5 Healthy Ways To Spend Time At The Airport

5 Healthy Ways To Spend Your Airport Downtime

1. Learn a new skill

2. Read

3. Get a massage

4. Walk the terminals

5. Stretch or Yoga

Airport downtime is inevitable for any traveler. For a leisure traveler that only fly once a year the airport may be a novelty. You start the holiday early and treat yourself to a drink or happily spend an hour or two browsing the duty free and testing cologne or trying out make up samples. For holidaymakers the airport experience is just another part of your holiday experience and while it’s not the most exciting part, provided you don’t experience any significant delays or other disruptions it can be enjoyable.

For frequent business travelers airport downtime has different connotations. It’s not a once or twice a year event that signifies the beginning of a holiday, it is a consistent part of their work life. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. When you take away average times for getting through security and boarding the plane that leaves about 1-2 hours of airport downtime for passengers and that is not factoring in possible delays. If you are a frequent business traveler that travelers 3-4 times a month for work, you could potentially be spending 16 hours a month hanging around the airport. That’s over 800 hours a year!

We were curious about this downtime and how people spend it here at Sanctifly, so we asked a number of our frequent business traveler members how they spend their extra time at the airport. The overwhelming majority said, ‘I use the time to catch up on emails and get some work done’. Now, while their employers are probably delighted with this answer, we were wondering if that is really the best use of their time? When you go on a business trip it can be hard to switch off and tie away from work is vital for productivity, employee well-being and to avoid employee burnout. It is beneficial for the employer and the traveling employee to take time off whenever it is available, and I believe taking advantage of airport downtime for wellness and self-care is a great opportunity!

Here are 5 healthy ways you can kill time at the airport, without working or catching up on emails and without mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours.

1. Learn a language or learn another new skill

Airport downtime is a great opportunity to take some time to learn something new. Learning a new skill will help keep your brain sharp and focused and some studies have even showed benefits for memory loss. If you are heading to a different country where they speak a different language learning some basic greetings and other phrases can be very beneficial, not only for your brain but it will help you make a great impression in your business meeting. Being able to say ‘Hello, how are you? It’s nice to meet you’ in the language of the land will show you put a real effort into preparing for this meeting. So, the next time you are heading on a business trip pick up a phrase book and start learning! Or choose another skill to master, maybe you always wanted to learn how to draw, or journal or take and edit photos. The downtime you have at the airport is the perfect chance to learn something new.

2. Use the time to read

I absolutely adore reading, but as a busy professional with as many obligations outside of work as in, reading often gets pushed down the priority list. While sitting down with a cup of tea and a good book is a pretty standard part of my Sunday routine, during all other parts of the week I find it very hard to find the time. Airport downtime (and business trip downtime, if you find yourself with any) can be a time to catch up on reading. If you dedicate yourself to avoiding work during your airport downtime, there is literally nothing else to distract you while you are waiting for your flight. Except of course the hustle and bustle of the airport, but a good pair of noise cancelling headphones will solve that. Make sure you have a book that you are excited to read in your bag and dedicate your airport downtime to reading.

3. Get a massage

What better way to relieve the stress of traveling and continue on your journey feeling relaxed and energized than by treating yourself to a massage. Many larger airports have airport spas in the terminal, Be Relax and XpresSpa are two of the larger chains that offer airport spa services all over the world. Often, airport spas will cater their offering to your needs so even if you only have 15 minutes to spare you can still get a massage. Make your airport downtime an enjoyable experience by heading to the spa and integrating some self-care into your travel routine.

4. Walk the terminals

Staying sedentary, meaning that you are taking part in activities that require very low energy expenditure, i.e. sitting, can have some real negative effects on your health. Of course, if you live a sedentary lifestyle, meaning even outside your travel days you do not do much physical activity, it can affect your obesity levels and lead to a number of chronic health effects. But did you know that extended periods of inactivity and sedentary behaviour can reduce metabolism and impair the body's ability to control blood sugar levels and regulate blood pressure? Being at the airport is synonymous with sitting and waiting and not moving very much at all. If you travel frequently you need to be aware of the health risks that you are imposing on your body by sitting around the airport. And the solution is so simple! Walk the terminals. Airports are often vast and almost empty spaces. While they may seem busy and chaotic around the food court and the duty free, in larger airport there are often lots of distant and empty gates that you can walk to. Airports often have really amazing art installations dotted throughout them so why not make it a point on your next trip to take a walk and look at the art?

5. Stretch & yoga

As mentioned above moving your body and doing some sort of physical activity is really important. If you don’t want to aimlessly walk the terminals another option could be to find a quiet space, perhaps one of those empty gates or check and see if the airport you are in has a dedicated yoga room and do some stretching or yoga. Sanctifly members get access to a series of travel wellness videos including airport friendly workout routines, yoga routines to help energize you or to help you relax your body so that you can sleep on the plane. Your airport downtime is a great opportunity to take care of your body and improve your health through some gentle exercise. For more information on the benefits of becoming a Sanctifly member click here.

When you change the way you view your airport downtime and take the time to do something good for you it will have lasting benefits on your health, your productivity and your mental well-being. Next time you have a business trip treat that time at the airport as personal time and use it to your benefit.

Interested in becoming a Sanctifly member? Join today and get access to 2500+ wellness locations at over 130 international airports including access to airport executive lounges, airport gyms, pools and spas. Make the most of your airport downtime and make healthy choices on your next trip. View our different membership types.

4 Benefits Of Business Travel For The Business Traveler

Business Travel is great for business. Can it be good for the traveling employee too?

4 reasons business travel can be great for employees

1. Face-to-face meetings are more effective

2. Experience different cultures

3. Learn new skills

4. Build confidence

Last year, a lot of research came out about the negative effects of business travel. It’s not all that surprising, we have been talking about the negative impact of business travel on traveling employees’ health and well-being for years. But it can get a bit disheartening when you start reading all the stats and quite scary from a business point of view when you consider the real cost on employee productivity and loss. And while we try to provide positive, proactive tips for combating the negative effects, looking back over the last year it’s all been very doom and gloom.

There is one quote that we at Sanctifly constantly find ourselves referring to: Business travel is not bad; it is our travel habits that are bad. Business travel is great for business and necessary. Executives and traveling employees believe that 8% of business would be lost if business travel was ceased. And business travels can benefit greatly from business travel. On average US executives state that the return of business travel is between $10 and $14.99 for every dollar invested.

So that’s a pretty good argument for the businesses point of view, and it seems that businesses do not need to be convinced on the benefits of business travel. Business travel spend has grown year on year and is projected to reach $1.6 trillion in 2020. But are there any benefits for the business traveler? Yes, but only if travel wellness is made a priority. Here are some reasons business travel can be great for you, as a traveling employee.

1. Face to face meetings are more effective

In today’s high-tech world, it may seem like face to face meetings are becoming less and less relevant. As video conferencing and collaboration tools become more powerful and every company communicates online through email or messaging apps such as Slack you may wonder if there is really any need to hop on that plane and meet your customers or prospects in person? The answer is yes, after all business is conducted with people, not machines, and fostering and maintaining relationships is a vital part of the process. According to a report published by the Harvard Business Review a face to face request is 34 times more likely to succeed than an email request and 95% of people say that face to face meetings are essential for established long term business relationships. You can get more deals made and create longer lasting and stronger business relationships when you meet face-to-face.

2. Experience new cultures and different ways of working

Travel is a fantastic tool for broadening your mind and expanding your knowledge. When you travel for business you get the chance to experience new places, new cultures and different ways of working, all of which will help you build a more well-rounded world view. Interacting with and experiencing different cultures will also help to foster creativity, which you can then bring to your job. Research shows that business travel cultivated creativity and productivity, two traits which will help you get noticed at your job.

3. Learn and hone new skills

As much as I am trying to focus in the positives, there is no denying that business travel can be stressful. Things wont always go smoothly and sometimes you will need to think on your feet and take initiative to salvage a situation. While this can take a toll on your stress levels it can also be a great learning opportunity and help you to hone vital soft skills. Being able to handle stressful situations and make on the spot decisions is a valuable skill to any business and will help you stand out among your colleagues. Business travel also affords you great networking opportunities to help broaden your network and progress your career and bring bigger and better deals to your boss.

4. Build confidence

One of the most valuable benefits of travel is that it puts you out of your comfort zone and helps to build your confidence. We are all guilty of getting too comfortable in a situation whether that be in our personal lives or professional lives. The commute to the office becomes automatic, our everyday tasks do not challenge us, and we eat lunch at the same spot with the same people every day. Travel plucks you out of that routine and challenges you to adapt to a whole new environment. Navigating a new city successfully, understanding and acknowledging cultural differences and successfully building a business relationship or closing a deal will give you a huge confidence boost and help you navigate unfamiliar and challenging situations in the future.

There are lots of benefits to business travel, it can be a great perk to your job. However, if you don’t make your health and well-being a priority while on the road the negative effects of business travel will easily outweigh the positive. Make your health a priority with a Sanctifly membership. Get access to thousands of healthy airport activities all over the world so that you can make the most of your travel downtime and stick to your healthy routine while on the road. Freshen up with a shower at an airport lounge ahead of a long flight home or hit the gym at the airport hotel to help de-stress before continuing on your journey. Get access to all the healthy options when you are a member of Sanctifly. No matter how often you travel, we have a membership plan for you. Get in touch today an let’s discuss your healthy travel routine for 2020. Corporate packages are also available. Travel Well this year with a Sanctifly membership and make sure you experience only the positive effects of business travel.

The Surprising Effects of Business vs Leisure Travel

Do you care about your health and well-being? Here’s what business and leisure travel can do to you.  

While travel certainly may benefit your professional status or even be essential in getting you to your next vacation, often it has significant downsides. Even more so, the downsides are related directly to what people are working on optimizing: personal health and wellness. 

Recently reported in a survey conducted by YouGov, 20% of business travelers say business travel is bad for employees. While we’ve already compiled a list to work on improving company travel culture, what about personal relationships? Studies have shown that interpersonal stress can be a huge downside to business travel. Spouses and children have to pay the price. 

On top of that, both leisure and business travel have negative effects on weight management. Often we are drinking and eating more while exercising less, regardless of what kind of travel experience we may be embarking on.

It’s worth noting, that while there are certainly negative impacts of either type of travel, leisure travel has a redeeming factor. Leisure or vacation travel provides a unique balm to our frenzied schedules. On vacation we slow down, sleep more and are even nicer. All of this adds up to a reduction in stress, overall a huge win for our total health and well-being. 

Check out the full infographic below from Reservations.com, The Surprising Effects of Business vs Leisure Travel on Your Health and Well-Being. They’ve illustrated how travel takes a toll on us and even given the magic number of vacation days required to reduce stress.  

Sources available at: https://www.reservations.com/blog/resources/business-vs-leisure-travel/

One of the best ways to reduce travel stress is by making the most of your airport downtime and doing something good for your body and mind. Sanctifly is the leading travel wellness club, providing frequent business travelers with access to airport hotel gyms, pools an spas without booking a room as well as special rates on airport lounges and spas. Take back you travel downtime with a Sanctifly membership today.

