Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

I just got back from California, before that, we spent the weekend in Amherst visiting our kiddo, and as you read this, I’ll be just back from Sicily for a food and cooking retreat! If that sounds like a whirlwind to you, take a deep breath—I promise it’s not as stressful as it seems. The secret to making it all work? Systems.

The Power of Systems in Everyday Life

When people hear "systems," they often think of businesses and complex processes. But guess what? We all have systems in place, even in our personal lives. Do you brush your teeth every morning? That’s a system! It's just a series of routines and habits that help keep things running smoothly.

Travel can feel overwhelming, but having a few solid systems in place makes all the difference. Let me share a few that help me stay organized, stress-free, and healthy, even with back-to-back trips.

How I Pack for Multiple Trips at Once

Since I knew I had three trips back-to-back, I actually packed for all of them at the same time. So between trips I’m not scrambling to repack. Everything is already organized. A couple of tricks I use:

• Rolling Clothes: Rolling my clothes instead of folding them prevents those annoying creases so I can pack 3 weeks in advance.

• Pre-planned Outfits: I plan my outfits based on specific activities. Whether it's walking on cobblestones or taking a boat trip, I’ve packed the right clothes and shoes for each day—written down, so I don’t have to think about it during the trip!

• Double Toiletries: I keep a second set of toiletries packed and ready to go, which saves me from constantly repacking them.

Snacks & Staying Energized

Traveling can often throw off your routine, especially when it comes to food. I follow an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and always try to keep my blood sugar stable. So, along with enjoying all the amazing food on my trip, I pack snacks that will keep me fueled and feeling good between meals. No more grabbing unhealthy airport food in a pinch!

Staying Comfortable on Long Flights

Long flights can be rough, but I have a few essentials that help me feel as comfortable as possible:

• Neck Pillow & Eye Mask: I’m trying out a new neck pillow this time, but I’m also bringing my trusty favorite in case it doesn’t work out. I also use a great eye mask to block out light and help me sleep.

• Noise-Canceling Earbuds: These are a game-changer for drowning out background noise and allowing me to sleep or relax with some chill music.(Also amazing for watching movies.)

• Entertainment & Snacks: I download shows to watch and books to read, and always bring snacks since plane food isn’t always the best.

The Importance of Sleep & Time Zone Adjustment

One of my biggest tips for frequent travel is to prioritize sleep. Whether it’s catching some Z’s on the flight or taking extra time to adjust to new time zones, rest is key to enjoying your trip to the fullest.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

If you’ve got travel plans coming up, I’d love to hear about them! What systems or routines do you rely on to make your trips enjoyable and stress-free? 

And don’t forget—if you’re traveling internationally, always double-check your passport!