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13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling

Alyssa Ramos

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13 easy ways to practice self-care while traveling

You’re probably of the view that traveling is a form of self-care, and you’re not wrong! After all, it’s an opportunity to broaden your horizons, meet new people and switch off from the daily grind.

But while travel is one of the most exciting things you can do, it can also be full-on and fast-paced.

And we all know the first thing to go when things are full-on and fast-paced: taking care of ourselves.

Taking care of you should be a number one priority, always. Why? Because you can’t pour from an empty cup.

In the context of travel, it becomes harder to enjoy your destination and live your best travel life if you are not looking after yourself.

So, we’ve rounded up our 13 favorite ways to practice self-care while traveling. These tips are super easy to follow and won’t break the bank. Keep reading to find out how you can look out for yourself while on an adventure!

Relax And Do Nothing, Because This Is Self-Care

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - relax and do nothing

We know, this is easier said than done when you’re traveling. But trust us, you will be likely to enjoy your travels even more if you take a day, or even just a few hours, to do nothing.

Literally lay by the pool (or in it), with a cocktail in hand and chill out – it’s fun, but the relaxing, quiet kind.

Touch Base With Friends And Family

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - talk to friends and family

A little bit of friend and family time is good for the soul. As fun and exciting as travel is, sometimes you just miss being at home.

So why not give your loved ones a call using a free service like Skype. You’ll be able to share stories about all your adventures and hear what they’ve been up to as well. You may not realise it, but connecting with loved ones really is one of the best forms of self-care out there.

Go For A Walk

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - go for a walk

Fresh air and some blood circulation works wonders for your body and mind!

So put on your walking shoes and get moving. Not only will you be taking care of yourself, but you’ll be able to take in some sights while you’re at it.

Put Your Phone Down – Trust us, This Is Self-Care At Its Finest!

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - put your phone down

Yes, we know that your phone is your lifeline! There are Instagram posts and stories to put up, plus photos to upload on Facebook, emails to reply to annnnd you have to scroll through your various social media feeds to see what everyone else is up to all the time.

But really, what’s the worst that will happen when you put you phone down for an hour, a couple of hours or (gasp) a whole day?!

You’re traveling, so live in the moment! Unplug from your phone and take in all the sights and sounds of your destination instead. You can check your phone and upload photos later – when your soul is full and your mind is clear after a period of no distractions.  

Go With The Flow

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - go with the flow

Having a plan of things you want to see and do is always helpful, but it’s also good to be spontaneous once in a while.

Allow yourself some days where you don’t have a plan and you’ll see what we mean. Heading out and seeing where the wind takes you is such an exhilarating feeling – aka a great way to practice self-care.

Connect With Locals

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - connect with locals

The best way to learn about a new culture or a destination is to talk to the people that live there.

You’ll learn so much by connecting with local people, and learning is basically food for your mind, which is a great form of self-care!

Don’t Underestimate the Power Of Sleep

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - get plenty of sleep

You know the drill, getting in a solid eight to nine hours a night is one of the best ways you can take care of yourself.

This is especially important when you’re traveling as you’re doing so many activities and taking so much in all the time. Trust us, you need your sleep!

Hit The Dance floor – Yes This Counts As Self-Care!

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - hit the dance floor

Because it’s fun and exhilarating and the best way to let loose and look after yourself. 

Whether you’re on your own or with some friends, put on your dancing shoes and get out on the dance floor!

Go To The Spa

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling  - go to the spa

Ah, the ultimate way to practice self-care. Going to the spa and getting in some relaxation time really helps to relax and rejuvenate your whole body.

And the options are endless – massages, facials, saunas, hot pools – the world is your oyster!

Keep A Healthy Diet 

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - keep a healthy diet

A healthy, balanced diet helps keep your mind and body in check, because you’re getting the nutrients you need to function well.

So eat those fruits and veges, and drink plenty of water!

Meditate – It’s Self-Care 101

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - meditate

Meditation is a really great way to practice self-care. 

With its focus on breathing, it can help relive stress and anxiety and keep you feeling balanced overall.

Plus you can easily fit this into your schedule – meditating for just five minutes a day will go a long way to helping you feel like your best self.

Take Things Slowly

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - take things slowly

A slow travel day goes a really long way!

Sleep in, have a long and luxurious breakfast, and go for a slow and casual stroll. 

Slow travel days help balance out the fast-paced days full of endless (fun) activities, and help give you a boost so you can make the most of your travels. 

Go On, Indulge A Little!

13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling - indulge a little

That’s right, treat yo’self! 

First of all, you deserve it, and second of all, you’re taking care of yourself.

