Wellness on the Road: 5 Simple Ways to Feel Your Best While Travelling
Whether travelling for work, pleasure, or anything in between, it can be hard to look after yourself whilst away from home.
New places, new time zones, new routines – all can disrupt one’s natural rhythm. That is why it is so important to take time to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
For the past 3 years, I’ve been working with Fairmont Waterfront to help deliver its signature Wellness Without Walls offerings – bringing to life experiences beyond traditional spa walls that give guests an authentic experience of the Pacific Northwest.
Working with the team here to deliver In-Room Wellness has been a hugely exciting next step in that journey. A new in-room dining menu with a strong focus on nutrient-rich dishes, complimentary access to yoga and athletic apparel and equipment, and at the heart of it, access for all guests to the tools and practices they need to rest and recover through our new six-part wellness video series.
It is a real pleasure for me to be able to share my experience and guidance with Fairmont Waterfront’s guests and so I wanted to share with you my top tips and learnings for wellness on the road.
1. Sleep
A good night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in health. This is our body’s chance to maintain, repair and regulate. From lowering blood pressure to producing infection-fighting proteins, quality sleep matters.
But when you sleep in a new or unfamiliar setting, new sounds, unfamiliar air and even our evolutionary defence mechanisms collide to disrupt this.
So, skip the late-night binge-watching or nightcap for a mug of Waterfront Tea – a herbal blend exclusive to Fairmont – and settle in with our deep relaxation sound bath or restorative flow videos. Let the sounds of crystal bowls and their resonant tones wash over you and give yourself time to quiet the mind or take part in a somatic meditation designed to unwind the nervous system.
2. Movement
Travel, whether flying, driving, or spending long days in meetings, often means far more time sitting than our bodies are used to. It’s no surprise that many of us arrive feeling stiff.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when travelling is thinking that movement needs to be long or intensive to be worthwhile.
Stretching for just a few minutes first thing in the morning can help improve circulation, release tension, and provide an opportunity to reconnect with your body before the day begins – and your body will thank you for it.
That is exactly why we created two different morning practices for In-Room Wellness. Whether you choose the Morning Energizing Flow or Morning Mobility Flow, both are designed to help you feel more grounded and start the day feeling refreshed and balanced.
3. Nourishment
When travelling, it is often tempting to grab whatever is convenient, particularly after a long journey or a busy day of meetings. However, what we eat has a direct impact on our energy levels, mood and sleep quality.
Whole grains, seasonal produce, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of hydration all help support sustained energy while reducing the highs and lows that can come from processed or overly rich foods.
It is why I am particularly excited that our In-Room Wellness video series is being paired with the introduction of Waterfront Wellness dining selections. These dishes have been thoughtfully designed to celebrate nutrient-rich, plant-forward ingredients that our bodies crave.
4. Make Space To Pause
When we travel, we often focus so much on what we need to do that we forget to create moments simply to be.
A few conscious breaths before breakfast. Five minutes of meditation before a meeting. A moment of quiet reflection while watching the harbour from your room, or the mountains from the pool deck. These small pauses can have a remarkable effect on how we experience a day.
5. Wellness Is Not About Perfection
Wellbeing is never built through perfection, but instead through small acts of self-care
A mindful stretch after a flight. A nourishing meal. A few minutes of conscious breathing. An earlier night. A moment spent appreciating the natural beauty of Vancouver’s surroundings. Each can help transform how we feel.
Whether you are visiting Vancouver for business or leisure, my hope is that Fairmont Waterfront’s In-Room Wellness experience helps you create a little more balance, calm, and connection during your stay – and if you need any more help doing so please do join our twice weekly guided runs of Stanley Park or my morning yoga and stretching sessions (Wednesday mornings in the winter, Friday mornings in the summer), complimentary for all hotel guests.
About Tianne Allan
Tianne Allan – Fairmont Waterfront’s Wellness Expert – is a Wellness Facilitator, Yoga Therapist, and Sound Healer who has worked with organizations such as UBC Sauder School of Business, Lululemon, United Way BC, and WorkSafe BC. With over 20 years of expertise, her sessions cultivate clarity, balance, and well-being. Known for her calming presence and skillful guidance, Tianne creates spaces of stillness and care where participants can leave feeling rested, restored, and renewed.