Keeping up energy while traveling?

@Ralph - Have you been to Botswana? I'm wondering what makes it a dump?

Trying to apply one country's hours to another's can turn you into a zombie, especially when you try to superimpose it over jet lag. The Spanish don't drink espresso, they drink expresso, but order it as either a cafe solo or a cafe doble. And, just as a small matter, expresso has less caffine than a regular cup of coffee. Having been to both Botswana and South Africa a bunch of times, I can't think of a reason to blast either, but Botswana would have to get the nod as being more interesting.

No matter how small the room, I have always made space for some morning yoga. There is also a great 11-minute seated cardio routine I use, which takes only the space of a chair. You can find the cardio routine at www.sparkpeople.com. Just use their search in the fitness area.

In addition to the good advice given in the first 2 posts, be sure to drink enough water. In Europe, it is easy to forget to do this. In America, you can get a sip or two (or more) of water at the water foutain outside the restroom. It is RARE to find a drinking foutain anywhere in Europe. So pick up a bottle of water on one of your first days. Then re-fill it and take it with you every day. Try to drink at least 2 20oz. bottles each day (in addition to what you have with meals). Yes- you will need to visit the toilet a bit more often- but that is good. It helps the body 'clean things out'. When you walk more, the muscles can build up more 'toxins' and staying well hydrated helpf avoid that. That is partially responsible for that tired feeling you experience.

I make sure to drink a lot beer and eat a lot of gelato.

Since you are "about to embark," this may be too late. But the best way to build up your stamina is before you go. I'm not going to suggest a a fitness regime, but even walking, and a healthy diet, can help get you in shape for walking.

Husband's got some idea that Botswana is good because it's a functioning democracy. I think he cares more about seeing animals than whether the place is a dump or not... I'd like to go to South Africa myself, though. I don't have the adventure travel experience he has. Adam, I am leaving in a week. I have been trying to build up stamina, and we do walk a LOT, but with the heat and our tiny apartment other workouts have been sporadic at best. I can't afford a gym right now. Plus, I have allergy issues that, even though they are better now than in the past, can hit me at any time. I don't sneeze so much, but I get really tired. Not much I can do about that, though, aside from what I am already doing. I think I was guilty of not drinking enough water in the past, even though I had a bottle with me. Won't make that mistake again!

Christina, Don't dismiss Botswana. My trip there was one of my best trips ever. The animals are amazing. And it was certainly not even remotely close to a dump. We stayed in great safari camps, had gourmet meals and great wine. You can do a nice trip combining some time in the Cape Town area with several camps in Botswana. Regarding your initial question. If you are tired while traveling, take a break. Enjoy a drink in a cafe or rest for a while. If your husband wants to do something you are not up to, there is no need to tag along. Send him on his way solo and meet back up with him for lunch or dinner.

I have not dismissed Botswana! Actually, we've gone to Europe three times in a row now, and he feels very "been there, done that" because he's been so many more times than me, so next international trip is his call. This one was special because we've been planning for a while since we love the Olympics and the NYC Fringe, and it turned into our honeymoon. But is keen on Botswana next because he has never been to Africa. I promised him I would go anywhere with him; I may have to go backpacking with a friend to finally get to the Alps and Northern Italy. I am of Portuguese descent, and he's never been to Iberia at all, so we have that to look forward to maybe in a couple of years, at least. I am glad to know the Botswana safari can be done without having to doit serious adventure travel style. I would need more camping and adventure travel experience before I would feel confident doing that. I guess it will depend how much he's willing to spend, but I keep seeing travel deals for safaris all the time now.

