Many people are taking advantage of this holiday season to do a bit of travel. There are some really great deals to exciting and adventurous places out there, while some choose to end the year with a tan and some pampering. Whatever type of trip you are planning this year, there are a few things you can do to prepare to look your best on the beach, slopes or in the sky!
1. Morning routine
Holiday days can often start out with a small panic at the list of tasks for the day. Wake up each morning and take a few moments to prioritize what you need to get done for the trip. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast, and make time for any planning or pre-packing might need to do, to avoid rushing around at the last minute.
2. Try to stay hydrated
As your holiday moves closer, the last thing you want is a last minute cold or flu (gasp!). It’s important to stay hydrated, even with all those pre-holiday parties coming up. Staying hydrated keeps your skin looking it’s best and will ensure you are healthy and have energy to get through each day before the real fun of your holiday begins.
3. Keep moving
Make sure to get exercise leading up to your holiday. Not only will exercise help you look your best, it will also give you more energy for skiing, surfing or those all day boozy brunches with your friends or loved ones. Make time each day leading up to your holiday to go for a jog, lift weights, or do some yoga, for a healthier body and a more peaceful mind.
4. Eat Healthy!
A few weeks before your holiday, start cutting out all sugars, drink less caffeine, and increase the number of veggies you eat at each meal. Finally, snack on a limited amounts of nuts and seeds, and reduce your overall portion size. Changing your diet sometimes results in flu-like Sibo symptoms. What is sibo, you ask? Sibo is when the unhealthy toxins in your body die off and are flushed out. It lasts for a few days, and then leaves you feeling better than ever, so stick with your healthy, pre-holiday diet!
Now it’s time to prepare for your holiday. To avoid being rushed at the last minute, schedule these upkeep tasks for a few weeks before you leave, and space them out to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
- Hair color
If you color your hair regularly, or if you just want to try something new, get this done a few weeks before your holiday, to give your color time to set. Too early, and your roots will show – so schedule your next hair appointment carefully!
- Check your teeth
Many like to see a dentist or do some teeth whitening before going on holiday. The last thing you want is a toothache on your trip! Try a home whitening kit, and schedule your regular check-up for a few weeks before you leave, to avoid taking your coffee stained teeth with you from home to your holiday!
- Exfoliate
Exfoliating with a dry body brush before showering, or using a body scrub a few times a week, will keep your skin glowing and fresh for your holiday. Try going for more natural products, for example coffee! Did you know using coffee on your skin actually tightens and smooths!
- Prep your spray tan
We all know the dangers of too much time in the sun, so get a spray tan this year. You’ll look great at the beach without needing to bake in the sun, and you’ll really look great in cold weather destinations where everyone will be asking themselves where you go that magnificent color!
- Mani and Pedi
Last but not least, take some pampering time to try something new with your nails. Take a day and try a new color, and for some extra relaxation, visit a spa and get a hand or foot massage! Some people like to bring their Wireless headphones with them, and tune out the world while they get their nails done.
It has likely been a long time since you went on a holiday, so make this one count! Take some time (and these tips) to show some self-love, and look your best on your trip this holiday season. Your partner, friends, family, pets and especially your body will thank you!
About the author:
Naomi Shaw is a freelance journalist residing in sunny Southern California with her husband and three children. She is a work-at-home mom that enjoys writing on fashion, beauty, jewelry, and everything weddings!