The One Travel Habit That Made Family Holidays So Much Easier

Family holidays are never quite what the brochure suggests

Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than travelling with my family. The memories made on the road are always ones I look back on with fondness: the laughter, the adventures and the odd silly moment that turns into a story we share for years to come. But family travel also comes with its challenges: early starts, heavy luggage, keeping everyone fed and watered and finding time to enjoy the trip itself.

A few years ago, I realised that although I was being a good travel organiser for everyone else, I wasn’t really taking care of myself on the road. I would miss breakfast on the early flights, grab whatever I could find on the go, and by the evening feel like I’d been run over by a bus. This is when I started packing a few healthier options for the road, including grass fed whey protein, which has become one of my essential travel items. 

Whether I was mixing it into a post-morning walk smoothie or adding it to my overnight oats to keep me full for the day ahead, it was an easy way to stay on track with my protein intake without missing out on the adventure. Naked Nutrition’s best-selling range is all about simple, high-quality ingredients with minimal additives, which is exactly what I was after when choosing my travel nutrition.

It Started With One Hectic Airport Morning

I still cringe when thinking back to the holiday that started it all.

We had an early flight; one child couldn’t find their passport holder, another child decided they were hungry 5 minutes before we left, and somehow, I completely forgot to eat breakfast in the chaos. By the time we landed, I was grumpy and reaching for any sweet snack I could find to get me through the day. It was in that moment I realised that if I wanted to be the best version of myself on holiday, I needed to take better care of myself.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Now, before every holiday, I think beyond the clothes and toiletries. I think about the reusable water bottles, the healthy snacks for the long road trips, and the simple foods I can pack to keep me on track with my normal eating patterns. Having a reliable protein source has been a huge game-changer for me, especially when I know meals will be late or we’re spending all day sightseeing. I always have something I can easily prepare when we get back to our accommodation. It’s one less thing to think about and one more thing I can enjoy on my holiday.

Holidays Should Leave You Feeling Good

One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I always feel like I need another holiday after returning from a big trip. I think it’s because of all the late nights, rich food, and long walks I tend to do on them. I’m not suggesting holidays are the time to be ultra-healthy and count every calorie, but I do think it’s important to keep a few healthy habits to feel your best on the trip and when you get home. For me, that means staying hydrated, eating healthy when I can, and making sure I’m getting enough protein in my diet. Whey protein has been shown to have all 9 essential amino acids and is a great supplement to help support muscle growth when combined with an active lifestyle and healthy diet.

More Energy Means More Memories

The biggest surprise for me has been how much I’ve enjoyed my travels more with these small changes. When I’m not running out of energy by midday, I can enjoy more of the adventure with my family. I can go on that extra beach walk or spend more time exploring a new place with my kids. I’ve found that extra energy often leads to more memories, which is something I know I’ll look back on with fondness in years to come. Looking after myself doesn’t mean I miss out on the people I’m travelling with. If anything, it means I can be more present with them and enjoy every moment.

My Favourite Souvenirs Aren’t Things

When thinking back to our family holidays, I don’t think about the things we bought. I think about the things we did, like watching the kids collect shells at the beach or playing games after dinner. I think about getting lost on a walking tour and finding a cute little café or having a relaxed morning before the rest of the family wakes up. I think about the adventures we had and the memories we made. I think about how much I enjoyed spending time with my family.

Travel doesn’t mean I have to give up all my healthy habits. It means I find ways to make them work around my adventures and not the other way around. It means packing a few simple things to help me stay on track with my nutrition and hydration without missing out on the fun. It means that I can enjoy every moment of my family holiday without worrying about how I’m going to feel when I get home. If I return home with wonderful memories and I still feel like myself, then I know I’ve had a great holiday.

The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.

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