Since everyone has different levels of stamina and endurance for physical activity, it's hard to give many specific ideas. But you cover the basics: eat regularly AND eat healthy. Protein and carbs are important for all the physical activity you will be doing, more than most do at home. Have some snack bars in your bag for quick bites if you feel yourself get hungry. Rest: Not just enough sleep at night, but taking sit-down breaks to rest your feet and legs. Most people do A LOT of walking in Europe, and just as much standing. It takes a toll. Drink plenty of water. Your body needs it when active, even when you are not sweating. Nothing wrong with some tea/coffee in the morning or an occasional soft drink, and of course some wine or beer. But don't forget the importance of water. I always carry a bottle with me and drink regularly. For those not as active normally, it helps to do some moderate exercise for a couple months before you go (I know, not relevant in your case, but in general). Do extra walking/stairs whenever you can and do at least 30-60 minute walk each day. Alcohol is a depressent. Tolerance levels vary, but it can zap you of energy. That's fine at night for dinner, but might be wise to skip at lunch. Avoid as much walking as is feasible. If there is a bus or metro where you are going, take it. Plan the day's itinerary to avoid long hikes.

You mentioned getting good nutrition (frequently and in small doses), but water intake is also key. Drink plenty to keep you hydrated and energized. Lots of walking is great, but on occasion, it might be better to consider public transport to get you from one place to another, and to give you a break. In London, see if you can take the taxis at least once. As for keeping my energy up, I like to drink lots of liquids and take breaks (coffee, tea, beer) in between the sites. The anticipation also keeps me going. You mentioned keeping up with "his pace", maybe it would be nice to slow down a bit and come down to your pace.
Have fun!

He does slow down for me I am the one who feels bad about it! I was the one directing the pace in Paris last year since he'd seen 90% of it and had spent a year there as a kid. London, we have both been so we are on equal ground, and neither of us has been to Keswick or Edinburgh. We do love to walk a lot, and especially to take walking tours. I will have to force myself to include more breaks, I guess. I promised I wouldn't drag us from thing to thing like I did in Paris! Thanks for the advice so far, everyone!

Sorry for any run-on sentences. I guess dashes don't show up in this forum? As you can see, I haven't been posting here long.

Put a space between them. - -

Everyone has given great advice. I love to travel but I also get tired, cranky and sometimes just overwhelmed. Here are my tricks which have helped
In the mornings, I make 10-30 minutes for yoga or some kind of relaxation. Usually I will send my husband and son off (usually on a coffee or tea run). Just those few minutes help. When walking around I always carry water and a small snack; energy bar, small bag of mixed nuts, dried fruit. I find that is helps me throughout the day. A mid day nap also helps.

Christina, My husband and I like to walk a lot also and though I can generally keep up with him, when my allergies kick in (like they did in Dorset last fall) I have to slow down. No need to feel guilty - it's just a fact of life. In general your idea of yoga in the morning should help with energy, as will making sure you drink plenty of water. We plan on a sit down lunch every day (pub, tea room, whatever) for a nice break, plus it gives us a chance to reevaluate our plans for the rest of the day.
Sounds like you're planning on a little more laid-back pace this time, which is a great idea. Follow through with that and enjoy your trip.

Yep Yoga is a great way to start 9incl dynaband work out for sm spaces), deep breathing in AM also. Small protein breaks spread thru out your day and B12 tablets will give you a boost also. Get very comfy shoes (rubber sole type or trainers w/ support or innersoles)with wick away socks (like Thorlos). It prevents leg and foot fatigue. I never leave home without them anymore.
you will do fine w/ a positive and enthusiastic outlook and a kind husband that you have. enjoy.

I have the opposite situation as you - I'm the one with lots of energy, very fast walked, any my husband just is a little slower paced then me. Think about it - how likely is it that two people have the exact same energy levels (or interests in vacation destinations, for that matter)? The main thing I do: I also don't need as much sleep. I usually wake up early, and go for a nice morning run (or sometimes a walk). I love being out before many people are out, he gets more rest, and I'm not sitting in our hotel room fidgeting. I suppose we could do the same thing with an afternoon rest or tea break, or for my hubby, and afternoon glass of wine. He can sit and rest, and I can go do something for a bit. But by that point, I can usually benefit from time off my feet, too.

Thanks, Lexma. Actually, he doesn't mind waiting with me. I am the one who gets frustrated that I can't do more; he is the soul of patience. Anyway, this is our honeymoon, and he won't want to be apart from me much. We both need similar amounts of sleep. Luckily we are both tea-aholics and will be stopping a lot to indulge while we are in the UK!