7 tips to sleep well while traveling

7 tips to help you to sleep better while traveling

1. Manage jet lag

2. Create a sleep travel kit

3. Get some exercise

4. Avoid screen time before bed

5. Create a bedtime routine

6. Avoid stimulants

7. Get sleep where and when you can

Sleep is one of the most important processes we go through, it is a chance for our bodies to rest, recover and restore after the day. And it is as important for our mental health as it is for our physical health. According to the National Sleep Foundation sleep also plays a vital role in strengthening and defining our memories. We take in so much information during the day and our brains take the time while we are sleeping to process and store this information. A good night’s sleep is important for staying sharp and focused, both of which are incredibly important if you are about to head into that big sales meeting or meeting a potential client for the first time. Business travelers need to get a good night’s sleep but studies show that this is not the case. According to a global study commissioned by IHG in 2019, 80% of frequent travelers have trouble sleeping when they are away from home and business travelers lose on average 58 minutes of sleep each night! While juggling time zones, early and late flight times and disrupted routines may be inevitable for frequent travelers there are some things every traveler can do to improve their sleep routine. Here are some tips to help you sleep better while traveling.

1. Manage jet lag

Jet lag is a caused by disruption to our circadian rhythm (a 24-hour internal clock that allows your body and brain to cycle between periods of alertness and sleepiness). Travelers experience jet lag when moving between time zones and our circadian rhythm falls out of sync with the world around us. We feel sleepy in the middle of the day and can’t sleep at night leaving us tired and cranky when we need to be focused. Every experienced traveler has their own jet lag fighting tips and tricks, but we at Sanctifly are a fan of following the science. We all use the Timeshifter app to manage our jet lag while traveling. Timeshifter helps you create a personalized jet lag plan so that you can arrive at your best and adjust to new time zones 3 times faster. Sanctifly members can use a Sanctifly pass to get a 12 month membership to Timeshifter. Download the app and check it out!

2. Create a personal sleep kit

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a huge difference, especially when it comes to sleep. Create a sleep kit that is on hand to throw into your luggage and add it to your packing list. A sleep kit will be personal to you, whatever you feel will help you to sleep better while on the road. I include some lavender spray, a sleep mask, ear plugs and some natural sleep aids. Here’s a good tip I recently picked up, start sleeping at home with an eye mask (even if you don’t really need it). By creating this habit, you are signalling to your brain that putting on an eye mask means sleep. When you put in the eye mask while on the road, your body will instinctively start to get ready for sleep.

3. Get some exercise

Countless studies have shown that exercise improves sleep quality and sleep duration. Tiring out your body with exercise not only makes it easier for you to relax, exercise is also a great way to relieve stress. Stress is a common cause of sleep problems and traveling for work can be very stressful. Even just 10 minutes of exercise can have great, lasting effects on both your physical and mental health so make sure you schedule in some exercise time on your next business trip.

4. Avoid screen time before bed

Blue light, which is produced by computer and phone screens mimics daylight and tricks our bodies into reducing the production of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone we produce in order to make us sleepy and is suppressed during the daytime. When we look at screens just before bed the blue light signals daytime to our brains and bodies and we find it much more difficult to fall asleep. The best way to avoid this happening is to avoid looking at screens before bed. Create a pre sleep routine that does not include looking at your phone and stick to it! Also, add a blue light filter to your phone just in case you slip!

5. Create a routine

Following on from the previous point, creating a bedtime routine will do wonders for regulating your sleep while traveling. Again, it is all about sending signals to the body and the mind to let them know that it is time for sleep. If you do the same things for the hour before your go to bed every day, for example you may brush your teeth, do a skin care routine, read for 30 minutes or whatever else you like to do and then take that routine with you while you travel. Your body will automatically start getting ready for sleep as you go through your routine and you will find it much easier to sleep when you are away from home.

6. Avoid stimulants

This point pretty much goes without saying, stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine make your body alert and awake and make falling asleep much more difficult. The next time you are on a business trip and you want to get a drink opt for a herbal tea instead of alcohol or a coffee. Of course, there will be a time when you fancy a drink, don’t worry we have all been there! Check out this video by Sara Quiriconi, travel wellness expert for Sanctifly on how to have your drink but stay healthy too.

7. Get sleep where you can and when you can

A disrupted and disjointed routine comes with the territory when you are a frequent traveler. Flights leaving at odd hours, time spent waiting in the airport and different time zones do not lend well to a consistent routine. The best way to ensure you get enough sleep is to sleep wherever and whenever you can. Many airport lounges offer sleep rooms for rent and some airports are even beginning to offer sleep pods in the terminal. You can click the ‘Sleep’ option in the Sanctifly app to find all the sleep options available at your preferred airport.

Sleep is so important for a healthy and happy life. Even when things are stressful a good night’s sleep can do wonders to relieve stress and give you a new perspective on a situation. You can sleep and travel better with a Sanctifly membership. We have membership plans for every type of traveler, whether you only travel a few times a year or you travel every week. Download the Sanctifly app today and browse through 2500+ wellness focused locations available at 130+ international airports.

For more great tips on how to sleep better and how to fall asleep faster, check out this article from Sleepreport.

Sanctifly pass price increase

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The price for a Sanctifly pass will increase from $25 to $29 on February 14th. Here are some frequently asked questions:

What is a Sanctifly pass?

A Sanctifly pass gives a Sanctifly member access to any of our 2500 paid wellness locations all over the world. Sanctifly members purchase passes in the Sanctifly app which are then stored in their account. Members can then book into any of our wellness locations in the app and exchange a pass for a unique access code. This code gives them access to the locations and helps build a healthy travel routine.

Why is the price increasing?

Here at Sanctifly, we pride ourselves on providing access to the best wellness facilities at the best prices. We went through some big changes in the last year with the release of the new app, the addition of thousands of new wellness locations and the creation of hours of travel wellness content. In order to continue to bring you the best possible service and continue to grow we have decided to increase the price of Sanctifly passes. However we are confident even at $29 per pass we are still providing our members with the best offer on the market.

When will it happen?

On February 14th at 00:01 GMT the price of a Sanctifly pass will increase from $25 to $29. This price increase will affect all future pass purchases from that date.

Will is affect passes I have in my account?

No, any passes you have in your account will not be affected by this price increase. Those passes will still be valid to access any of our wellness locations. All passes are valid for use as long as you are a premium member. Any unused passes at the end of the annual membership term will be frozen and only made available upon payment of the membership fee.

Will this affect the price of my membership?

No, the price of Sanctifly memberships will not be increasing. The number of passes included in each membership type will also stay the same. You can find out more about the different membership types here.

Can I stock up on passes before the price increase?

Yes! Purchase passes before February 14th and you will only pay $25. These passes will stay in your account and can be used for any upcoming trips. Or, if you want an even better deal you can upgrade your membership. If you upgrade to Sanctifly Gold you will get 30 passes at only $16.50 each!

If you have any questions about the price increase please email our support line on hello@sanctifly.club.

Travel Well,

Team Sanctifly

5 tips for plastic free travel

5 Tips for making your business trip plastic free

Sustainability, climate change and reducing single use plastics were hot tops in 2019 and I am sure they will stay at the forefront of everyone’s minds in 2020 and beyond. Air travel and sustainable eco practices are not two things that go hand in hand easily, the huge carbon impact of airplanes is an unavoidable fact. However, air travel is important, especially for business. In the modern age, thanks to the internet and communication technology, it has never been easier to run a global business. However, in order to grow and maintain that business face to face meetings are extremely important. According to a study by Forbes, 85% of people believe that they build stronger and more meaningful business relationships during in person meetings. According to all reports global business travel is here to stay and as travelers it is our responsibility to make changes in our travel routine and work towards a more sustainable travel industry. Airports, hotel chains and many other travel related businesses are also becoming aware of the need for change and are taking actionable steps to reducing the environmental impact of their industries. Here are 5 useful tips for keeping single use plastics out of your travel routine. If you have any more tips, please let me know!  

1.       Pack a reusable water bottle & coffee cup

Dumping your liquids (or avoiding having liquids altogether) is top of the to do list for frequent travelers that want to get through security quickly and simply. In the past, in order to stay properly hydrated, which is so important when facing the dry air of an airplane, this often meant purchasing a water bottle once you were past security. These bottles are a huge source of plastic waste and airports and travelers are taking notice. Refillable water stations post security are now the norm in all major airports with more and more being added to accommodate eco-conscious travelers. Here is a great resource for finding refillable water stations at airports. A reusable water bottle should be in your bag whether you are traveling or not, not only is it good for the environment and will help you avoid single use plastics, it will also be a helpful reminder to drink more water! I have also found that having a bottle of water in my bag discourages me from ordering other, more unhealthy options such as fizzy drinks or a glass of wine while eating, which has even further health benefits. Bottled water is not the only liquid we need to be conscious of while traveling. Early morning flights, long hours in the airport and challenging meetings often require caffeine. Disposable paper coffee cups can be hard to recycle due to the liquid proof interior lining which can be difficult and costly to process. A lot of café’s are making the move to compostable coffee cups but even then, they still create waste. Add a reusable coffee cup to your bag and avoid disposable coffee cups altogether.

2.       Pack your own snacks

Eating at the airport is almost an inevitability. Especially if you are going on a long-haul flight, between the time spent in the airport and the time spent on the plane you are most certainly going to be covering at least one, if not two mealtimes. And even if you are not going on a particularly long flight, airports are often boring and grabbing a snack or a bite to eat is a great way to pass some time. As a stickler for healthy travel habits I always encourage people to avoid the burger and beer and the airport bar and seek out a healthier option, however this does not always translate to plastic free. It is often much easier to get a plate of unhealthy, stodgy food served on an actual plate with actual cutlery. A plastic wrapped salad may be better for your gut but it’s not so great for the environment. Packing your own snacks for the airport and the plane is a great way to take control of your eating habits while traveling and stay plastic free. According to a survey by Amedeus unhealthy eating and lack of exercise were among the top causes of stress for business travelers. Do yourself a favour next time you are traveling for business and pack some healthy snacks to keep you full and hydrated while at the airport and avoid buying unnecessary plastic. Check out this blog post on the top filling and hydrating snacks, perfect for travel.

