It’s no secret that taking a vacation with loved ones can be the perfect way to unwind from everyday stresses and grow closer as a family. In fact, 37% of families say that vacations make them happy, making it the activity that makes families most happy. But before you pack your bags and hit the road to scope out some of the best fall sights, it’s important to keep all aspects of physical and mental health in mind. Even though traveling is exciting, it can inevitably be stressful at times, especially if you’re headed to an unfamiliar destination. Here are just a few ways to stay healthy when vacationing this fall.

Sleep In

Anyone who’s ever had a less-than-restful night of sleep can tell you how difficult it can be to get going and stay alert throughout the next day. When on vacation, these effects can become exacerbated, and even more so if a change in time zone is required. Seven to nine hours of sleep per night are what’s generally recommended, and even though it can be tempting to wake up early and get as much out of your vacation time as you possibly can, you won’t be able to fully enjoy it unless it’s preceded by a solid night of shut-eye. You don’t necessarily have to set a bedtime for yourself, but try to align your sightseeing schedule so that you don’t have to set an alarm and can take your time waking up and getting the day started.

Find A Balance At Mealtime

Planning for meals while traveling can be quite the challenge. Try to come to a balance between prepping healthy meals and getting a taste for the local cuisine. EscapeHere recommends a simple formula for structuring meals during a vacation: make breakfast, pack your lunch to eat while you’re exploring, and treat yourself to a dinner out.

“Structuring your days as making breakfast, packing lunch, and going out for dinner allows you to explore the local food scene while getting in some solid nutrition throughout your days away,” writes EscapeHere. “If you have the capacity to make some of your meals, you can exert control over your food choices which can help you stay on track while on vacation.”

Keep in mind that there are almost always healthy food options available, regardless of your travel destination. Salmon, for example, is a popular and healthier alternative to other meats — wild salmon averages out at just 13 grams of fat in a half filet. Making even small changes to the meals you do eat out can result in a noticeable change to energy levels.

Stay Hydrated

Finally, may people experience fatigue while traveling due to dehydration. But being out and about on your feet in the hot sun for so many hours at a time clearly requires your body to stay hydrated. Plan ahead by investing in reusable water bottles with filters. If you have access to a freezer, fill it up and freeze the bottle overnight to make sure you’ll have a full supply of cold water for the following day. It only takes a few minutes to consider and plan to stay hydrated, and you’re bound to notice an increase in energy and general enjoyment throughout the remainder of your trip.

Ultimately, keeping these travel tips in mind can help you maximize the potential of your family vacation while keeping your mind and body as healthy as possible.