How to stay healthy on the go

A survey of UK employees conducted by hotel solutions provider HRS reveals that 60% of staff claim to enjoy having an overnight stay as part of a business trip, with a quarter reasoning that it’s simply a nice way to get away from commitments at home. A small percentage (6%) of those questioned use their free time on the road to socialise with colleagues, while 2.5% see their friends and 2.3% meet new people. Others go sightseeing (11%) and a conscientious 8% catch up on work.

Meanwhile, the research shows that some companies’ policies require employees to be almost three hours’ drive away in the UK, or more than two hours’ flight time in Europe, before a hotel room can be justified. This means that as well as the stress of attending meetings away from the office, travellers are expected to journey upwards of six hours a day along with their normal duties.

In addition to travel time, the top four cited reasons for staying away include practical considerations such as the time and nature of the meeting, journey itinerary and the importance of the client. When asked about their choice of hotel, 46% said proximity to the meeting location was a priority, followed by distance from the airport or train station (22%) and how close it was to the city centre (17%).

With the average business traveller being away from home for nearly 13 nights a year, it’s important to take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road. US-based corporate consultant Jayne McAllister suggests preparing ahead of trips by researching restaurants at the airport or your destination so you can plan healthier alternatives.

Foods to focus on include good fats such as nuts and oily fish, fibre and protein, which can be found in meat, poultry and eggs. Seek out snacks that provide these essentials and only eat when you’re hungry. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid coffee and carbonated beverages, as these put a strain on your kidneys and can lead to illness.