3.       Pack your own plastic free, travel friendly toiletries

Although we are starting to see a small change in the accommodation preference of business travelers especially with unique accommodation giant Airbnb setting their sights on the business travel market the overwhelming majority still opt for hotels when booking a business trip. 74% of business travelers prefer to stay in hotels over other accommodations and due to convenience, amenities and possible rewards associated with staying in hotels, this is not very surprising. One of the benefits of staying in a hotel, particularly a higher end one is that you don’t have to worry about bringing your own toiletries. I don’t know about you, but I hate bringing toiletries with me on the plane. The majority of business trips are approx. 2 days and checking in a bad is unnecessary, cumbersome and expensive, so toiletries need to be packed in the carry on. Not only do I have to go out of my way to buy travel sized toiletries I also have a constant worry about one of those little tubs bursting and covering my clothes in shampoo. Simply using the toiletries provided by the hotel was a convenient way of relieving that stress however as we become more conscious of the damage caused by single use plastics, the waste created by hotel toiletries cannot be ignored. Hotel chains are also recognising the need for change, which giants such as Marriott and IHG vowing to remove single use plastics from their hotels in 2020 and 2021 respectively. So, the hospitality industry is stepping up but as is the theme with all these tips, the individual traveler also needs to do their part. Create a plastic free, travel friendly toiletry kit to bring with you on your next business trip. Mine consists of a bar of soap, a shampoo bar and a conditioner bar (no more worrying about spillages!) and tucks neatly into my carry on. An alternative can be to purchase small bottles and decant your shampoo, conditioner and shower gels before your trip, however this option requires a little more effort on your part.

4.       Pack reusable cutlery

Plastic knives, forks and spoons are a huge environmental problem. Now I think we can all agree that getting plastic cutlery with our cheeky Friday night take out is wholly unnecessary and delivery giants such as Deliveroo are waking up to that fact making no plastic cutlery the default when you order through them, when it comes to travel it’s a bit more difficult to discount their usefulness. We are not at home, so we do not have a drawer full of forks to pull from, so plastic cutlery is the best option, right? Wrong! It is estimated that 40 billion plastic utensils are wasted in the US every year. Large airlines can use up to 85 million plastic utensils every year! That’s a lot of waste and though it may be more convenient to use a plastic fork while traveling, throw it away and not have to deal with the clean-up we need to change our attitudes in order to combat this problem. Airlines are taking steps to reduce their plastic cutlery waste by introducing innovative options such as biodegradable cutlery made from cereal starch, but we as travelers need to make changes too. Make a reusable cutlery set part of your packing list and avoid plastic waste on your next business trip. Here is a great option from Shell&Turtle. It has all the tools you could possibly need in a tidy travel case.

5.       Plan your meals

A business trip can take a lot of different forms. Sometimes its straightforward, one meeting in one place and sometimes you are running all over town from one meeting to the next. As employers try to get more return on their investment into business travel, the latter is becoming more and more common and that is not only creating more stress for traveling employees it also makes grabbing a pre-made sandwich or other snack, that are often wrapped in plastic, becomes the only viable option. We all have a responsibility to make a positive change when it comes to our plastic use but in order to create a sustainable change it needs to be realistic for our everyday life. Packing your own snacks for the airplane is easily done, however asking a busy business traveler to prepare and pack their own meals as they are running from one meeting to the next is unreasonable. The best balance I have found while traveling for work is to take a little bit of time to plan ahead as much as possible. A huge benefit of the public waking up to the plastic crisis is that more eateries are conscious of being plastic free and there is a whole lot more information out there on what businesses are making those positive changes. Taking the time to plan ahead, understanding where I will be for a particular meeting and at what time I will be eating and having a go to healthy spot nearby already saved in my phone has helped my to avoid the grab and go section of the store and avoid unnecessary plastic food wrapping. Not to mention the positive effect having a fully planned out day has had on my stress levels!

Top tip for employers

Do you have employees that travel frequently for work? Create a plastic free travel kit for your traveling employees complete with a metal water bottle, metal straw, reusable cutlery and anything else you feel would be helpful for your traveling executives.

Want to reduce the time you spend sitting around the airport and reduce the temptation to buy plastic? Get Sanctifly and spend your airport downtime doing something good for you physical and mental health. Head to a lounge and relax away from the chaos of the airport (most will have some sort of snack bar so you can avoid purchasing plastic wrapped sandwiches from the airport shop) or head to the airport spa and treat yourself to a pre-flight massage to relieve any travel stress. If you have a bit more time to spare before your flight or if you have a layover, why not head to a Sanctifly partner hotel and hit the gym or go for a swim to re energize before your next flight. As a Sanctifly member you can use any of our partner location facilities without having to book a room. Find our more about our membership benefits and our membership plans.

Welcoming Aerospa to Sanctifly

We are absolutely delighted to announce our partnership with Aerospa. Aerospa is an airport spa with 8 locations across the UK that offers an array of beauty and wellness services, catered to the time you have available at the airport. Whether you have only fifteen minutes to spare or some extra time to indulge, the staff at Aerospa will ensure you leave looking and feeling fabulous.

Aerospa is now a part of the Sanctifly location network and members can use a pass to get a discount on any of the Aerospa services.

Where can you find Aerospa?

Aerospa has 8 locations across the UK and all are now available on the Sanctifly app. Find Aerospa at the following locations:

• Newcastle Airport

• Edinburgh Airport

• Doubletree Hilton Edinburgh

• London City Airport

• Glasgow Airport

• Gatwick Airport

• Birmingham Airport

• Manchester Airport

What do they offer?

• Massage (Bamboo massage, relaxation massage and deep tissue massage)

• Nail care (manicures, pedicures, cuticle care and more)

• Beauty treatments (brow and lash treatments)

• Hydrating facials

Please note not all services are available at all locations. Please check the Aerospa website for more details.

Not a Sanctifly member? Join the Club!

Become a Sanctifly members and get access to 2500+ wellness locations at over 130 international airports. You can visit airport executive lounges, gyms, pools and spas all over the world when you are a Sanctifly member. Make the most of your airport downtime and make healthy choices on your next trip. Learn more about our different membership plans here.

Is business travel bad for your employees? Over 20% of employees say yes

According to a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of NexTravel, more than 20% of US business travelers surveyed report that business travel has a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Managing finances, maintaining personal relationships or missing important family events, lack of or poor-quality sleep and a decrease in productivity are just some of the factors that frequent business travel is having an impact on. There has been a lot of research into how business travel affects employees in the past few years and I’m sorry to say that the result are resoundingly negative. Combine this with the fact that face to face meetings are 34 times more likely to get favourable results, according to a research study conducted by the Harvard Business Review. So it seems that employers are pushing for more in person meetings and more business travel but falling short when it comes to looking after their employees’ well being. The opportunity to travel can be an inviting perk of any job however with more people researching company culture before taking a job, your company’s attitude to business travel and travel culture could be losing you valuable talent.

So that leads us to the question...

What can you do to improve you company’s travel culture and help attract and retain top talent?

At Sanctifly we talk with employers every day about their company culture and how they promote travel wellness among their traveling employees. Here are some of our top tips:

1. Help your employees to build a healthy resilience to frequent travel.

Frequent travel takes it toll on your health. Late nights, long flights, uncomfortable and unfamiliar surroundings all contribute to create unhealthy travel habits, removing us from our routine and normalises unhealthy behaviour. We drink more, sleep less and barely exercise and because we are away from home and outside of our normal routine, we justify it. Active steps need to be taken by employee and employer to help traveling executives counteract the negatives and build a healthy resilience to frequent travel. There are many things you can do to achieve this such as making wellness part of your travel policy, plan with your traveling employees so they know where they are going and what they should expect and help them to re frame their thinking around business travel and airport downtime. You can read about it in more detail here or, if you prefer to listen check out our webinar on ‘How to build a healthy resilience to frequent travel’ with Travel Wellness Expert, Sara Quiriconi.

2. Set realistic expectations

Time is always scarce when it comes to business travel. And it is understandable, everyone wants to get as much return on their investment as possible and unfortunately this can sometimes come at the expense of the traveling employee. According to the survey ‘22% of people say they feel they are being unproductive up to 50% of the time while on a business trip.’ Pressure from management to get things done combined with the feeling of being unproductive and not meeting expectations is extremely bad for your mental health. Setting clear and realistic expectations and setting out a plan for business trips can help alleviate stress for employees. Make it clear what they are expected to achieve, when they are expected to be contactable and what other work tasks they can realistically expect to get done while on the road. Talk through the plan with your employee and make sure you both sign off on it because sometime what may seem achievable from the office is just not feasible while on the road.

3. Prioritise physical and mental health

We always encourage employers to stress the importance of health and well being while on the road and help them to see airport downtime as a time to practice self-care. Workout, stretch, meditate or get a massage, if airport time is not considered work time and the employee is free to spend it as they wish, you can be sure they will arrive off that plane and into the meeting refreshed and energised. Sanctifly is the best option for employee travel wellness. Your employees can get access to airport lounges and spas and airport hotel gyms and pools without booking a room. For information on corporate rates contact us today.

4. Be proactive about jet lag and sleep deprivation

There are countless studies out there that prove lack of sleep leads to a reduction in productivity. We don’t even really need to read the studies; we have all had those days after a bad night’s sleep where we have been unproductive and probably a bit cranky. According to the survey ‘26% of people say business travel makes them feel exhausted’. Is it any wonder that so many also say they feel they are unproductive which traveling for business? Tiredness can have a greater negative effect on traveling employees than reducing productivity and effectiveness in meetings, it can also create negative connotations with business travel that can be difficult to change. Lack of sleep seriously affects our mood and overall happiness and if we associate a bad mood with traveling for work, we won’t be jumping with excitement at the prospect of our next business trip. By encouraging employees to look after their sleep schedule and take active steps to fight jet lag, you can help them to sleep better while on the road. Timeshifter is a create technological solution. Developed with sleep scientists the app helps you to create your own personalised jet lag plans. Sanctifly members can get a special rate on a Timeshifter membership as well as access to travel wellness content designed to help promote a healthy sleep schedule while on the road.

5. Ask your employees how their business travel experience can be improved

‘59% of those polled said ‘always, often and sometimes’ when asked how often they are ‘left unhappy with the experience of a business trip’. This is a worrying statistic as the majority of those surveyed travel for business multiple times a month. Business travel is clearly a large part of their working life and having a negative business travel experience will reflect negatively on their overall view of their job. Stress also plays a part here. As mentioned above, a stressful business trip experience can lead to bad connotations with travel and cause stress and anxiety when the next trip is looming. 16% of people have quit a job because of stress. Only your traveling employees can really know what will make them feel better about business travel so ask them. Conduct an in-house survey and really figure out what you can do to make your employees experience with business travel better.

 Business travel is an important activity for a lot of businesses but it should not come at the expense of your employees. And it doesn’t have to! Take these steps and help your traveling employees to Travel Well in 2020.

If you are looking for the best travel wellness solution for your traveling team then you need Sanctifly. Sanctifly is the number one global provider of wellness options ans activities in and around airports. Members get access to airport lounges and spas at a discounted rate and get access to airport hotel gyms and pools without booking a room. Help your team take back their airport downtime and start Traveling Well.

The Best Airports For Traveler Wellness

Travel and wellness don’t always go hand in hand. The airport is a stressful and chaotic place and for a long time that is just something frequent travelers had to put up with. However as we become more and more aware of the negative effects frequent travel has on us and the benefits of wellness activities, a shift in attitude is starting to occur. Airports are starting to recognize the wellness needs and wants of their traveling customers and are looking to build a new mindset around time spent at the airport, whether that is through fitness facilities, meditation rooms or other more innovative methods (check out what Frankfurt has to offer below!) At Sanctifly we recognize that airport downtime does not have to wasted and it certainly does not have to mean spending time at the bar. It’s great to see airports joining us in this new approach to travel downtime. Check out the best wellness options available at airports below.

