When it comes to vacations (and on many other occasions), Singaporeans tend to have FOMO. This means having the natural urge to eat all the local delights and visit every attraction. 

 

This mindset leads to binge eating, consuming copious amounts of unhealthy treats and spending most of your time in a speeding motor vehicle shuttling between attractions, leaving you more stressed than before the start of your holiday.

 

These habits don't do any favours to your health, well-being or mood – which is the point of going on a holiday. To upkeep a healthy body and mind during your next holiday, here are five tips you can follow. 

When you are on holiday, there are many things you may want to see and experience. Instead of being driven around in motor vehicles to see attractions, choose to opt out of a few attractions to really soak in the local sights and sounds by walking the streets. 

 

The rise of bike sharing globally also gives you another option to explore cities in a healthier and possibly more fun way. If bike sharing isn't an option in the city you're travelling to, bike rental companies might be easily found.

 

Increasingly, many hotels are offering guests Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) to get around the city. While these travel devices may allow you to experience the local landscape better and bypass stressful car rides, it may not be the best for health benefits. 

No matter where you travel to, there will almost always be a natural environment to explore. You could choose to hike up a nearby hill or mountain or explore a nature reserve, forest path or park.

 

Having the habit of adding these kinds of activities into your itinerary allows you to experience a whole other side to the city you're visiting whilst ensuring you get your steps in. 

 

Immersing yourself in serene natural surroundings brings you closer to nature and has a calming effect, as you discover local flora, fauna and wildlife.

 

Moreover, AIA Vitality continues to reward you for making healthy lifestyle choices even when you're overseas, including walking, completing health challenges or using fitness devices to track your workouts.

Hobbies have numerous positive impacts on your life, giving you something to look forward to, enabling you to foster new social connections, clearing your mind, developing skills and more. 

 

Enjoying your hobbies on your travels allows you to experience the thrill of doing something you love in a different destination.

 

If you prefer sporting activities such as running, golfing or playing tennis, you could explore these activities in a completely new environment, treating youself to sights, sounds and sensations that other travellers to that destination might miss.

 

Other hobbies such as arts, reading or volunteering can take you to local schools, galleries, libraries and places of worship. These places might offer unique historical architecture and can give you the opportunity to interact with like-minded people, which can be an interesting experience. 

Simply packing a skipping rope and a set of sports attire can set you up for a healthier holiday. It will also keep you motivated to do light workouts in the comfort of your hotel room or hit the gym.  

 

Packing the right outfits and footwear for the city you're visiting is just as crucial. You don't want to walk around in heavy jeans and a shirt in the scorching heat, bermuda shorts and slippers on a forest path or singlet in a cool region. With the right attire, you'll be more comfortable while making a healthier choice – be it walking the streets in a humid city or going for a hike in temperate climates.

 

When packing, you could include healthy snack bars and a water bottle to avoid overeating by having a healthier snack option. While sampling local fare is one of main the reasons we travel, this is one way to avoid overindulging. 

 

Your water bottle will also encourage you to drink more water rather than drinking sugary drinks throughout the day as well as keep hydrated during your hikes and walks around the city. 

Enjoying a fun and healthy holiday begins before you touch down in a foreign city – with a good plan.

 

Similar to packing right, there are benefits to planning ahead. Knowing if your room comes with a kitchenette to do some light cooking or a mini-fridge to store some ingredients is important if you're planning to prepare some healthier meals of your own.

 

You can also do some research to find the nearest grocery or convenience stores to your accommodations. That's where you'll be buying food that you want to prepare.

 

Your research should also include the attractions you are visiting, especially those further away from the city. Knowing where the nearest hospitals are located from them, and the nearest pharmacies from your accommodation, is also essential in case someone is hurt or falls ill.

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Rushing to see and do everything on offer in the city you're visiting can do more harm than good – piling on the stress without giving us the restful vacation we need.

 

Doing less may provide an opportunity to experience each attraction and the city better. Often, trying something new, like going on a hike, walking through a forest path or exploring the local gallery, could be just the tranquil activity we need to discover ourselves or view the city from an entirely different perspective.

 

Planning well in advance of your departure date also ensures you maximise the amount of fun you have as well as prevent situations of panic or stress, in a foreign land, if an emergency situation strikes.

 

Living healthier, longer and better empowers you to enjoy doing the things in life you love most with the people that you are closest to for longer. Everyone has an answer to why they want to live healthier – What'sYourWhy?

 

Another thing you should not leave home without is adequate travel insurance. AIA Around The World Plus (II)* provides extensive coverage of up to $2 million for medical expenses across all countries.