healthy Archives - Starr Tours & Charters

The Health Benefits of Traveling for Seniors: Exploring the World and Enhancing Well-Being

In the golden years of life, maintaining physical and mental well-being becomes increasingly important. What better way to achieve this than by embarking on enriching journeys with Starr? Discover how our carefully crafted travel experiences contribute to your health and vitality, ensuring every adventure is a step towards wellness. 

Active Exploration: One of the primary advantages of traveling for seniors is the opportunity for increased physical activity. Starr’s commitment shines through in our engaging itineraries that encourage an active lifestyle. Whether it’s strolling through historic streets, enjoying scenic walks in nature, or simply navigating new environments, traveling often involves more movement than the routine of daily life. This movement can improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and help maintain flexibility, contributing to a healthier body. 

Mental Stimulation: Traveling presents a constant stream of new experiences, encouraging cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Our tours offer terrific educational opportunities – from expertly guided tours to captivating cultural events. This diverse range of experiences not only stimulates the mind but also promotes mental acuity. By engaging in lifelong learning, you keep your brain active and healthy but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around you.  

Reduced Stress and Improved Mental Health: Breaking away from the monotony of daily routines and immersing oneself in a new environment can significantly reduce stress levels. Traveling allows seniors to unwind, relax, and take a break from worries, promoting better mental health. The excitement of exploration and the thrill of new experiences can also boost mood and overall happiness. When you travel with Starr, we handle all the logistics, allowing you to focus on relaxation and pure enjoyment.  

Social Connections and Emotional Well-Being: One of the key components of healthy aging is maintaining strong social connections. Traveling on a Starr tour offers seniors the opportunity to forge new friendships, share experiences, and create lasting memories with like-minded individuals. Our group tours foster a sense of community and belonging, combating feelings of isolation and contributing to emotional well-being.  

Exposure to Nature and Fresh Environments: Many of the destinations we visit offer the chance to immerse oneself in nature’s beauty, whether it’s relaxing on a beach, exploring national parks, or enjoying scenic landscapes. Exposure to nature has proven benefits for mental and physical health, such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood. 

Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, the combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, social engagement, and emotional fulfillment derived from traveling contributes to an improved quality of life for seniors. It adds excitement, variety, and a sense of purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying existence. 

Embarking on a journey with Starr Tours is more than just a vacation; it’s a holistic approach to promoting the health and well-being of seniors. From physical activity to social connection, stress reduction, cognitive stimulation, and culinary delights, our tours are crafted to cater to every aspect of a senior’s wellness. Join us on the road to a healthier, happier life, one adventure at a time! 

How Not to “Pack It On” When Getting Away For a Week or a Day

You’ve been doing your 10,000 steps each day, eating healthy, and just moved your belt buckle in two notches.  You are feeling good and looking even better!  Then your calendar reminds you that you are booked on one of Starr Tours fabulous day or overnight bus trips.  No need to panic!

 

You can still maintain your weight and exercise regimen with a tiny bit of planning:

  1. Weigh yourself before the tour date. This will be the guide to help you stay on track, especially when you get back home and see that you are the same weight or even less.

 

  1. Carry some snacks with you. Those, of course, that will give you energy and fill you up between meals – protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Dried unsweetened fruits, nuts, packaged cheese/crackers don’t take up a lot of packing space.  Be sure to make smart choices when choosing snacks at rest areas, too. Many rest areas will have packaged fresh fruits and vegetables for those mid-day munchies.

 

  1. Drink plenty of water. While it will definitely hydrate you, it will also put the brakes on hunger.  Remember, you may be moving a lot more while on tour which means your body will need more of boost.

 

  1. Eat foods that you know aren’t too caloric. It’s probably not a good idea to experiment with large volumes of high fat foods. These foods may also slow you down on tour. Eat light and feel better!

 

  1. Pace yourself. Most hotels offer a buffet breakfast.  A trick is to walk around the buffet table first.  See what looks appealing and then go back in line to make your choices.  You are bound to eat less.  If you’ve had a substantial breakfast, you may want to eat a salad and/or soup for lunch.  When dinner is plated with large portions, it is a good idea to divide the food in half and ask for a “to go” box or share with your dining partner. Even though you are on the road, some hotels have microwaves and/or mini fridges that can safely hold your food perhaps for the next day’s lunch.

 

  1. Move it – of course at your own pace!  The team at Starr do an excellent job of planning multi-level attractions.  Some have opportunities for a lot of walking while others have a minimum amount of walking.  When stairs are available and you feel comfortable, take them.  Most hotels have small gyms with treadmills, bicycles, and weights.  Some hotels offer indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs.  Even if you are not a swimmer just walking in the pool will work wonders for your joints and muscles while burning calories.

 

As the 2019 bus touring season revs up, I’m lining up my healthy snacks. . . see you on the road!

Christine Durling
Starr Tour Director