Fitness

Incorporating fitness into your travel routine can be difficult. Although we always encourage travelers to fit in a workout whenever you can, even if you only have ten minutes at the gate, having the motivation to get up and stretch or do some squats is easier said than done. That’s why we love it when an airport gives it traveling passengers fitness options that can be accessed right from the terminal. These are our favourite fitness options at airports:

The TWA Hotel gym at JFK

The TWA Hotel is an amazing location by itself and the gym is something to behold. The facility is over 10,000 sq ft and is the largest hotel gym in the entire world! It boasts a full yoga studio, Peloton bikes, treadmills, weight equipment and so much more. The fitness center is within walking distance of the airport and can be accessed directly from Terminal 5 at JFK.

Sanctifly members get access to the TWA Fitness center and we send Sara, our travel wellness expert to check it out. Take a look at here video here. Find out more about the amazing benefits you get when you become a Sanctifly member here.

ROAM fitness at BWI

One of the few in airport gyms, ROAM Fitness at Baltimore Airport is an amazing facility. The gym is located after security next to gate D1. The perfect spot for a workout before or even after your flight to help you stay energized. The gym has lost of cardio and weights equipment for you to use and they even lend you workout clothes for free should you need it! That is some customer service! Of course you will need to rinse off the sweat you just worked up and ROAM fitness has you covered. You can reserve a shower for after your workout and continue on your journey feeling clean and refreshed. Day passes start at $25 and they have lots of other membership options available too. ROAM fitness at BWI are also part of the Sanctifly partner network and Sanctifly members can get access passes through the Sanctifly app.

CLE Health Walk

You don’t always have to hit the gym in order to add fitness to your travel routine. It is great when airports take an active interest in their traveling passengers physical health and provide easily accessible fitness options right in the airport. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport have done just that with their Start! Walking routes. The routes are available in all terminals and give passengers that are waiting for a flight or may be delayed a chance to get moving and get some exercise. CLE also has Health Tips related to diet and exercise posted throughout the terminals.

Stress relief

Airports and air travel are some of the most stressful experiences we go through. Even when traveling for pleasure the airport is a tiresome experience, with its large crowds and noisy atmosphere. Add to that the potential of your flight being delayed and it’s a recipe for stress. Airports are waking up to the fact that they need to take better care of their passengers’ wellbeing and are incorporating stress relief into the passenger experience. Here are some unique ways airports are helps travelers deal with stress.

The WAG brigade - Airport therapy animals at SFO

This almost sounds too good to be true… Your flight is delayed, you’re are getting more and more stressed and along comes a happy, cuddly dog to help melt your stress away. Well that’s exactly what could happen at San Francisco Airport thanks to the Wag Brigade. Trained by SF SPCA's Animal Assisted Interactions training program, these airport therapy dogs and pig (yes, you read that right, the Wag Brigade actually features a therapy pig named LiLou!) are used to the hustle and bustle of the airport and do wonders for stressed out passengers as they wait for their flight. Even just seeing them trotting along in the terminal is enough to put a smile on your face and relieve some of that inevitable airport stress.

Silent chairs at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt is one of the most progressive airports when it comes to passenger wellness, topping most lists as the best in the world for providing wellness amenities. It is not totally surprising that Frankfurt Airport has some unique facilities to help its stressed out passengers, one of which are the Silent Chairs. An airport can be a chaotic and noisy place and sometimes the thing you need most to destress is some peace and quiet. The Silent Chairs are dotted throughout the airport in both terminals are great spots for meditation. The chairs have soundproof glass panels on either side, with integrated speakers and earphone jack so you can enjoy your own music. The also come equipped with small tables, USB ports and power sockets if you need to get some work done.

Watch the fish at the indoor aquarium in Vancouver Airport

Vancouver airport is packed full of wildlife and one of the most peaceful ways to spend your airport downtime is to visit the 114,000-litre aquarium located in the International Terminal. Watching fish and other sea creatures is soothing and almost hypnotic to watch and can have incredible positive benefits for your mental health. The large aquarium at YVR is home to over 5,000 sea creatures and the small 1,800-litre aquarium is home to Pacific Sea Nettle Jellyfish. Except for the throngs of people, airports can often be lifeless places with very little space for nature, so it is great to see an airport incorporating local wildlife in such a unique way. Even if you don’t find fish particularly soothing, the bright and natural colours are at least a welcome change from the relative blandness and artificial light you often find in airports.

Many airports now feature yoga and meditation rooms for their passengers to use. Check out this blog post I wrote on the top 5 free yoga/meditation rooms at the airport.

Get outside

Airport Park in Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has the perfect place to get some fresh air and get close to nature thanks to its Airport Park. The ‘park’ is located after security and is open 24/7. The space has lots of comfortable seating, plant life and a terrace so you can get outside and breath in some fresh air. Relax and enjoy the space while listening to the pre-recorded birdsong and you will feel like you are a million miles away from the airport. The space also has energy generating stationary bikes so you can work up a sweat and charge your phone at the same time! You can also get outside at Schiphol by going to the Panorama Terrace where you can do a bit of plane spotting with an expansive view over the airport runways.

Sun terrace at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Get some fresh air and soak up some Texas rays at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The airport has an outdoor patio in the South Terminal that is accessible to passengers once they go past security. The area has lots of tables and chairs for you to sit and relax before your flight and you can even grab bite to eat at one of the food trucks stationed in the outdoor patio. There is also WI-Fi access and charging stations available, but I recommend taking a moment to put down your electronics and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Cultural gardens at Honolulu airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the best airports for outdoor space. The airport has several cultural gardens for passengers to enjoy. The gardens surround Terminal 2 and offer a peaceful oasis for travelers with various plant life, water features and sculptures throughout. There are three distinct areas, the Chinese Garden with a bright red pavilion for travelers to sit and rest, the Japanese Garden with its zigzag bridge and colorful carp swimming in the ponds and the Hawaiian Garden with its quiet lagoons and Luau torches linking the paths. An amazing resource for anyone traveling through Honolulu and a great way to experience different cultural influence through natural design.

Runs/walks in the Sanctifly app

There are some airport specific outdoor areas listed above but there are so many more options if you are willing to leave the airport and go a little further afield. At Sanctifly we have gathered information on walking and running routes within 5 miles of all major international airports, and we are adding more and more every week! You can find all this information by downloading the Sanctifly app, creating a free account and exploring the run/walk section.

And if you would like to become a member and get access to all of our locations, including airport lounges, gyms, pools and spas all over the world you can get your Sanctifly membership here.

5 tips to help avoid travel stress

Travel can be stressful. Even when traveling for leisure the airport portion of the trip sends most people into a spiral. Add to that the pressure associated with frequent business travel, pressure from your boss, keeping up with work and communications, late night flights and little to no relaxation time and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a stressful and unpleasant experience.

Avoid travel stress by following adding these 5 easy tips to your travel routine.

Tip #1 Plan ahead

Being prepared and anticipating what you will have to deal with during your travels is one of the easiest ways to reduce and avoid stress. Your travel routine should start the night before to ensure you are not rushing or feeling unprepared. Step 1: Pack your bag the night before. Have a go to packing list that you can manually check when packing your bag so you can make absolutely sure you don’t forget anything important. Step 2: Plan how you are getting to the airports (and add a little extra time). Missing or being late for a flight is a huge cause of travel stress especially for business travelers. There can be a lot riding on making that meeting, not to mention the amount of money your employer is spending to get you there. Missing a flight because you are unprepared is just not a option. Remove this stress by organizing your transport to the airport in advance, knowing exactly where you are going to park and giving yourself some extra time in case of delays.

Tip #2 Learn about the airport and/or city you are traveling to

According to a survey conducted by Booking.com,  21% of business travelers cite unfamiliar surroundings as a cause of travel stress. Having to navigate a place that you have no experience of can be incredibly stressful and even more so when you have tight deadlines to keep. Heading straight to a meeting from the airport is a common occurrence among business travelers. Odds are you know your local airport like the back of your hand but one of the best ways to help reduce and avoid stress is by taking the time to get to know the airport and even the city you are traveling to. Take advantage of technology and use it to help you familiarize yourself with the airport or the city you are traveling to. Information on amenities, parking, maps and much more can often be found on the airport website and nowadays most airports will have an app that you can download. You could also download FLIO, the global airport app, where you can find maps and information on over 3000 airports as well as get some great discounts. Search YouTube for airport tours and travel vlogs of the city for some great inside tips and knowledge.

Tip #3 Pack a power bank

Your mobile phone is not only your primary source of communication, its your source of information and directions when trying to navigate a new place. Getting off the plane and realising your phone is about to die right when you need to find the address of your hotel or the number of your contact is incredibly stressful and something that is easily avoidable. You will no doubt have a regular charger in your carry on and finding an outlet or a workstation in the airport is an option. The problem is these are much more common when you are waiting to board a flight and can be difficult and awkward to find landside. Bring a power bank on the plane with you to alleviate that stress. Charge your phone while your flying to your destination and give yourself one less thing to worry about when you land. As an added precaution, in case you find yourself completely without technology for any reason, you should print out a document with important information such as flight times, accommodation addresses and phone numbers and keep it in your bag just in case. Packing a portable external charger in your carry on is one of my favourite pre flight wellness tips. You can find more wellness tips in this blog post.

Tip #4 Stick to your routine (as much as you can)

Travel has serious effects on our mental and physical health because it takes us out of our routine. Routines help our bodies to cope with everyday life because they have an idea of what to expect. People with consistent routine have lower stress levels, better sleep patterns and over all better health. But building a healthy travel routine is easier said than done. Even for those of us that travel frequently it can be difficult to develop a routine. Varying flight times, different airports and longer or shorter airport downtime can all combine to disrupt our healthy routine. 54% of business travelers say that they are less likely to exercise on a work trip than at home. Everyone’s travel routine will be different, and you may need to experiment in order to find out what works best for your wellness. Perhaps you need to arrive to the airport a little earlier, so you have time to stretch before your flight. Perhaps you need to make it a point to go out for a walk and get some fresh air as soon as you get to a new city. Whatever you need to stay healthy and well, try to build a travel routine that helps you and stick to it.

Tip #5 Meditate

One of the most effective ways for reducing stress is meditation. Meditation helps give you a sense of calm and helps you to gain a new perspective on a stressful situation. There are many different ways to meditate and as with most wellness practices you will need to find the way that is best suited to your needs and situation. There is so much meditation content and tutorials online that it can be a bit overwhelming for a beginner. I suggest following one of the guided meditation available in the Sanctifly app. Find a quiet spot in the airport (unused gates are a great option), plug in your head phones and let all your stress melt away.

Read some first hand accounts about the impacts of meditation here.