RE: Tea in London, have some at Yumchaa at their shop on the Camden Parkway enroute to Camden Lock Market. Wonderful respite.

One of our keys that is rarely mentioned is that every third or fourth day is blank. Nothing scheduled. That way we catch up on the things we missed in the first three/four days. Can do a lay day as in the sailing world. Opportunity to relax, refresh, and reorganize.

While steady doses of amphetamines can keep you rolling through weeks of European travel, sometimes you just have to listen to your body and take a breather, resting in a park or at a train station while you pound several Red Bulls with vodka. After a few minutes of quiet reflection and drinking though a bendy straw, you'll be right as rain and ready to tackle the next cathedral or quaint market square.

Ralph, I promised I'd go and I have no idea whether I will like it or not. I won't know until I try. I don't need "sights" and I like animals a lot, and I like taking pictures of nature. As for planning, though we have some more plans than usual for London out of necessity, like Olympic events, Harry Potter studio and Buckingham Palace, we don't actually schedule all our days out in advance. I really believe I ju went overboard in Paris because I had wanted to go for 22 years. I have been to London twice so I won't be pushing us to fit so much in.

Christina, I hope your experience in Botswana is more like mine than Ralph's. Even the tents that I stayed in on safari had ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers (they were platform tents). There are many nice safari camps. We stayed at three different camps in Botswana and also spent 4 nights in Cape Town, South Africa. I wish we had spent more time in the Cape Town area. I don't usually use a Travel Agent, but I did when I went to South Africa and Botswana. My trip was arranged through Bert Duplessis at Fish Eagle Safaris (www.fisheaglesafaris.com) and we had a fantastic trip. If you need help arranging your trip, I'd definitely recommend them.

Ralph still has not answered the question about whether he has actually been to Botswana, or whether he is just assuming the conditions. He said his trips to Africa were for work and a mission trip. I doubt he encountered what most people on vacation do, especially on a planned safari. I've never talked to anyone that has gone on safari that didn't love it. I am more energetic than my husband is, but it does me good to slow down a bit and 'smell the roses'. I'm sure your husband is happy to do the same.

I'm still working on the toilette business. My little sister spends half of the year at her house in Maun. I swear to Pete that I've never had to hike to the outhouse.

Actually, it was the comment "Seriously, there are no major sites to see" that had me more perplexed. To say that there are no "major sites" to see in Botswana is kind of like saying that there are no major sites to see in Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon.

For your Olympic and Edinburgh trip, remember that London has some awesome parks and you can see lots of London from Thames tourist or commuter boats. Plot these out before you go to figure out which ones are close to the Olympics venues. You can count these as experiencing London like the Londoners. Get off your feet and have a snack in parks or boats. My favorite techniques for relaxing. Work these into any Europe trip.

As long as I have toilet facilities and we are not trekking out on our own, I will count myself as being privileged to visit Africa :) Thanks for the fabulous advice, everyone! There are tons of things to see in London, but I will pace myself. It's my favorite place, so I will keep going back.

I find taking at least an hour over lunch is a good way to re-charge the batteries. We always try to get back to our lodgings by 5.00pm and put our feet up for an hour or so before heading out to eat. Also try to factor in a couple of mornings when you can sleep in a bit longer and have a later start to the day.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know I had a great time, and though we were busy, I had energy! Part of it was resting more and following some of your advice, though I suspect my allergies were less this trip. That is always the difference maker for me. The problem I did have was with my feet -- much more than in the past, and I even had a strained Achilles tendon for a couple of days. I needed to get inserts for my walking shoes that alleviated it, and then I mostly wore my hiking boots once the tendon was less swollen. It's always something, with me, but at least I didn't actually injure myself! I sprained my ankle in the Roman Forum a couple of years ago. Thanks again!

Thanks for coming back and lettig us know how it went, Christina. I'm so glad you had a good time!

I want to Ralph, but I am trying to finish my dissertation, and I need the next week before teaching to really work on it. By the time I can get to it, the desire to write it may have passed!

Just don't rush. Take your time, stop to rest and take in wherever you are. People always seem so eager to check off everything on their list that they never really live in the moment.