5 Ways to Integrate Health and Wellness in Travel

January 16, 2024

There’s something beautiful and exciting about the first day of a brand new year and visualizing how you want it to look. While we each have different priorities and things we want to focus on and accomplish, many can agree that improving our overall health and wellness is a common theme when setting goals in the new year.

The beauty of setting health and wellness goals is that health and wellness look different for everyone. You may want to improve your physical endurance this year and run your first half marathon or focus on learning how to properly fuel your body with nourishing foods that make you feel your absolute best. Maybe you want to prioritize your mental health and well-being by making more time for self-care and unplugged relaxation.

No matter your specific health and wellness goals, a relaxing escape to the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast is a fabulous way to start working towards them. Even if your trip doesn’t include a day at the spa, you can still incorporate a little self-care into your travels!

Get Some Exercise

If physical health and wellness are a priority in 2024, look to our 30 miles of gorgeous coastline for inspiration! The sugar-soft sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast provide the perfect playground for you to get outside and get active this year. Whether it be a sunrise stroll on the beach, a mid-day run, or a sunset yoga session, there are countless ways to get your daily exercise in and work on your physical health and wellness goals during your travels!

Want to really explore the area while you’re here? Our bikeable communities and parks provide the perfect opportunity to get active, explore, and enjoy our area’s natural wonders. If you didn’t travel with your bike, no worries! Gulf State Park offers a unique bike-sharing program that allows visitors to borrow a bike (rather than renting or buying one). Explore the 28+ miles of broad, paved trails that make up the stunning Backcountry Trails on one of the 50 bikes available to borrow through the bike-sharing program, free of charge for up to three hours. If you want to make your biking experience a family affair, rental companies like Beach Bike Rentals in Orange Beach offer child carrier options and child-sized bikes for rent. Our homes near the Backcountry Trails make it convenient to explore the Alabama Gulf Coast on bikes and enjoy the natural wonders of our area.

Remember to Hydrate

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The sun is strong here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and if you’re spending your day outside in the sun, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Not only does adequate hydration increase energy levels and improve brain function, but it also helps hydrate and nourish your skin – now that’s a win-win! With delicious options like Planet Smoothie in Orange Beach, there are many delicious, healthy ways to ensure you’re staying hydrated while on the Coast.

Make Smart Food Choices

Is prioritizing fueling your body with nourishing food one of your new year goals? You’ll have plenty of options for fresh, nutritious seafood along the Alabama Gulf Coast! With a variety of restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes, it’s easy to enjoy the local flavors of our area while sticking to your goals. After all, fresh seafood is one of the many things our area does best!

Miso Seafood Gulf Shores

Miso’s Seafood is your one-stop shop for fresh seafood and sushi in Gulf Shores. Their menu features many creative sushi rolls, fresh sashimi and nigiri, hibachi, and seafood baskets with steamed vegetables.

Lulu’s

Offering authentic coastal cuisine, activities for the kids, and incredible views, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores serves up food and fun! There’s something for everyone here, including a wide selection of grilled and steamed seafood, healthy seafood bowls, and big salads. Grab a few dishes to try, and enjoy a night in with delicious, local cuisine in your gorgeous home-away-from-home!

Picnic Beach

So many healthy choices at this fun eatery featuring seafood, salads, and smoothies, and all sure to delight. Grab a table inside or dine alfresco and take your pick from mahi mahi sandwiches, tuna poke bowls, chicken goat cheese salads, and more! Hit the beach afterward, just minutes away, for a long walk, plenty of sunshine, and blissful serenity!

Unplug and Unwind

Sometimes, the perfect recipe for self-care is to unplug and unwind completely. Take a step away from electronic devices and enjoy the nature around you; the Alabama Gulf Coast is the BEST place to do so! Visit a local bookstore for a new read, tune in to your favorite playlist at the beach, or explore the area’s extensive waterways. Our selection of homes includes inland options that offer unique amenities, gorgeous views, and fun ways to connect with nature. You can find coastal bliss nestled among the towering pines in the family-friendly community of Morgantown, or stay in The Cottages at Lagoon Pass and enjoy a private fishing pier and access to Little Lagoon, the ideal spot to drop your kayak or paddleboard in the water for a day of exploration.

With miles and miles of sugar-soft sand beaches and stunning scenery, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers the ideal environment to relax, unplug, and take some much-needed (and much-deserved!) time for yourself.

Get Plenty of Rest

Although travel can disrupt sleep patterns, you’ll surely get a good night’s sleep when you stay with Kaiser Vacation Rentals. Our selection of luxury vacation homes features everything you need (and more!) to feel right at home during your travels. Not to mention, you can enjoy the quiet and solitude that a luxury vacation home offers, compared to the higher noise levels that come with the shared walls in a condo.

Our luxury vacation rentals feature spacious bedrooms, luxurious bedding, enhanced cleaning protocols, and freshly turned-over linens between each guest. With amenities galore, you can rest assured that your family’s relaxation and comfort are our top priority. We strive to provide that home-away-from-home experience so you can leave your vacation feeling relaxed and refreshed – just as you should!

Get Some Exercise

Remember to Hydrate