Interested in becoming a Sanctifly member? Join today and get access to 2500+ wellness locations at over 130 international airports including access to airport executive lounges, airport gyms, pools and spas. Make the most of your airport downtime and make healthy choices on your next trip. View our different membership types.

How to avoid getting sick while traveling - 6 essentials to pack

It’s getting to that time of the year again… Flu season. ☹ We all dread getting on that flight and hearing the coughing from a few rows back. Now, it’s not all bad, according to a study released in 2018 the chances of catching a cold from someone on a airplane are actually pretty low, unless you are unfortunate enough to be sitting right next to them. Not that that means there is no risk. Being in a confined space with lots of people and the minimal cleaning the airplane seats and tables get between flights is the perfect cocktail for getting sick. Unfortunately, being around lots of people is unavoidable when you are a frequent traveler but that doesn’t mean you have to get sick.

Here are the essentials you need to pack to avoid getting sick on your next business trip.

Hand sanitizer & disinfectant wipes

Millions of people travel through airports and on airplanes every day. That means lots of germs, on the things you touch, the places you sit and, for those of us dealing with long layovers the place you rest your head. We encounter germs everywhere but around this time of year when the weather is changing and more people are getting sick and our immune systems are fighting off more than usual, avoiding germs is essential if you don’t want to get sick. There are some ways you can help counteract the germs you may encounter while traveling. Pack a travel sized hand sanitizer in your luggage and don’t forget to use it. And I also ALWAYS pack some disinfectant wipes in my carry-on bag and wipe down my airplane seat and tray table before getting settled.

Water bottle – stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is extremely important if you want to avoid getting sick while traveling because it helps to keep your whole body operating at its best. Hydration should be a part of your daily health routine no matter what the season and especially when traveling. To help counteract the stress travel puts on our bodies you need to drink plenty of fluids, and I mean water not coffee! Studies have shown that staying hydrated helps boost your immune system and better fight infection. Check out this blog post on the best 15 hydrating and filling snacks to bring to the airport. (https://www.sanctifly.club/sblog/15-healthy-snacks-perfect-for-traveling)

Vitamin C tablets

As someone who automatically buys a carton of orange juice whenever I feel slightly run down (and believe me it works!) its no wonder vitamin C tablets are in my healthy travel kit. Vitamin C is one of the best supplements to help boost your immune system and prevent illness. It helps your white blood cells to function more efficiently and effectively protect your body against infections. There are lots of ways you can get some extra vitamin C in your diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables being rich sources. But it’s just not always feasible to get a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice at the airport or on the plane so vitamin C tablets are a great alternative. And you don’t have to worry about going over your liquid allowance!

Probiotics

Our bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad and we need that good bacteria to help keep us healthy. Good gut bacteria helps to regulate and protect our digestive system, something that is prone to discomfort and upset when traveling. Probiotics are live bacteria that do just that. They help keep your gut healthy which is extremely beneficial to your overall health and well-being. It is advisable to start taking probiotics at least one week before your trip and continue to take them for up to one week afterwards in order to get the full benefits.

Sleep aid

A good sleep will cure anything. While not completely true there is some truth to this old idiom. Sleep is how our body recovers, repairs and strengthens itself, all of which help you to avoid getting sick. Unfortunately travel and restful sleep just don’t often go together. Whether you are jumping between time zones and battling jet lag, catching an overnight flight or trying to survive a long layover getting some quality sleep while traveling is really difficult. Sleep aids are sometimes a necessity in order to maintain a decent sleep schedule while traveling. Instasleep Mint Melts (https://instasleep.us/) are a favourite travel essential for the team here at Sanctifly. They are a drug free sleep aid that tastes great and an easy addition to your carry-on bag.

Sanctifly

The ultimate travel survival essential – a Sanctifly membership (https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-types) 😊. Of course I am going to be a little bit bias here but a Sanctifly membership can really help you to avoid getting sick while traveling. As a Sanctifly member you get exclusive access to airport hotel gyms, pools and spas all over the world without the expense of booking a room. Remember mental health is as important as physical health when it comes to avoiding getting sick and maintaining a healthy exercise routine while on the road is of huge benefit. You can also get access over 250 airport lounges, most of which have showers and beds. Catch some ZZZ’s after a refreshing shower on your next layover when you become a Sanctifly member. You can find out more about membership benefits here (https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-benefits).

5 Free Yoga Rooms - Things to do at the airport

Travel and wellness activities should go hand in hand. Travel can be stressful and chaotic and having the opportunity to relax and recharge while traveling can be a life saver. Airports and airlines are starting to wake up to this fact and we are seeing more and more wellness focused activities on offer for travelers. Yoga rooms and spaces are popping up in airports all over. Often what started as a pop up has become a permanent fixture due to popular demand. The trend seems to be more evident in the US however we are sure it will become the norm worldwide in the coming years. So if you are looking for something good to do at the airport and want to get in a good stretch before your flight check out these options for free yoga rooms at airports:

Stretch at O’Hare Airport

One of the busiest airports in the US, and ranked as the sixth busiest airport in the world, Chicago O’Hare saw more that 83 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2018 and that number has been steadily increasing over the past 10 years. With such a high volume of passengers its no wonder the airport is making an effort to offer some relief from the chaos for its travelers. The Yoga Room at Chicago O’Hare is a tranquil space where passengers can relax, stretch and meditate for free while waiting for a flight. Located on the Mezzanine level of the Terminal 3 Rotunda the space is bathed in natural light thanks to a full wall of frosted glass windows. There are exercise mats available for visitors and wall mounted displays that show yoga poses to follow. The screens also show flight information so there is no chance of missing your flight.

Airport: Chicago O’Hare

How do I get there?: Located near the Urban Garden on the Mezzanine Level of Terminal 3.

Opening hours: 06:00am to 10:00pm

Image from https://www.flysfo.com/content/yoga-room-0

Yoga Rooms at San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport is the second busiest airport in California and the 24th busiest airport in the world. SFO saw more than 57 million passengers pass through its doors in 2018. Although it’s a bit quieter than O’Hare, San Francisco Airport is still aware that its passengers need some space for rest and relaxation. SFO was one of the first airports to open a facility such as this and it is a trend that many other airports have followed. There are two yoga rooms at San Francisco Airport, one in Terminal 2 and one in Terminal 3. Both are located past security and passengers require a valid boarding pass in order to access them. The yoga room is calm and serene and is described as a place for yoga, meditation and self-reflection and best of all it’s free to use!

Airport: San Francisco Airport

How do I get there?: Located in terminal 2 past security in boarding area D and in terminal 3 past security in boarding area E

Opening hours: 05:00am to 11:00pm

Yoga / Exercise area at Dallas Fort Worth Airport

Dallas Fort Worth is the fifteenth busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the fourth busiest airport by aircraft movements. With six terminals to navigate and over 69 million passengers passing through its doors in 2018 DFW airport can be an overwhelming place. If you are looking for somewhere to exercise or relax DFW has the perfect spot do you. The airport has a yoga/exercise area that is free to use by traveling passengers. It is located past security at Gate D40 in the hallway that connects Terminal B and D. However, this yoga area may not be for you if you are looking for some peace and quiet or privacy. The space is not quite separate from the hustle and bustle of the airport with only a room divider and some greenery blocking it off. But if you pop in your earphones and get in the zone you can definitely find some peace within the chaos. The studios provide guests with complimentary practice mats and other exercise equipment such as exercise balls and stretch bands. There are also displays which show instructional videos that you can follow along with or do your own thing.

Airport: Dallas Fort Worth

How do I get there?: Located at Gate D40 in the hallway connecting Terminal B and D and at Gate E31.

Opening hours: 24hr

Image from https://shop.frankfurt-airport.com/en/service/yoga-raum

Two yoga rooms at Frankfurt Airport

Yoga rooms or spaces at airports it not such a big trend outside of the US unfortunately but Frankfurt Airport is looking to change that. As one of the most wellness focused airports in Europe it’s no surprise that Frankfurt Airport has not one but two yoga rooms for it’s traveling passengers. Ranking at thirteenth busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic this calm and serence space is a welcome treat. You can find one studio in Terminal 2, Area D on Level 3 and the other in Terminal 1, Area C on Level 2. Warm colours and pleasant lighting create a calming atmosphere with complimentary mats, blocks and cushions available to guests and a large mirror so you can see yourself doing the poses.  

Airport: Frankfurt Airport

How do I get there?: Located near Gates C14 and C16 in Terminal 1 and near Gates D1 and D4 in Terminal 2.

Opening hours: 24hr

Relax at Miami International Airport

MIA is a major hub for the Southeastern United States and the main hub for long haul flights in South Florida. In 2018 over 45 million passengers passed through the airport and that makes it the thirteenth busiest airport in the United States and the 40th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. Miami International Airport has a free yoga room available to its traveling passengers and uniquely this yoga space is not located past security. That means you do not need to go through security to use the space. The yoga room is located in Terminal H on the first floor and visitors can use the complimentary mats available in the space.

Airport: Miami International Airport

How do I get there?: Located before security in Terminal H on the first floor.

Opening hours: 09:00am to 09:00pm

Another option: London Heathrow

There is a yoga room available at London Heathrow but unfortunately it is not free. The yoga room is offered by the Skyteam Lounge and you can purchase a day pass to the lounge for approx. £30. The lounge has lots of other amenities such as showers and day beds so it could be a great option for anyone with a long layover at Heathrow. Heathrow has another option in Terminal 3, a rest and relaxation room located after security between gate 24 and 25 that is free to use. Although not set up for yoga it is a good spot to relax and meditate while waiting for a flight.

Not all airports have a space for travelers to practice yoga but that doesn’t mean you have to go without! You can always find an empty gate to get some peace and quiet and get in a good stretch. Log into the Sanctifly app to find our stretch and relax or meditation video series. Follow along with travel wellness expert Sara Quiriconi and make healthy choices for your airport downtime. You can find out more about all the benefits you get as a Sanctifly member here.

3 tips to minimize back pain during a flight

Are you wishing for pain free travel? Here are 3 tips to minimize back pain while traveling.

It’s all to easy to slump back in the airplane seat just to try and get a bit of comfort. We tell ourselves its not so bad, its only for a few hours. According to Statistica in 2018 Americans went on 463.6 million domestic business trips and that number is only increasing. That’s a lot of time in the air and it all adds up. When we look at our time spent traveling as a whole rather than individual occurrences its easy to see how those bad habits all add up to have a negative impact on our health. Creating healthy travel habits especially when we are traveling consistently for work is important for our overall health and well-being.

Sitting slumped over and bad posture can have some serious repercussions on our overall health. According to a great article on The Healthy some of the possible side effects of bad posture are headaches, spasms, tiredness and of course back pain. There have even been studies showing that bad posture can have a negative effect on your mental health. (https://www.thehealthy.com/osteoporosis/surprising-ways-bad-posture-can-affect-your-health/)

Business travel is a multi million-dollar industry and shows no signs of slowing down. That means there is a pretty good chance you will be heading on a business trip at some stage in your career. Here are 3 tips and items to help improve your posture and reduce back pain when you are on a plane. Whether you plan ahead or want to improve your posture on the fly we have an option for you.

