobby happens to be (e.g. ballroom dancing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, salsa dancing, Muay Thai, etc.). See if they offer drop-in sessions, or in the case of martial arts, open mat time! They’re usually much, much cheaper than if you were to go to an actual studio/gym!

Groupon/LivingSocial

Check if there are any deals going on for the places you’re traveling to! If there’s anything you’ve ever wanted to try out, there are often heavily discounted deals for intro classes, and there are also usually deals for if you want to take more than one class (e.g. 10-class punch cards, 1 month unlimited, etc.) I got a month of unlimited BJJ classes at a place I’ll be rotating at later this school year for $35! (I bought it on Black Friday, so I got an extra 20% off. :] )

Amino

I’m basically surrounded by doctors and health care professionals almost every day of my life, so I never would’ve thought of this, since I’m a fan of curbside consults, but that’s a story for another time!

If you’ve ever been traveling through the U.S. and happened to need a doctor while you were out of town, thisĀ would be a great option!

*Note: This isĀ not a sponsored post. An Amino representative contacted me to let me know about this service, so all the information I’m sharing is from what I gleaned on the website. I personally have not used it, but I do think it sounds like something that’d be good to know about while traveling!

aminohealth

There areĀ 6 super simple steps:

  1. Which condition or procedure?
  2. Gender (optional) + Age
  3. Address (with option to “use current location”)
  4. How far are you willing to travel? (1, 5, 10, 25, 100 miles)
  5. Your health insurance (optional)
  6. PreferenceĀ (female doctor, male doctor, or no preference)

After you fill in that information, it populates a list of doctors that fit your criteria, and shows you the following:

  • Specialty
  • Your “match” score for that physician (based on how many similar patients–same age + condition–that particular doctor has seen over the last 4 years
  • Contact info (includes their address, phone number, # miles away from you, language(s) that they speak
  • Credentials (where they went to med school + where they did their residency)

Something IĀ really liked was that there were no ads or “featured” results. (Hooray for unbiased recommendations!) The fact that you can fill in your insurance could also really help you to save a bunch of money.

Booking an appointment is free! Who knows, maybe you’ll see me on there in a couple more years! :]

Connect with Amino on social media!

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  • How do you stay healthy when you’re traveling?
  • Have you ever had to see a doctor while you were traveling?

[Linking up withĀ The Fit DishĀ (hosted by Jessica and Jill)!] Dish The Fit

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40 comments

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    • jen on December 15, 2015 at 5:22 am
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    thanks for the tips! I try to stay healthy while traveling just by walking everywhere!
    jen recently posted…Winter Workouts ā€“ 40 Fitness Hacks for the HolidaysMy Profile

    1. I love walking everywhere when I’m in a new place (provided that it’s safe to do so)–it’s the best (and most eco-friendly) way to explore! :]

  1. I love making snack packs from the continental breakfast at hotels. I’ll usually take an apple and peanut butter along with a yogurt or two to keep in my room. Also, moving around every 1-3 years makes it hard to find a doctor. All the research and changing of insurances gives me a headache and often leads to avoiding the doctor – gasp. I’ll have to check out Amino.

    1. Agreed! They usually have all of those, so I pack it up and it helps a lot with curbing on-the-road hunger! :P

      I feel ya. Insurance gives me a headache too. :'( I hope Amino helps! (If you do end up using it, let me know how it goes! I’m really curious!)

  2. Great tips! I always pack snacks and LOTS of water. The part that hit me hard this past summer was when I was in southern California during the heatwave. I’d be out during the day and go through the 4 full water bottles brought with me in the car, and have to bite the bullet and buy the pricey kind if there was no fountain to refill at.
    Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Banana Bread BlondiesMy Profile

    1. Oh hecks yes, water! That’s definitely a good one to have around. I’m still struggling with drinking enough in a day, but toting around my water bottle has been helping! It does make it infinitely harder though when there are no fountains to be found. x_x

  3. I always call around and see what gyms have guest passes or free week demos. Of course, it depends on how long you will be there for!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Injury Prevention: Pain and Discomfort in TrainingMy Profile

    1. For sure! My rotations are all 2-4 weeks, so it usually works out for at least a week! :D!

  4. It is so hard for me to stay healthy while traveling. Thanks for the tips!
    Ilona @ Ilona’s Passion recently posted…Matcha Cupcakes with Green Tea Cream Cheese FrostingMy Profile

    1. It can be really difficult, but I hope these tips help! :]

  5. Great tips! We like to stay places that offer breakfast – especially with kids! Good luck with all your interviews!! :)

    1. Same here! It helps to save money! :D

      Thanks so much! :] I’m on the home stretch!

  6. Great ideas! I always try to stay at a hotel with a gym and alwayssss pack snacks! I find keeping 1 meal the same as what I eat at home the best way to ease any stomach woes that frequently occur with traveling too (Oatmeal packets are the easiest to pack!). Good luck with your residency…my fingers are crossed for you!!!
    Chelsey recently posted…Healthy Birthday Cake Energy BitesMy Profile

    1. That’s a good way to go! I like to try to keep at least one meal close to the same too! (Oatmeal packets are awesome!)

