By Emily Main, Rodale.comGearing up for the long holiday weekend? You certainly wont be alone. Despite the down economy and increasing unemployment, people dont seem to be ditching their vacations, according to a recent survey from Virginia Techs Pamplin College of Business. Nearly 50 percent of people polled said that the economy would have no impact on their travel plans this year, and 15 percent said theyd be even more likely than usual to travel this year.If youre facing a few hours of highway time, here are some ways to stay healthy, plus a few last-minute destination ideas:
1. Prepack your car.Unless youre just throwing an overnight bag in the backseat and hitting the road for a short two-day trip, youll save your back some ache if you pack the night before you leave. Fluids pool in your spinal disks while you sleep, and that makes your lower back tight and sensitive to irritation when you first wake up.Who gets sick more while travelingmen or women?
2. Prepack your food.Packing a picnic lunch will help you pinch pennies and calories alike. Plus, youll be more likely to eat foods that fight fatigue, increase your attention span, and keep you alert. Sandwiches on whole wheat bread will prevent you from feeling draggy, and peppermints are healthier stimulants than caffeine, which can lead to energy crashes. If youre forced to grab some fast food, stay away from fried, fatty menu items and stick with salads (dressing on the side) and yogurt parfaitsadd blueberries to that yogurt and you have an attention-, energy-, and memory-boosting breakfast.
