Originally Article Written by Ava Roxanne Stritt and Published in Destinations Travel Magazine December 2010

The View has always been a major decision for many when planning their travels. Usually the most desirable views include water creating a more lovely and enjoyable experience. Well the same thing is true about You too! A more pleasurable journey will be had by all if water is part of your body’s picture too! Hydration improves not only how our skin appears, but also how we feel both physically and mentally. Feeling nourished through hydration enables one to not only feel good but look more beautiful too! Did you know that how hydrated your body stays can not only change the way your skin looks but effect the entire mood of your trip? Here are some hydration tips!

Hydrating your body needs to begin before your trip, just like packing. Think about packing our bodies with items just like a suitcase. Ever forget to pack something? It did not make you feel too beautiful did it? Let’s take a look at some steps that can help you with total body packing!

Start a few days before your adventure hydrating. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. When you become thirsty, you are already partially dehydrated. Bodies need water for normal functions and also to make us beautiful!

During your trip avoid as many caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as possible in route and save them for your arrival. Most locations offer distinct regional beverages which will ease the separation. Recently, I discovered that each region of The British Isles offer their own distinct local spring and sparkling water in recyclable glass bottles.

Hydration also requires basic skincare. Drying travel and cooler months require a non-alkaline creamy cleanser to maintain nourishment and not strip away the skin’s own natural protective layer. Your cleanser should not contain harsh ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which strips away the skin’s own natural essential oils dehydrating and causing irritation. This causes the skin to react by overproducing oils. Pick a natural cleanser containing oils like olive or rose hip seed. After cleansing, follow with a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid to maintain balance. Moisturize even if you have acne prone skin, but stay away from those containing pore clogging mineral oil. Throughout the day, I like to spritz with a spray bottle of Avene or Evian Spring Water, which is rich in silicate and trace elements that soothes, calms and softens your skin. At bedtime a thicker night cream may be applied. Any time spent outdoors commands sunscreen, whether you are wake boarding on a lake or skiing down the slopes. Remember, sunscreen is your skin’s best accessory!

Traveling is exhilarating but also taxing on our beauty, so let’s follow the basic hydrations tips above for a beautiful you!

Quick Tips to Remember:

• Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you feel tired.
• Staying hydrated during travel makes you feel better which leads to a more beautiful you!