Tip #1

Bring two tennis balls with you and place then in a bag. Put these behind you in the airplane seat between your middle and lower back. By placing these behind your back you will force yourself to sit upright throughout your flight.

Plus, if you move around a bit, it acts as a nice massager to help you relax during your flight. Move the balls up to behind your neck for part of your flight and move your head from right to left for a nice neck massage. Your neighbour might be looking at your wondering why you’re are shifting around in your seat so much but who cares? I’d rather leave my long-haul flight with zero back pain and feeling refreshed and relaxed wouldn’t you?

Tip #2

Use your water bottle to help you sit up straight. Place your reusable water bottle length ways down the center of your back. Reusable water bottles are much better than a plastic bottle (not only because they are better for the environment - #nosingleuseplastics) but because a reusable water bottle is often much sturdier and will give you better support. Once you have drank all the water in your plastic water bottle it loses all its structure and can easily get crushed behind your back resulting in even worse posture than you would have without.

Tip #3

For those that don’t have the space to bring extra items or just didn’t have the chance to plan ahead (don’t worry it happens to the best of us!) you can use a magazine to give yourself lumbar support. You will nearly always find a magazine stuffed into the pocket in front of your seat or invest a few dollars and get one from the shop before you hop on the flight, your back will thank you for it later! Roll up the magazine and use it in the same way as the water bottle above, placing it length ways down the middle of your back. This will force you to sit up straight and lift yourself from the chest and help reduce back pain during any long-haul flight.

Staying healthy while traveling take a lot of effort. Believe us, we know. That’s why we at Sanctifly want to help every frequent flyer to travel well by providing high quality travel wellness content along with helpful tips and hacks for healthier travel. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure don’t let your health and well being become a second thought. Download Sanctifly today for more travel wellness tips.

Talking travel wellness and healthy business travel in Madrid

Talking travel wellness and healthy business travel in Madrid

This was Sanctifly’s first experience at the legendary South Summit event in Madrid, Spain, and it did not disappoint.  We were delighted to be a top 100 finalist, selected from thousands of tech start-ups all over the world.

The week kicked off for me with a speaking slot at Google for start-ups masterclass, attached for hundreds of peer entrepreneurs where I gave my take on 5 key requirements on going from start-up to scale up (Sanctifly did grow from 500 to 1500 locations in the last 12 months, so plenty of experience the draw on!).

The event kicked off on the 2nd in the wonderful Le Nave arena with lots of outdoor breakout areas to enjoy the 28°C weather under the clear blue sky. The event was jam-packed with investors, interesting start-ups and advisers.

Sanctifly had a stand and there wasn’t a quiet moment, lots to follow up calls and meetings this week and thankfully huge interest in what we are aiming to do – change travel habits and downtime of frequent flyers for good. I got the chance to present Sanctifly to a full house as part of the start up competition and share with all the attendees the amazing journey Sanctifly has been on over the last 12 months.

I finished the week with a visit to our new Medford Partner, Square Fitness and joined a HIIT class, OUCH. The pains of being the founder of a wellness start-up! One day I’ll just get a massage!

8 Essential Items to Pack for a Long Layover

Want to know how to survive a long layover? Here is what you need to pack.

Quick Summary: The 8 essential things you need to pack to help survive a long layover

1. Portable charger

2. A new book or movie

3. Comfortable clothes

4. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones

5. A large scarf

6. Reusable water bottle

7. Snacks

8. Sanctifly

We’ve all been there. Another business trip and another long layover. Nobody enjoys the prospect of being stuck at the airport. Even now, with some airports truly bringing their A-game when it comes to amenities, viewing art installations and sitting in massage chairs can only keep you occupied for so long. The fact is airports get boring and long layovers are something business travelers must endure. But with a little pre planning you can avoid the boredom and turn your layover into something to look forward to. It’s all about changing our mindsets and the way we few airport downtime. By removing the negative connotations and taking the time to plan ahead, we can turn airport layovers into less of a chore and more of a benefit. Because when’s the last time you got 4 hours to yourself to read and relax? That’s exactly what a layover can be and if you keep these 8 items in you carry on you will easily survive your next layover.

8 things you should always pack for a long layover

Portable charger

For business travelers especially, keeping devices charged so that you are contactable is so important. Just because you are stuck at the airport doesn’t mean that email doesn’t need to be sent or that client can wait for an answer. We still need to be productive with our time and making the most of that airport downtime to catch up on work can be a great way to reduce stress. Who wants to face a full inbox when they arrive home after a long business trip? That seat near an outlet is often prime real estate, especially in airports with frequent layovers, and not always easy to get. We always pack a portable charger in our carry on to avoid the outlet search and ensure our devices always have charge.

A new book or movie

Your layover doesn’t have to be all about work, and for those of us staring down a long layover it’s not feasible or healthy to work through it. And let’s face it, you are going to get bored. Entertainment is incredibly important to stave off that inevitable boredom and avoid filling your time with unhealthy activities such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food. We always save a new book or movie we’ve been dying to see for long layovers. Looking forward to something like a good movie always helps us to survive a long layover.

Comfortable clothes

Layovers are going to be uncomfortable, that’s a given. The chairs are hard, the place is noisy and you are probably tired and a little irritable. So why not take control of your comfort wherever you can? Who wants to spend twelve hours sitting around in a suit? Packing comfortable clothes and shoes to fly in or at least to change into during a layover can have a huge impact. If you have to go straight to a meeting after your flight take 5 extra minutes either just before you board or after you land to change. 5 minutes is worth it to be comfortable during a long layover.

Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones– drown out the noise of the airports

Airports are noisy, chaotic places. There is no escaping the noise of a busy terminal (unless you decide to go to a lounge, but even those can be full and noisy sometimes) and long layovers can be torture if there is no chance to get a little peace and quiet. We always pack ear plugs, or even better, noise cancelling headphones because they have two uses, to help drown out the din of the airport and watch that movie we were saving. Take some time to pop in your ear plugs, close your eyes and do some breathing exercises on your next layover, it’s a go to stress relieving activities on all our business trips.

A large scarf – to use as a pillow or a blanket

An easy addition to your packing list (you don’t even have to pack it! Just throw it around your neck as you are heading out of the door), a large scarf is essential for surviving a long layover. Travel pillow are ok, but not great especially if you are facing down a long layover. They are bulky and hard to pack, harder to clean and we’ve lost more than we can count at airports because we simply forget to pick them up when rushing to the gate. A large scarf can double as a pillow for taking a nap either during your layover or on the plane and as a blanket for when it gets cold. Packing light is a necessity for frequent travel and so anything that can have a double use is a win.

Reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated is so important while traveling and as more and more airports make moves towards sustainability single use plastic water bottles will become harder and harder to find. Plus, who wants to waste money buying countless water bottles when there is a refillable water station available to use for free? Pack a reusable water bottle next time you travel to not only save money and the planet but also encourage yourself to hydrate throughout your trip.

Snacks

We are huge advocates for packing your own snacks before heading to the airport. Being in control of your diet is a great way to maintain a healthy routine even when on the road. Check out this blog post on the top hydrating and filling snacks that are perfect for traveling.

Sanctifly

Ok so we may be a little bit biased here but our number 1 survival tool for any long layover is always Sanctifly. Sanctifly provides you with healthy options in and around airports and as a member, you can access Sanctifly’s exclusive list of partner hotels and lounges. That means you can go for a swim or a workout during your layover without having to book a room! Sitting around waiting for the time to pass until your flight is not a valuable way to spend your time. Rethink the way you view your airport downtime. You can find out more about Sanctifly here.

Add these 8 items to your packing list next time you are facing down a long layover. Frequent travel doesn’t have to be a chore if we take the time and put in the effort to take care of our physical and mental health. As more and more airports and airlines recognize that wellness is important for their customers let’s not forget that we can take personal steps towards healthier travel too.

6 pre-flight wellness tips for healthy travel

Here are the top 6 pre-flight wellness tips you need for healthier travel.

Easily integrate these healthy travel tips the day before and the day of your flight to help you to travel better.

6 travel tips to create healthier travel habits:

1. Drink extra water

2. Limit or remove alcohol from your diet

3. Pack ahead

4. Check in 24 hours before your flight, choose your seat

5. Charge all your devices

6. Schedule in time to move

Travel wellness is a journey, not a sprint. It takes time to master routines and build healthy habits. Habits form due to repetition. You must repeat the same small actions over and over again and it is only then that you will start to see results. It would be a lot easier to build healthy habits to improve your day to day work routine because you can apply the habits every day. For example, you can get off the bus one stop earlier every morning, you can go for a ten minute walk every lunch time, you can pack a healthy lunch every day. Habits build over time but the more we do them the faster and easier they become a part of our lives.

Building and maintaining healthy travel habits is a bit trickier. Even for frequent travelers the process of going to the airport is not an everyday occurrence and so we have less chances to put the healthy habits into practice. It takes real effort to maintain a healthy travel routine and it is something we at Sanctifly strive to help all our members achieve. Having a set of simple, easy to follow travel tips is the best way to win against bad travel habits. The key word here being ‘EASY’. Waking up two hours before your morning flight to fit in a yoga class or prepacking meals to cover you for a 12 hour flight is just not always feasible. So, here are 6 easy pre-flight healthy travel tips you can incorporate every time you travel.

Travel tip #1 - Drink extra water

Did you know that approx. 60% of the human body is made up of water? Dehydration is a huge problem for frequent travelers. The air on an airplane is less humid and much drier than most of us are used to and can cause dehydration as body fluids are depleted as you breathe. Skin evaporation can also cause irritation and itching which can be severely uncomfortable (source: https://www.infoplease.com/math-science/weather/effects-of-dry-air-on-the-body).

By hydrating the day before your flight you can prepare your body to deal with this. Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your flight and always carry a refillable water bottle with you. You can also pack hydrating snacks to help keep your hydration levels up while traveling. Check out this post on the best hydrating and filling snacks to pack for your next trip.

Travel tip #2 – Limit or remove alcohol from your diet

We are not going to sit here and list off all the negative impacts of alcohol, we all know it has a stressing effect on our bodies and our minds. But travel is also stressful, and we should prep ourselves as best we can by providing healthy fuel for our bodies. Alcohol is often a go to airport activity because of a huge problem with travel; boredom. As we wait for our flight to board grabbing a drink at the bar seems like a much better option than just sitting around doing nothing. As frequent travelers, we need to find better ways to deal with boredom that don’t involve going to the bar.

Avoid alcohol before a flight if you can, however if you do want to have a drink in the 24 hours before a flight here are some tips to help your body recover faster. 1) Only drink with food. 2)Do not use sugary mixers and avoid alcohol with high sugar content such as white wine. 3) Follow up your drink with a large glass of water.

