The Paradox of Travel & Wellness: How to Stay Grounded on the Move

Travel can be both deeply healing and surprisingly destabilising. Movement, new places, and unfamiliar experiences have the power to expand you to break old patterns, open your mind, and invite a fresh sense of purpose. But at the same time, travel can easily disrupt the routines and structures that keep you feeling grounded, healthy, and balanced.

Although it’s often portrayed as the ultimate healing fairytale - jetting off to “find yourself,” release old ways, and step into something new travel can also shake up the foundations that support your wellbeing. You lose routine. You lose structure. And sometimes, without those anchors, even the most magical trip can feel overwhelming.

But don’t let that put you off. Travel is one of the most liberating, expanding, and transformative experiences you can give yourself. With a little intention and a few simple practices, you can maintain your wellness while moving across planes, buses, trains, or wherever the journey takes you.

Below are my top tips for staying well while on the road.

1. Movement as Your Anchor

Movement is one of the most powerful ways to ground yourself when everything around you is changing. And the truth is, there are always ways to move your body that are meaningful and supportive — even in the smallest spaces.

Have 1–3 “emergency” workouts ready.
These are quick, equipment-free workouts you can do anywhere. Most places at least offer a “mat-sized” spot to move. Choose 3–4 foundational movements such as squats, lunges, RDLs, glute bridges, or push-ups. Then add either a short burst of cardio, a yoga flow, or some core work to round it out.

If you’re an avid gym-goer, plan ahead.
Most cities have gyms that offer day passes. A quick Google search will show you what’s nearby. I recommend learning how to ask for a day pass in the local language to avoid any awkward barriers at the door.

If you have room in your luggage, pack small equipment like resistance bands or ankle weights — they’re light and make a big difference.

Most importantly, set an intention for your workout. Let your movement ground you, clear your mind, and support your energy. While travelling, focus more on maintenance rather than chasing specific strength or aesthetic goals. Consistency over perfection.

2. Nourishment Over Perfection

When life gets busy or unpredictable, it’s easy to default to processed convenience foods. But choosing whole foods where possible will make the biggest difference to your energy, skin, digestion, and overall sense of balance.

When booking accommodation — especially for longer stays — try to choose somewhere with access to a kitchen. Being able to prepare one nutritious meal a day can completely transform how you feel, even if the rest of your meals are on the go.

Stick to your personal non-negotiables where you can. For me, that’s simple whole foods like eggs, chicken, rice, sweet potato, fruit, black coffee, and plenty of water. These are grounding, easy to find, and help me feel like myself.

But remember, part of the joy of travel is experiencing local food and culture. It’s all about balance. Nourish your body in the ways that feel good, and let the rest be an experience.

3. Energy Hygiene & Rituals

Travelling through different environments, energies, and cultures can be beautiful — but also energetically draining. Creating simple daily rituals can help you feel grounded no matter where you land.

Some of my favourites include:

• Morning sunlight to reset your body clock

• Breathwork while moving through airports or busy environments

• Journaling to release emotions and regulate your mind

• A short yoga flow to soften the nervous system

I also travel with my own “mini altar” — small wellness tools that bring comfort and familiarity: a gua sha, essential oils, a yoga strap, crystals, and my journal.

These tiny rituals help you create a feeling of home wherever you go.

4. Finding Home Within

The more you travel, the more you realise that wellness isn’t a place — it’s a feeling you create within yourself. Your practices, your rituals, your mindset… these become your home base, no matter what country you wake up in.

Travel deepens your connection to yourself in the most unexpected ways. It shows you your resilience, your softness, your curiosity, and your courage. And these are the gifts you carry into your work, your relationships, and your inner evolution.

‘The more I travel, the more I realise wellness isn’t about staying still — it’s about learning to come home to yourself, again and again.’