Black crop (similar here) | One Teaspoon shorts | Christelle X J.O.A. blazer | Mango slides (similar here and here) | Kate Spade earrings

Between work trips, family vacations, and Rob and I’s trip abroad, I have been traveling a lot this year, which has been so much fun! But one thing that I tend to sacrifice, and I’m sure I’m not alone on this, is my routine that keeps me healthy while I am at home. Whether I am just feeling indulgent or need the convenience of less nutrient-dense foods, health and fitness tend to fall by the wayside. However, over time I have found some useful tips that keep me kind of on track while I am away. *Kind of* are the key words here, as “kind of healthy” is the goal I aspire to whilst vacationing!

Pack Healthy Snacks

It starts with planning! If I know I am going to be in the car or on a plane for a significant amount of time, I make sure I am stocked with healthy snacks for the trip. My road trip go-to used to be peanut butter M&M and other gas station classics. But over the years I have learned that junk food binging and extensive sitting is a combination that always leaves me feeling gross. Now I make sure to pack favorites like clementines, bananas, dried mango and roasted chickpeas.

If Possible, Stay Somewhere with a Kitchen

I clearly love Airbnb for many reasons (exhibit A and B) but one of the main benefits of choosing an apartment or condo over a hotel is having access to a kitchen. Dining out is one of my biggest thrills in life, but if I do it too much I begin to feel worn down and lethargic. Being able to cook my own meals is imperative for balancing out indulgent meals with clean, nutrient-rich options while on vacation.

Use MindBody to Find Local Workouts

If I go too long without a decent workout, my back starts to ache and my body gets so stiff and tight. AND it’s just that much harder to get back into the grove when we return home. I use the MindBody app to find low-intensity workouts like yoga or pilates to keep me active while away, as well as swim and take long walks.

Balance Alcohol with Water

Easier said than done, and I have major room for improvement on this while away and at home, but it really makes such a big difference! No one likes spending a day of their trip in bed with a hangover and it is a big strain on your body. By staying hydrated, you reduce that risk and reenergize your body so you can party longer!

Check your Mindset

Being on vacation and outside of your normal routine naturally creates an indulgent mindset, and that’s okay! At home, I would never eat two chocolate chip cookies for breakfast, and I know that, so I gave myself grace when I slipped up in Florida. Recognize that realistically you won’t (and probably shouldn’t!) be 100% on your health game while you’re vacationing.

Reformation dress | Abercrombie turtleneck | Zara boots (similar)

ASOS dress | Zara heels | Brixton hat | Vintage coat| Sezane bag | FIRKIN (fake as hell Birkin)

It’s a doubleheader, folks! I know it is incredibly tardy, but I want to share my trip to Europe, if only for my own sake of revisiting the memories down the line. London in particular far surpassed my expectations. We found better flights to Europe by going to London first, so when I was planning, the city was really more of a launching pad to Paris. However, we had an absolutely unforgettable time during our short 3-day stay. To be quite honest, we didn’t really do that much aside from eat and drink. But that is the best part about traveling, no? Here are some of the highlights of the trip!

1. Of course, the number one memory from the trip is that Rob and I got engaged! I am going to save the story for another day, but it was so magic!
2. I mentioned before that we were staying at The Hoxton Shoreditch, and I am so glad we did. The space was so hip, the service was great, and the location was walking distance to so many cool shops and eateries.
3. After some plans got canceled on the first night, we stumbled upon a little restaurant called The Merchants Tavern and spent hours chatting with the bartender, eating cheese and olives, and trying new cocktails.
4. At the end of that night, we headed back to The Hox to end the night, and as we were walking up, I asked someone for a cigarette (terrible for health, fantastic for starting conversations). We ended up making a slew of new English friends! We finished out the night at their table learning about lives, comparing cultural vernaculars, and complaining about the political idiocracies going on in each of our countries.
5. The next day we were admittedly hungover and jetlagged, so we ordered room service (3 meals for 2, if I’m being honest) and lounged in the hotel room for a few hours. That’s what vacation is all about, right?
6. When we finally dragged ourselves out of bed, we went to the Victoria & Albert Museum. While most people ogled the art, I was drooling over the sheer mass of marble that filled the entire building! It was breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting the V&A if you ever get the chance.
7. That evening, we headed to sketch., the ever Instagrammed restaurant that is what girly girl dreams are made of. The food was good, but no one goes for the food. It’s the experience that attracts the crowd! Every detail is thought out, from the David Shrigley art adorning the walls, to the 60’s inspired uniforms that all the girls wore. I couldn’t get over how stylized everything was!
8. On the third day, we had tickets to see Book of Mormon, a musical comedy about two Mormon missionaries who travel to Africa. It was equal parts disturbing and hilarious — we were crying tears of laughter. But be warned, this is not the musical for the light of heart.
9. That night, we found a late night pub to drink local beer and eat a traditional English bar meal of fish and chips. Not the most exciting highlight, but it was a truly exceptional meal!
10. It snowed! On our final morning, we woke up to a fresh blanket of freshly fallen snow. Could you ask for a dreamier departure?