Travel tip #3 - Pack ahead and include some healthy snacks

Food is always something you need to consider while traveling. Even if you have a super short flight, between traveling to the airport and waiting to board, there is a good chance you are going to get hungry. And we’ve all experienced boredom eating! It is very common to turn to food and drink during airport downtime just to break up the monotony. The real problem lies in the fact that healthy food options are not very common at the airport, especially if you are getting a late night or early morning flight. To avoid the temptation of bad food & alcohol always pack some healthy snacks to bring in your carry on. Granola bars, nuts and fruit such as bananas and apples are great options to throw in your bag and don’t require any prep time. And, as a bonus, these are all TSA approved so there will be no trouble getting through security.

Travel tip #4 – Check in 24 hours before your flight

This is an easy tip to add to your pre-flight check list. See if you can grab an upgrade or if you can choose your seat by checking in 24 hours before you fly. The window seat might seem like the most desirable location because you can look out and you will not be disturbed by your neighbors bathroom breaks, however the aisle seat is a much better option, especially for long haul flights. You get a little more room to stretch your legs when sitting in the aisle which can be beneficial to avoid leg cramps. You can also get up to stretch properly and even go for a short walk without disturbing anyone. At Sanctifly we are big champions of taking the time to move your body and stretch while traveling. Sitting still for long periods is not good for your body or mind and sitting in an aisle seat offers more opportunities to move than the middle or window seat.

Travel tip #5 - Charge all your devices

Especially important for business travelers and another easy thing to add to your pre-flight preparation check list is to charge all your devices the night before your flight. As important as it is to unplug and take some time away from screens, there is no way to avoid sending that email or taking that call when traveling for work. And as we move further from away from paper tickets and towards electronics, knowing that your phone battery is not going to go dead right before you have to scan your boarding pass is a huge stress reliever. Travel stress has a hugely negative effect on our mental health and any little thing that can be done to relieve it is certainly worth it. Stick a portable external charger in your carry on so you never have to worry about running out of charge or finding a seat near an outlet again.

Travel tip #6 - Schedule in time to move your body on the day of the flight.

As we have already mentioned we are big champions of moving your body while traveling here at Sanctifly. Check out this easy, 12 step, no equipment workout routine that you can do next time you are at the airport. We all have downtime at the airport so why not fill it with some physical activity? Working out and moving your body is also great before late night flights as exercise helps to clear your mind and helps you sleep.

Helping our members create and stick to healthy travel habits is what we do. By helping people change the way they think about travel downtime, we are helping our members stay fit and healthy while on the road. Instead of heading to the bar, do a workout. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phone, follow a guided meditation. Instead of sitting around for hours on your layover, why not head to the spa? Because frequent travel is not unhealthy, it’s our travel habits that are unhealthy and these need to change. You can download the Sanctifly app and browse through thousands of wellness options at over 130 international airports. Ever single option on the Sanctifly app is specifically chosen to help frequent travelers make the most of their travel downtime and do something good for their physical and mental health.

Take the time to incorporate these 6 pre-flight travel wellness tips the next time you are traveling and start changing your travel habits today.

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Sanctifly is the global provider of wellness options and activities in and around airports. Get exclusive access to airport hotel gyms, pools and spas without booking a room, plus access to hundreds of airport lounges with showers. Get your membership today for as little as $99. Visit https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-types to get your membership today.

15 healthy snacks that are perfect for traveling

Stay hydrated and full with these healthy snacks that are perfect for traveling

Food is one of the most important factors when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. There is often a negative association with the word diet. We think about tiny portions, bland food and crazy fads. And often diets are short term solutions. I know I don’t know anyone who has lost weight fast by going on a trendy diet and maintained it. So, let’s not talk about diet. Let’s talk about nutrition. Making sure you are getting the right balance in what you eat is hugely important in maintaining your health. Even those with a healthy weight can be at risk of chronic diseases and ill health because they are not getting the nutrients they need. It’s a journey, not a sprint and we need to view healthy eating as a lifestyle, not a short-term action. And that is why it can be so difficult to maintain a healthy diet while traveling, especially while at the airport. Because traveling is inherently short term. We are only going to be at the airport for a few hours, we are only going to be on this business trip for a few days… And we convince ourselves that it’s ok to break from our healthy routine for that short time. But when you are a frequent traveler all those times add up fast and you end up putting your health at risk.

We have put together a list of 15 healthy snacks that are perfect for traveling. We separated them into two lists, hydrating snacks and filling snacks. So whether you are worried about your water intake or how to stay full and avoid plane food on your next trip we’ve got an option for you!

Best snacks for staying hydrated.

Staying hydrated can be a real challenge while traveling. Liquids and air travel are not two things that go well together in my mind. Airports are starting to wake up to the need with more and more free refillable water stations appearing post-security, but we still have a long way to go. Here are the 8 best hydrating snacks to bring with you next time you fly.

1.      Watermelon

Watermelons are one of the most refreshing fruits, they are 92% water! But they are also full of nutrients, you will get vitamin A, B6 and C with every juicy bite. And did you know you can eat the entire fruit, skin and all?

2.      Bananas

Not the first fruit you think of when listing refreshing fruits but bananas are about 74% water. Bananas also have high levels of potassium which is great for a healthy heart and your blood pressure.

3.      Radishes

One of the most water-rich vegetables, radishes are over 95% water! They are a great option for a healthy and hydrating snack because they contain a lot less sugar than the fruits on the list.

4.      Strawberries

For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, strawberries are a great option. They contain 92% water and are a high source of vitamin C. Rich in antioxidants, strawberries are great for a healthy heart and controlling blood sugar levels.

5.      Cucumbers

Cucumbers are closely related to watermelon and it’s no surprise when you think about how refreshing they are. Cucumbers are over 95% water, low in calories and high in nutrients and a great snack to travel with as they produce zero waste.

7.      Tomatoes

Another great option for traveling as you can eat the skin and all, tomatoes are 94% water and a rich source of antioxidants and potassium. Cherry tomatoes are a travel favourite here at Sanctifly as they are snack size.

8.      Cantaloupe

Rich in fibre, vitamin C and potassium, eating cantaloupe is extremely beneficial for your health. They are 90% water and are a great option for staying hydrated while traveling.

Best snacks for filling you up.

What’s one of the worst things about traveling? The time it takes up! Whether you’ve got a 6-hour layover, a 2-hour flight or even a 3-hour train ride, while on the road there can be a long time between healthy eating options. Especially when traveling late at night, fast food spots or pre-packaged, processed food options are all that are available. Here are the 8 best filling snacks to help you survive your next layover.

9.      Almonds

Almonds are a high-fat food but don’t worry it’s all good fat! They are also a great source of fibre and protein which are great for helping you feel full. One of the best nuts for traveling as you don’t have to worry about disposing of any shells.

10.     Peanut butter

Another nut-based food to help you stay full while traveling. High in potassium, fibre and protein, peanut butter has many health benefits. But be careful which brand you pick up. Some peanut butters are overly processed and contain added sugar.

11.      Celery sticks with cream cheese

This delicious snacks solves two problems in one, stay hydrated from the celery and full from the cream cheese. Cream cheese is high in fat so it is important not to overindulge. A good tip is to use whipped cream cheese instead as it contains less fat and fewer calories.

12.     Hummus and veggies

Another chance to solve two problems frequent travelers face, stay hydrated and full at the same time with this great snack. Hummus is a great filling snack and packed with vitamins and minerals that are vital for maintaining a healthy diet.

13.      Overnight oats

Although this snack is a bit more work it is guaranteed to keep you full on any long haul flight. Mix oats, chia seeds, nut butter and a milk of your choice together in a jar and leave in the fridge overnight. Grab it before you head to the airport and you have a snack to keep you full and help you avoid awful airplane food.

14.      Granola bars

A firm travel favourite here at Sanctifly because they are filling, nutritious and easy to pack. Same as peanut butter though, be careful what brand you pick up as some a heavily sweetened. You can also easily make your own granola bars at home!

15.      Avocado / Guacamole

Not your average grab and go snack but a great one to help you stay full while traveling. Now eating an avocado with a spoon doesn’t sound overly appealing, at least not to me so I like to make guacamole instead. Pack some carrot and celery sticks to dip and you’ve got the perfect snack to keep you full.

16.      Dark chocolate

A bit of an indulgence but something you need a treat right? Dark chocolate is a great way to starve though chocolate cravings and stay full for longer. Because it is so rich, you are less inclined to eat it in one go and instead can space it out for a long-lasting snack.

Maintaining your healthy lifestyle is all about sticking to a routine and building healthy habits. That’s where Sanctifly comes in. Get exclusive access to airport hotel gyms, pools and spas without booking a room, plus access to hundreds of airport lounges with showers. Get your membership today for as little as $99. Visit https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-types to get your membership today.

Quick and easy travel friendly exercise routine. No equipment needed!

Make your airport downtime work for you with this easy to follow, no equipment needed workout routine. Take ten minutes while waiting for your flight to work out and stay healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are an avid gym user or more casual about fitness, getting up and moving your body requires effort. A huge component in maintaining a consistent fitness habit is routine. We schedule in gym time or a walk or a swim into our week and because it’s on the calendar it is much easier to go do it. Traveling throws that whole system out of sync. When we travel we are plucked from our regular routine and thrown out of our comfort zone. Even for seasoned travelers, a new airport or an unfamiliar flight time is a whole new learning experience. And what happens when we are unfamiliar with our surroundings? All the effort that was used last week to head to the gym for a workout is spent navigating a new airport or trying to stay awake and alert to catch that late-night flight. And, as a result, we often take the easy option when it comes to our airport downtime. We sit by our gate or we go to the bar and we convince ourselves that it’s OK because we are at the airport.

No more excuses!

We deserve better! Air travel and airports still have a long way to go before they wake up to the health and well-being needs of their travelers. Next time you are at the airport, take a look around. How many unhealthy options can you see?

Don’t wait for change. Make changes for yourself.

Airports are slowly making changes with many bigger and busier airports introducing health and fitness options such as yoga rooms and spas post-security. But until it becomes the norm we need to take matters into our own hands. Here is an easy to follow, no equipment needed (and very little space!) workout routine that you can follow to help make the most of your airport downtime. No need for fancy equipment, all you need is ten minutes and your own body weight!

1. 60 secs. Squat, plank and two pushups. Modify the pushup with your knees down.

2. 30 secs. Mountain climbers. Modify to your own pace. Don’t overwork yourself, aim to complete the full work out!

3. 30 secs. Plank shoulder taps. Modify with your knees down for a less intense workout.

4. 30 secs. Alternating lunge twists.

REST. YAY! You’re halfway there! Here is a top tip for working out at airports. Unused gates are often the best source of space post security. If you are willing to walk, head for one that’s far from the shops and restaurants as these tend to be deserted.

5. 60 secs. Squat, sidestep and two pushups. Modify the pushup with your knees down.

6. 30 secs. Plank to side plank twists. Modify with your knees down.

7. 60 secs. Squat jumps. Modify to your pace.

8. 30 secs x2. Forearm side plank pulls, right arm then left arm.

9. 20 secs. Forearm plank hold.

10. 30 secs. Alternating leg cross crunch. Modify by placing your forearms on the ground.

