Traveling is one of the greatest joys in life, especially those long, life-changing trips that will stay with you forever. However, while really fun and relaxing once you arrive, those long flights and drives can take a toll on the human body and spirit. So how can you stay energized during your long trips? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Stay hydrated

Sure, you don’t want to have to look for a bathroom every 20 minutes, but staying adequately hydrated while you travel is the key to being energized and healthy. It can be so easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy exploring your destination or chatting with your bus neighbor, but you should always aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. It’s a great idea to have a reusable bottle with you at all times so you can monitor your intake. If you’re traveling to a warm destination, water can even keep you cool by regulating your body temperature.

Have breakfast and snacks

If you ever listened to a nutritionist talk, you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But, there’s another reason why breakfast is so important while traveling: it’s usually the only chance to eat something healthy. Later in the day, you might opt for street food or quick dinners, but your breakfast is usually clean and nutritious. Opt for something like fresh fruit, whole grain bread or oatmeal—this will make you feel full yet avoid after-meal sluggishness. Also, pack some energy bars and fruit in your backpack or carryon, so you can snack on something nutritious if you feel drained.

Learn to deal with boredom on long flights

Long flights can literally drain all your energy, especially if you’re bored and sleepless. In order to solve boredom, you can stock up on interesting reading materials or catch up with your favorite TV show. Packing an e-reader and a tablet will allow you to enjoy both! If you don’t have any reading material packed, you can prepare for your adventure by learning about your destination and all the fun things you can do. For instance, Australia and its neighboring countries usually include notoriously long flights, so if you decide to make your destination New Zealand, look into some travel guides that will tell you all about different spots you need to visit. This is great prep for your trip and it will definitely help ward off boredom and stress.

Socialize with fellow travelers

For some, this might feel like a draining experience, but chatting with people around you can help you stay awake and alert. Conversation with like-minded people stimulates the mind and keeps you engaged—plus, it’s just a fun way to the time. Just make sure to be considerate when getting into a conversation with a fellow traveler, since not everyone is open for communication and many people just want to sleep or enjoy the trip.

Stay clean and fresh

There’s nothing more energizing than a nice shower. This little thing can keep you fresh, awake and ready to take on the world. However, it’s not always possible to take a shower while traveling. In that case, make sure to pack plenty of hygiene essentials that don’t require access to a lot of water. For instance, your toothbrush and toothpaste take up very little space, yet can make you feel a lot better about yourself. Combine brushing your teeth with some wet wipes on your face and neck and you’ll feel instantly refreshed.

Don’t neglect your fitness

Of course, it might be impossible to hit the gym while you’re traveling, but there other ways to stay fit on the road. Getting stuck in a plane seat for too long or sleeping on uncomfortable beds will take a toll on your body, so make sure to shake it off with a few quick exercises. If you’re flying, you can take a quick walk around the airport or find a secluded corner to do some lunges and squats. If you’re traveling by car, take frequent breaks and explore your surroundings. Exercise will get your heart rate up and your adrenaline flowing, so you’ll feel much better.

Get enough shut-eye

Getting enough sleep is by far the most important thing for your mood, health and wellbeing. Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep at night, otherwise, you will feel snoozy and lethargic the entire day. It might be hard to find a comfy position in a plane, car or unfamiliar bed, so if you’re struggling with sleep, buy some melatonin supplements and some sleep accessories, get a warm shower before retiring and stay off your phone.

With these tips in mind, you’ll not only have the trip of your life but also feel like a million bucks while on the road. You can basically forget all about those bags under your eyes in your travel selfies!