      Thank you so much! :] I’m so curious to see where it is that I’ll end up!!

  7. Wow, I’ll make sure to remember Amino the next time in in the US! Thanks! :)
    LisaLDN recently posted…Trip info for the curiousMy Profile

    1. Hope you have a ton of fun on your trip! <3

  8. You have found some pretty awesome things to do to stay fit while traveling! The aerial class looks like a lot of fun!
    Annmarie recently posted…Unique Gifts for Runners + JHill Design GiveawayMy Profile

    1. It was a ton of fun! I love getting to explore new places and try all them classes! :]

  9. Thankfully I can take my karate practice with me wherever I go. Other than that, I haven’t really needed a doctor in a place where I was foreign, but my sister once had to after falling during a skiing trip. Was a bit of a hassle of course, since we were abroad.

    That service sounds kind of neat actually.

    Have a great week!
    Alex recently posted…The Party Look – What to Wear for New Years Eve and BeyondMy Profile

    1. That’s awesome for both! (Sorry to hear about your sister though–that must have been rough!) I really like the sound of that service too! I may use it to look for a physician to work with if my last 2-week elective falls through…

      Hope you have an awesome week as well! :]

  10. Doesn’t traveling always get so crazy! These are awesome tips! I also try to get a hotel workout or at home workout in before everyone gets up otherwise it might not happen! Glad to see things are going well for you I’ve been following a long time you are definitely my favorite doctor blogger ;) , have a great holiday girl!
    Kelli @ Hungry Hobby recently posted…Foam Roller Tips (+Dorky Video)My Profile

    1. Indeed it does! I like trying to get a workout in too, but with interviews and such, it’s been a little more difficult (I feel like I should be preparing for said interview vs. exercising, haha).

      Thank you so much! <3! I'm so curious to see where the hecks I'll end up!

      Hope you have a wonderful holiday as well! :]

  11. Great tips!
    When I used to fly everywhere for races ever few weeks, I wish I could say I ate healthy but it would get late, or I’d be stuck at an airport and I ate terribly, I am so not good at that part on travel.
    However, the exercise because I absolutely love being active and going and seeing places that usually hasn’t ever been a problem, I am almost always up for a hike somewhere new:)
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…California Coastal DrivesMy Profile

    1. Oh, it’s definitely hard! My love for food is vast, and I’ve definitely eaten terribly too, but I’ve the more I’ve been traveling, the better I’ve gotten! :o

      I’m totally with you on being active and exploring places though! I was searching your blog earlier last week to see if you’d ever been to Sedona so I could get some recommendations, but alas! If I ever get to venture to Utah though, I’m gonna be all over those hiking trails and parks on your blog!

  12. These are great tips!
    Christine recently posted…2nd Blogiversary (Ad Giveaway!) + Meetup MondayMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Christine! :]!

  13. It’s always fun to take a class that could be totally unique to the area! All the more for a rich experience!
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…DIY Marbled Nail Polish MugsMy Profile

    1. So true! They’ve been a ton of fun!

  14. These are all fantastic tips!!! And what better time than at the holidays, when most of us will be traveling!! :)
    Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com recently posted…Goal Setting: How to Set Goals You Can Actually Accomplish This YearMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Rachel! :D I figured it’d help someone out since so many people are traveling all over place! :]

  15. I try my hardest to stay away from doctors while traveling!! But sometimes it happens. What a great site.
    Still think it’s so cool you found that class in Asheville!
    Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…White Chocolate Peppermint CookiesMy Profile

    1. Oh, believe me, me too! It’s definitely nice to know that it’s out there though if needed! :]

      It was such a fun one! :D

  16. This is great info, Im going to be traveling soon in January, and I always get derailed in my fitness when Im on the road!
    Gingi recently posted…Capture the Moment: The Modern Photographer’s Guide to Finding Beauty in Everyday and Family LifeMy Profile

    1. It can be really hard to stay on track when you’re on the road! I hope some of these help though! :]

  17. Thanks for the tips! I am about to travel home for the holidays and was just wondering what I’d do without my gym and spin classes. Now I think I’m going to look into getting a free week at one, or even signing up at a studio at a discounted rate.
    Kristen recently posted…My Return To Running!My Profile

    1. Yay! I hope you find a great deal somewhere! :]!

  18. Great tips Farrah. Making sure the hotel has a gym is at the top of the priority list when planning vacations.

    Thanks so much for your continued support of the Fit Dish [soon to be with a new name]! #fitfamlove xoxo
    jill conyers recently posted…The Best of Yoga On InstagramMy Profile

  19. Great tips! I’m going on a trip this weekend and planning to use the hotel gym and we have a full kitchen so we can eat some meals in the room so it’s a bit healthier.
    Lisa Sharp recently posted…Christmas Eve Traditions for CouplesMy Profile

  20. Great tips! I’ve been using mind body connect to find yoga classes at places I visit.
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Become a Better Runner With Balance TrainingMy Profile

  21. While on vacation, I really just try to walk as much as possible! :)
    Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Winter Food Recipe Roundup (Link Love!)My Profile

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