11. 30 secs x2. Single leg lifts, alternating left and right.

12. Seated spinal twists. Finish your workout with a good stretch.

Here’s another top tip for staying healthy while traveling! Get out of the airport! If you have a long layover use the time to get out of the airport and get active in nature. Research the closest running or walking trail or park and spend your time outside rather than stuck in the airport. Just make sure you leave more than enough time to get back to the airport and through security.

Change your travel habits today.

Traveling doesn’t have to mean being sedentary. If we change the way we view airport downtime we can improve our habits for the better and make frequent travel less of a burden on our bodies and minds.

Start improving your travel habits today with Sanctifly, the global provider of wellness options and activities in and around airports. Get exclusive access to airport hotel gyms, pools and spas without booking a room, plus access to hundreds of airport lounges with showers. Get your membership today for as little as $99. Visit https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-types to get your membership today.

How to build a healthy resilience to frequent travel

Let’s start with an uncomfortable truth. Frequent travel is good for business but bad for employee health and well-being.

On the surface a job which allows you to travel sounds amazing. Travel the world, experience different cultures and get paid for it? Great! However the reality of frequent travel is far from idyllic. High levels of stress, crossing time zones, poor quality food and too much time spent sitting and waiting at the airport are all factors that can have seriously negative effects on those who travel often. We all know someone who quit their job because of frequent travel. No study says frequent travel is good for you, in fact it’s quite the opposite. According to https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/

“Business travel may be an essential aspect of your company’s growth, but too much of it also can have a negative effect on your employees.”

Now, we are not talking about the guy who goes back and forth to Boston once a month. We are talking about the guy who is about to board his 10th flight this month, he’s alone, he’s missing his family & he’s bored with 3 hours to kill… What do you think he does? He goes to the bar, he eats a burger, he watches TV on his phone. He embraces unhealthy habits because he has no other options. That is the reality of time spent at the airport. With no healthy options readily available to travelers it is all too easy to fall into bad travel habits which can have a disastrous effect on health.

Employers need to take notice and here is why. Healthy employees…

The bottom line is, healthy employees work harder.

According to this Harvard Business Review report, 75% of frequent travelers experience higher stress levels, 92% of frequent travelers experience a higher rate of obesity and 70% of frequent travelers experience mood swings, sleep problems and disorientation.

The key to combating these negative effects is resilience.

Source: https://www.dictionary.com/

Helping employees (or yourself) build a healthy resilience to frequent travel means putting in place a series of steps that promote wellness while on the road and changing your thought process when it comes to airport downtime. Because frequent travel is not unhealthy. It’s our travel habits that are unhealthy and need to be improved.

Let’s talk about travel resilience training. Think about your energy levels as a battery. Certain activities which are inevitable when it comes to business travel, such as red eye flights, long layovers, crossing multiple time zones, cause the battery to drain. Low energy levels mean less productivity and more stress. By consciously choosing activities that charge the battery during airport downtime, you are more alert, more productive and happier. That is definitely good for business.

Sleep, exercise, having a refreshing shower, swimming and even getting a massage are all activities that can help recharge your batteries. These are not the typical activities you associate with an airport layover right? WRONG! We need to change the way we view airport downtime and realize that there are healthier options available to us in and around the airport, we just need to know how to access them.

Sanctifly is the number one solution to finding those options. The travel wellness app that aggregates all the wellness options available in or within approx 5 miles of the airport. Get access to executive airport lounges for a fraction of the usual cost as well as access to 100’s of airport hotel gyms, pools and spas without having to book a room. We have a membership plan to suit everyone. See our different plans here.

Follow these steps to start changing your travel habits today.

1. Prepare & Plan Ahead

   Avoid travel stress and bad airplane food by preparing the night before your flight. Make a travel check list and pack the night before to ensure you do not forget anything important and you can leave for the airport with plenty of time. Pack snacks, a healthy meal and a reusable water bottle to help you avoid not only bad airplane food but also avoid heading to the bar for a bite to eat. By preparing your own food you can ensure that you eat high energy, healthy foods to keep you energized during your trip.

2. Move Your Body, Whenever Possible

   Being forced to be sedentary and sitting for long periods of time is a huge problem at the airport. It seems counter intuitive but staying still actually zaps your energy. We all know that energized feeling after a good workout session right? Moving your body in the airport can mean heading for a workout at the airport gym (thanks to the Sanctifly app!) or it could mean getting up an walking around the terminals. Or finding a quiet spot such as an unused gate and doing some stretches or a no equipment workout routine. Download a pedometer onto your phone and set a target step count while you are waiting for your flight.

3. Replenish with Energy Foods

   This point echos number one but it is so important! And we understand that if you have a seven hour layover you can’t be expected to bring meals to last you the whole time. Sometimes you have to eat at the airport so make sure you find the healthiest option. First, familiarize yourself with how different food types effect energy levels and know what foods to avoid. You can head to the ‘Replenish’ section of the Sanctifly app to find the best places to eat or ask the airport directly. Message them on twitter and ask for recommendations for the best healthy spots.

4. Create Comfort

   Long gone are the days of putting on your Sunday best to get on a plane. It is no longer a big event, in fact for frequent travelers it is just as mundane as driving to the office. Air travel is uncomfortable enough, with it’s cramped conditions and fluctuating temperatures. Give your self a chance by wearing comfy, loose fitting clothes to travel in. If you need to head straight off the flight to a meeting just keep your work attire handy and change when you get off the plane. Pack a large scarf that can double as a blanket and always include an eye mask and ear plugs to help block out your surroundings and have a more peaceful and calming experience.

5. Use Technology

   You are not alone! There are an abundance of wellness apps out there, and many that are made specifically for the frequent traveler. Research and download the ones that best suit your travel routine and use them!

It’s time to start changing your travel habits.

Be the CHANGE AGENT against the unhealthy culture of frequent travel.

Want to work out during your next layover? Fancy a shower before your late-night flight? Become a Sanctifly member today and get exclusive access to hundreds of airport gym, pool and spa locations as well as over 250 of the most luxurious airport lounges in the world, where you can take a shower and unwind before or after your next flight.

What to do on your Dublin Layover

Dublin City Airport.

SMART CHOICES FOR THE HEALTHY TRAVELER

SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR DUB LAYOVER

We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport. This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible. We can’t always help that we are held up at the airport. We want to help you take advantage of your downtime and use it to help you maintain your healthy routine while traveling. We have put together some suggestions for your DUB layover.

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1 hour

Reflect

Travelers can take advantage of the airport facilities and visit the multi-faith prayer room located in terminal 2. Giving all faiths, religions and spirituality’s a place to reflect. Use the space as a meditation center to relax before a flight. Follow one of our guided mediation videos to help you stay grounded and calm while traveling. Choose from the floor mats provided or rest on the benches!

Why we like it

This quiet, open space has certain guidelines they expect guests to follow, so everyone is respected.

For more information

https://www.dublinairport.com/at-the-airport/useful-information/additional-facilities

Healthy Finds!

Terminal 1

The Garden Terrace is the highest rated restaurant in Dublin airport according to TripAdvisor. Located in terminal 1, the cafe offers guests a wide variety of healthy, high quality food options, including the house chop salad or homemade soup. The menu has vegetarian and gluten free options.

Why we like it

Outdoor area available.

For more information

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g186605-d1962604-Reviews-or30-The_Garden_Terrace-Dublin_County_Dublin.html

Terminal 2

Diep has an extensive Thai style menu, including Thai salads, soups, veg stir fry, etc. The restaurant is located in terminal 2 and closes at 9 pm.

Why we like it

Great value for great food.

For more information

https://www.diep.ie/

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TOP TIP

Leave your luggage at the airport. Storage options available in the arrivals hall in Terminal 1. Click here for more information.

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2-3 hours

Travel Fit!

Alsaa is located a short 650 meters away from the airport. The sports center has numerous amenities, including a gym, pool, running track, bowling alley and more. What a great opportunity to keep fit while traveling! Use your Sanctifly pass gain access.

Why we like it

The sports center is walking distance from the airport.

For more information

https://www.alsaa.ie/

Santry Demesne!

This park has it all. Exercise machines, paved trails, lots of open space and a pond. Jog the half mile trail or meditate by the tranquil pond.

Freshen up afterwards at the Crown Plaza hotel showers by using your Sanctifly pass.

Why we like it

Family friendly with bathroom facilities.

For more information

Click here for airport shuttle bus timetable.

https://www.yelp.ie/biz/santry-demesne-dublin

Explore Swords Village.

Swords village has a great selection of restaurants, a historic medieval castle and plenty of retail shopping. Hop on the bus for a short 3 miles and you will arrive at your destination.

What we like about it

Great atmosphere and lots to do.

For more information

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attractions-g315871-Activities-Swords_County_Dublin.html

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3-6 hours

Adventure on water.

Take a tour of some of Dublin’s top landmarks, while kayaking! On the tour you’ll get a little history lesson of Dublin and the opportunity to stop in a coffee dock, without ever leaving the water! The meeting point is a 15 miles taxi journey from the airport. Follow a tour guide for a duration of 2 hours.

What we like about it

Family friendly activity with storage facilities available on site.

For more information

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/AttractionProductReview-g186605-d11995018-2_Hour_Liffey_River_Kayaking_Adventure_in_Dublin-Dublin_County_Dublin.html

Feed the mind.

Trinity Library Famous for being home to the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The Exhibition features access to the Long Room, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, that houses 200,000 of Trinity College’s oldest books. Open 7 days a week, purchase tickets online or at the front desk. Take Dublin airports shuttle bus for 30 minutes to O’Connell bridge bus stop. Walk a further 4 minutes and you will arrive at the library. However be aware that this is a popular tourist spot and can get crowded.

What we like about it

Attendee in the room to answer any questions.

For more information

https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/

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TOP TIP

There are a number of bus options from Dublin Airport, for further information click here. Taxi ranks are located at each terminal. But remember Dublin is a busy city and traffic can be heavy. Always check that you have enough time to make it back to the airport for your flight.

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6+ hours

Explore a Castle!

Dublin’s Medieval castle was built 800 years ago. You can join a tour and learn about the castle’s history or spend a relaxing time walking through the beautiful grounds. As you explore the grounds keep an eye out for exotic plants and 20 different butterfly species.

What we like about it

Located 5 miles from the airport, the castle is a great location for families or solo travelers.

For more information

https://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/

Phoenix Park!

Phoenix park is the largest enclosed recreational space within any European city. Located in the park is Dublin zoo, the residence of the President of Ireland, lakes and picnic areas. Locals recommend the park as a great place for a run. Located approx 14 miles from the airport Phoenix Park is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air on your Dublin layover.

Why we like it

Admission to the park is free. (Fee occurs for zoo and tours)

For more information

http://www.phoenixpark.ie/

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Don’t forget how flexible your Sanctifly membership is. You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available. Get a single use membership or come on board for full corporate membership for your team. Don’t compromise on your health while traveling. Click here for more information on the different Sanctifly memberships.

From everyone at Sanctifly,

Travel well.

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