OMG, last week I traveled to Edmonton and can I tell you I am STILL tired? I’ve been in bed by 7:45 pm every night!

I came home with a bit of a headache, feeling slightly feverish and I could barely think straight.

That story has played out a few times this year. It’s almost like my body is changing. (Women, you know what I’m taking about, right?) I also think I get super dehydrated going back and forth between different time zones.

So I’m not just talking about when I travel on biz. I’ve felt this way after personal trips, too. Sometimes I feel like I need a vacation after my vacation! Land-crash-burn. Know what I mean?

Now, I travel a lot. (Geez, I probably spend half my life getting where I need to go.)

Some of my longer trips are made up of short stops in several places. It’s not unusual for me to fly into a different city every day.

Last fall I was in Europe for eight days. During those eight days I visited three countries. I was in a different country every other day!

Wanna know my number one defense against travel burnout? It’s super simple and it minimizes a ton of stress.

PLANNING.

I make sure to know my schedule well in advance so I can handle as many details as possible before I leave home.

Here are a few of my challenges and solutions:

Getting enough rest when I am changing time zones

I make rest a priority. I try to not schedule anything before 10 am when traveling—or even 11. That gives me the rest I need in the morning.

Finding the right kinds of foods (I’m vegan)

By checking out local food sources in advance, I know where I can meet my dietary needs. A bag of chips at the airport isn’t going to cut it.

So I pack healthy snacks for times I am unable to find what I need. And speaking of packing….        

Packing lightly

Yeah, right. I’m a clotheshorse and I accessorize. But I try to coordinate as much as possible so I don’t have to pack as much.

You only need ONE pair of shoes that works for everything. Or wear a comfy pair and pack the heels! You can wear the same pants with a different top. Yes, no one will know. Change the jewelry or add a scarf!

Taking time out for ME

Listen in … this is sooooo important!

Whether I am working at home or traveling, I make time for ME.

Okay, so not always.

But when I skip this self-care step, I pay for it.

Exercise and yoga are a huge part of my day; two things I do for ME. Along with my essential oils regime, they keep me balanced.

But trying to maintain an exercise routine from 10 different time zones would be crazy so I don’t plan to exercise on huge business trips. I would rather sleep and catch up on work.

I get my exercise fix in the day after I get home and make sure I’m in top shape prior to departure.

Stepping out of my balanced home life and into a whirlwind of travel begins with anticipating what I will need and planning ahead.

So I make it a priority. My vacations are vacations now.

Do you ever feel like you need a vacation AFTER your vacation? How can you plan ahead when you travel?

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, Kick-A$$ Business Guru, 7 Figure MOM-treprenuer. and passionate about empowering others to live the life of their dreams and is based in Boulder, CO. Hayley creates lifestyle transformations by coaching her clients to become the best WHOLE version of themselves possible. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.