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The Ageless Traveler--The Healthy Travel Issue, What I Measure to Stay on My Health Track, Great Wellness Destinations
Published 1 day ago • 6 min read
Dear Ageless Traveler,
Yesterday I felt fantastic. Today? I am feeling a bit under the weather. Honestly, if I had to hop on a plane this afternoon, it would be a drag. Thankfully, that doesn't happen to me very often.
I sat down and really reflected on why I'm feeling drained. The truth is, I’ve been so incredibly busy getting ready to travel for the next two months that I completely let my guard down. I failed to do my usual exercises, missed taking my supplements, and let my nutrition patterns slide. My bad!
I want us Ageless Travelers to build the absolute best health habits and stick to them so we can live our most vibrant lives. Yes, let's absolutely give ourselves a pass for that extra glass of wine or the missed step class. But let's stand in solidarity to claim the joy of healthy aging.
Look over this week’s health tools to help you Never Stop Traveling:
Ask Adriane: What Can I Do To Improve My Travel Health
News You Can Use: Fix a Cavity on the Run, Sweden To Escape the Heat, Roller Coaster Happiness
Culture Vulture: Staying healthy on a Culture Vulture quest.
Luxury Travel for Less: Longevity tourism and my favorite health destinations.
On this week's The Ageless Traveler podcast, I am taking you with me to the stunning Paso Robles wine country. We are checking into Summerwood, an iconic All-American farmhouse and winery that just exudes calm, well-being, and contemplation. It is a truly unique mixture of deep American comfort and the Japanese philosophy of wellness for each generation.
I’m joined by Inn Manager Angie, General Manager Celeste, and Tasting Room Guru Margaret. The team behind Summerwood share their unique blend of hospitality, as a celebration destination, unforgettable wine-tasting experience, and the local charm of the region.
Q. I am not a health fanatic, but I want to do a few things that really help me improve my health habits. I know it's up to me. What are your top health strategies?
Joel from Nevada
A. Joel, you may be surprised to hear that my answer is not exercise or diet. It's measuring! You treasure what you measure. Here is exactly what and how I track my health. I find that once I actively measure these things, all my other healthy habits naturally follow. DISCLAIMER-THIS IS MY WAY OF DOING THINGS, NOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, dental needs, or changes to your health and wellness routine.
Blood Pressure: Yes, I have a blood pressure cuff, one at home and one permanently packed in my suitcase. High blood pressure is a silent driver of heart disease, which remains the number one killer worldwide.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): CMP is a snapshot of your kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar, revealing early signs that something may need attention.
I wear an Oura Ring to measure my sleep quality and use a FitTrack smart scale to monitor my weight, body composition, and metabolic age.
Cardiovascular & Bone Health: Once a year, I ask my cardiologist for a cardiac stress test and, when appropriate, a coronary imaging test that uses contrast dye to check whether my arteries are clogged. I also get a DEXA scan to measure my bone density.
Travel Tuesday Tip:
Join Our Facebook Salon and support each other in keeping our health routine. We are a real community of travelers who want to stay on track for lifelong travel. Studies show that when you are accountable to a group it is easier to maintain your good health habits.
News You Can Use
What to do for a toothache on a trip: Dentists say that very early cavities can be stopped or even reversed. Brush with a good fluoride toothpaste, skip the sugary snacks, drink plenty of water. Rinse with salt lots of times. So bring a separate water bottle with salt. Better Report.
If Europe Too Hot This Summer? Head North to Sweden. Europe is sweltering under intense heatwaves, but Sweden is enjoying a great travel summer. Visit Sweden is making the most of its "coolcation." Checkout the new adventures on their website.
Can a Roller Coaster Make You Happier? Here is a cool thing Sweden is doing: 1,000 volunteers will ride the roller coasters at Sweden's Liseberg amusement park as part of a research project led by experts from the Karolinska Institute, the Stockholm School of Economics, and the London School of Economics. Their investigating whether sharing thrilling, high-adrenaline experiences actively boosts happiness, strengthens friendships, and improves overall well-being. I present travel-related longevity studies by the Karolinska Instituteon my cruise ship talks, They come up with everyday actionable protocols for better health.
Culture Vulturing Around the World
The Healthy Culture Vulture
Hey guys! I packed important health information into my free eBook, Caregiver's Guide To Travel. It's not just for people with immediate caregiving responsibilities; it also contains fantastic information on staying healthy while traveling in general. You can download the book completely free right here…all it takes is your first name and email.
Culture Vultures like me can be found in museums, libraries and theatres, some of which take your water bottle away. Ask to keep it and you plan to spend time there. If you can’t keep the water, ask where the water fountain is and visit a few times. No fountain (very rare) check your water and keep coming back to it when needed.
Please consider a gift our charity Good Grief.
Good Grief is an extraordinary organization that helps children, families, and schools find hope and healing after the loss of someone they love. I know firsthand how important that support can be. That's why I'm asking you to make a donation today.
One of the biggest growing trends in travel right now is medical, wellness and longevity tourism. I watch all of these trends incredibly closely for you. Here are two very different wellness travel strategies I use, followed by two that I am planning for the future:
1.Dental Tourism in Tijuana, Mexico
My husband, Stu, and I started going to Tijuana for dental work way back when we were still living in New York City! I am heading back next week for an implant evaluation, a routine cleaning, and potentially teeth straightening. The cost is a fraction of what we would pay in the United States. Plus, I always turn it into a luxury vacation by traveling to the Valle de Guadalupe or Rosarito for wine and relaxation. I wrote all about this journey for Fodor's online; you can read my full article here: I'm an American and Get All My Dental Work Done in Tijuana.
2. Pure Dark Sky Relaxation
If you've been reading my newsletter for a while, you know I’ve done several editions on the incredible beauty of Dark Sky Adventures. One of the most awe-inspiring things you can do for your circadian rhythm and mental health is to simply look up at the stars. You don’t even have to travel across the world to do it. Connect with a local astronomy club, even if you've never looked through a telescope, and head out to a dark sky party. The tranquility of reconnecting with nature under a clear night sky is unmatched.
Two Trips on My Bucket List:
Japan (Fall 2027): I will be traveling to Japan in the fall of 2027 to deeply study the life-extending Okinawa diet, practice Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), and soak in traditional Onsen hot springs. If you would love to join me on this autumn journey, let me know on FANLIST.
Tasmania: I am also planning a future detox trip to Tasmania. I recently learned that the global perfume industry actually sends its specialists to Tasmania to test new scents specifically because the air there is documented as the purest, most untainted air on Earth.
Award-winning author Jane Leder and guests take a deep dive into the joys and challenges of being an older woman.
“Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well” is a podcast that sets the record straight, dispels myths, explores the many contributions older women make, and the wisdom they’ve earned and are anxious to share. Older women know a thing or two about living with a keen sense of wonder and an abiding appreciation for the gift of longevity. So, it’s time to change the perception that the gig is just about up when, in truth, the second wave of the journey has just begun.
Congratulate Jane on supporting Good Grief. You’ll love the way she gets the most interesting guests to tell the most interesting stories.
Another Champion of Good Grief and a powerhouse podcaster:
Attention The AGELESS TRAVEL WOMEN:
Want no boundaries advice from a savvy lady who knows how to craft success?
Host Beverley Glazer, Reinvention Strategist and Empowerment Coach, is honest and grounded. Beverly tackles everything from grief and identity shifts to ageism, sovereignty, and libido with confidence and depth.
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