Whether you indulge in a fancy meal (dessert and all) or buy a trinket or two from a local store, it’s nice to give yourself a little something once in a while.

Will you be practising self-care on your next travels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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13 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care While Traveling

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Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is still one of the most bizarre cities i have been to in the 155 countries I've traveled so far, and the fact that it is purposely "all white" including cars is fascinating to see (strange to try to understand why), but since everyone usually only talks about the colorless city, I decided to show you the even more bizarre colors at night -- neon rainbow!

I like to think and hope that the locals got sick of the all white decor rule and chose to show their colors at night, but considering that electricity is unlimited and free for the gov, I'm sure it's their doing...which would still be funny...

Anyway, more bizarre things -- as a tourist, you cannot just wander on your own, you have to be with a guide (maybe why there aren't too many night time Ashgabat posts, but I specifically requested to go out to eat at night in local hot spots)

Also, everyone loves to report or repeat that it's strange that there's "no people there". There are, but most of them live in regular areas outside of this main commercial capital area... also most people work during the day when tours are happening 

Sorry not sorry to burst any bubbles! But there's many more fascinating things here than click bait ones! Hopefully this still gets shown anyway 😂

What have you heard about Turkmenistan? Need fuel for my next debunking post!!
  • The top searched city for flights right now isssss BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan!

I was just there and my top tip is actually to leave Bishkek, and go immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the beautiful country!

Don't get me wrong, Bishkek was cool! I found great shopping there (both at a local mall and the traditional market), and the city is pretty, but the nature areas are just, WOW!

Don't miss Ala Archa National Park and also Issyk Kul lake area!! Full blog post coming soon!

So excited to return here next year! If you want to go here and to all 5 Stans with a really cool travel community, drop a comment or DM and I'll send you the notifications form!
  • For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world!

Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should!

What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁

Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
  • Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁

Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one!

I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. 

Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit.

The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠

Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! 

So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖

PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
  • Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
  • Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all??

I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills!

If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir!

Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!)

What’s your most valuable priceless possession?

Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
  • Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot!

((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!))

Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video!

Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂

Would you do this or nah?

-------

#uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
  • Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan.

((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,))

This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since...

Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
  • When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally.

This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!!

First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. 

Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless!

We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK.

Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me).

FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!!

More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪

Is this on your bucketlist??
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is still one of the most bizarre cities i have been to in the 155 countries I've traveled so far, and the fact that it is purposely "all white" including cars is fascinating to see (strange to try to understand why), but since everyone usually only talks about the colorless city, I decided to show you the even more bizarre colors at night -- neon rainbow! I like to think and hope that the locals got sick of the all white decor rule and chose to show their colors at night, but considering that electricity is unlimited and free for the gov, I'm sure it's their doing...which would still be funny... Anyway, more bizarre things -- as a tourist, you cannot just wander on your own, you have to be with a guide (maybe why there aren't too many night time Ashgabat posts, but I specifically requested to go out to eat at night in local hot spots) Also, everyone loves to report or repeat that it's strange that there's "no people there". There are, but most of them live in regular areas outside of this main commercial capital area... also most people work during the day when tours are happening Sorry not sorry to burst any bubbles! But there's many more fascinating things here than click bait ones! Hopefully this still gets shown anyway 😂 What have you heard about Turkmenistan? Need fuel for my next debunking post!!
22 hours ago
281
View on Instagram |
1/9
The top searched city for flights right now isssss BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan! I was just there and my top tip is actually to leave Bishkek, and go immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the beautiful country! Don't get me wrong, Bishkek was cool! I found great shopping there (both at a local mall and the traditional market), and the city is pretty, but the nature areas are just, WOW! Don't miss Ala Archa National Park and also Issyk Kul lake area!! Full blog post coming soon! So excited to return here next year! If you want to go here and to all 5 Stans with a really cool travel community, drop a comment or DM and I'll send you the notifications form!
23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world! Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should! What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁 Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
4 days ago
641
View on Instagram |
3/9
Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁 Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one! I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit. The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠 Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖 PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
7 days ago
1,178114
View on Instagram |
4/9
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico? Save this for future trip planning! This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!! You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁 Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos… Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬 Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
1 week ago
20310
View on Instagram |
5/9
Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all?? I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills! If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir! Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!) What’s your most valuable priceless possession? Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
1 week ago
14630
View on Instagram |
6/9
Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot! ((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!)) Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video! Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂 Would you do this or nah? ------- #uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
2 weeks ago
43353
View on Instagram |
7/9
Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan. ((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,)) This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since... Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
2 weeks ago
9
View on Instagram |
8/9
When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally. This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!! First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless! We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK. Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me). FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!! More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪 Is this on your bucketlist??
2 weeks ago
22424
View on Instagram |
9/9

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