Hi! I’m Erin from Travel, Eat, Repeat and I’m thrilled to guest blog for Shannon while she and the Mister spend time with the Little. Congratulations!

Travel, Eat, Repeat is about finding a healthy balance while traveling. During two years of worldwide exploration before settling down to a real job, I learned lots of tricks for staying healthy and active no matter where you are, all while sticking to a tight budget.

Let’s start with my top healthy travel tip:

Be Flexible

A vacation is not the time to start a new diet. Be willing to adjust your daily food routine and adapt to the culture you’re visiting. If you normally eat oats for breakfast, try a simple French breakfast of bread, jam and coffee. If it sustains millions of French each day, it will sustain you, too. Pack some snacks – you never know when you’ll be stuck on a train without food for hours or head out for long a hike – but don’t bring the contents of your entire kitchen.

Go Grocery Shopping

Shop at grocery stores and markets to save money and get a glimpse at daily life. Even the cheapest youth hostel has a communal kitchen so when in Rome, visit the market for real Italian pasta, fresh produce and Parmigiano-Reggiano to enjoy an authentic Italian meal a fraction of restaurant price. That said, choose a few special meals to eat out. Don’t sacrifice enjoyment for the sake of a budget.

Get Moving and See the City for Free!

If you really want to experience a city up-close and personal, set out on foot. You have more flexibility to visit the places that you want to visit while sneaking in some exercise. Instead of taking the Tube from Regent’s Park to Hyde Park, walk! This 25-minute walk shows you London without tourists and incorporates a 1.2-mile stroll into your day.

Eat Like A Local

Local food is fresh food. See what the locals are eating and order that.

… Even If It Grosses You Out

How many times in your life have you been offered termites on a stick? (Belize) Duck heart on a skewer? (Korea) A kangaroo dog, gator nuggets and emu burger all on one platter? (Australia) It may sound icky but travel is all about experiences, right? Trying something new won’t kill you – unless it’s Japanese fugu (blowfish) – but might taste good and always makes a great story afterward.

Enjoy!

This is right up there with Be Flexible. You’re on vacation and it will be over before you know it. Eat dessert, have a glass or two of wine, sample street food (seriously, eat street food), try something you’d never touch at home and enjoy every minute of your travels.

Have any questions, tips or just want to connect with a fellow travel-loving foodie? Visit Travel, Eat, Repeat or shoot me an email at traveleatrepeat@gmail.com.