Reem Bsaibes is a travel blogger and certified personal trainer based in Dubai. She is the charming lady behind www.trimmedandtraveled.com, where she shares her adventures across the world and valuable tips to encourage her readers to embrace a healthier lifestyle and become the best version of themselves. Originally from Lebanon, Reem has also lived in Qatar and America and has visited 32 countries. We chatted with her about travel, fitness and what she has learned about herself while on the road. Get to know more about this citizen of the world and healthy living aficionado in our interview below. Happy reading! 

What made you decide to start blogging about your travel adventures and a healthy lifestyle? 

I moved from the U.S to the U.A.E. to get the opportunity to work and travel more often.  Once I started travelling and posting about it on Instagram people had lots of questions about where I went and my advice while I was travelling. That is how my blog came along. I was simply trying to help people travel the world with ease. When it comes to fitness, that has always been a passion of mine. I started working out when I was 13 years old and really loved it. In my second year in the U.A.E, I decided to get a Personal training certificate to continue and feed my passion for fitness and sharing that passion with my followers.  

Are you currently blogging full time?

I currently work full time and travel and fitness blog as a passion of mine on the side. I love to share my experiences with others and hope that by seeing my photos and message their day gets a bit better.  

How has the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic affected your travel plans and blogging activity? 

To be honest, travel at the moment has come to a complete halt for me. I have not been able to travel outside the U.A.E. and I feel like it is my duty to encourage others to do the same and so I have to lead by example. It is not safe for anyone right now and so for me to travel the world I feel like it puts me and others at risk as well. I have been exploring the U.A.E.  much more and I have loved exploring my own backyard.  

If you could book a flight to any destination in the world right now, where would you go?

This is an easy question for me right now. I would go to see my family in the U.S. I usually see them once a year during the holidays and sadly that won’t be happening this year. I have 8 nieces and nephews that I am waiting to see, but I hope for a better 2021 where travelling won’t be so risky.  

You are a certified Personal Trainer as well, so fitness is an essential part of your life; what are your tips to stay in shape while travelling? 

Staying in shape while travelling is hard because I believe that part of travel is enjoying all the food that the country has to offer. I try as much as possible to commute by walking. I usually do a 10-minute abs routine in the morning before heading out. Depending on the day, I may be able to squeeze in a quick 30-minute workout in the hotel room.  

What are your favourite exercises to perform for a quick travel workout?   

I don’t think working out needs to be complicated; some exercises that always get my heart rate pumping are jump squats, walking lunges, planks, push-ups and squats to shoulder press. These are just a few quick and easy no equipment necessary exercises that I can do in my room.  

How do you stay committed to your healthy lifestyle while abroad? 

I stay committed because I love the feeling of working out. Don’t get me wrong, some days are really tough to get my butt off the couch and go to the gym, but I try to tell myself that I will do a quick 30 minutes. While I am there I usually get excited over what I’m doing and might end up working out for an hour. The most important thing about staying committed to a healthy lifestyle is to enjoy the workout that you are doing. Whether it is swimming, kickboxing, dancing, weight training, running make sure that it’s fun for you and not a punishment.  

What healthy snacks would you bring on a road trip? 

I love apples and peanut butter, this is always a good go-to for me! Raw almonds, bananas and rice cakes are staples of mine when I’m travelling.  

Chilling on a tropical beach, exploring European capitals or getting lost in the wilderness?   

Ouch, this is a tough one but I think if you have been following me you would tell from my profile that I am a total beach bum, so take me to the nearest tropical beach!

What are 3 items that cannot be missed in your luggage?

 I would say a swimsuit, tripod and my phone charger.  

What is the most underrated destination you have been to? 

I think Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country with amazing cities, people and views. I have been there three times and I would happily go back again!

What’s the scariest thing you have done while travelling? 

Ziplining, I have a huge fear of heights. I did my first zipline in Thailand. I didn’t love it, but I did it nonetheless, which was a big thing for me! 

What’s your most incredible travel moment?

I did canyoneering in the Philippines and that was probably my favourite travel memory to date! I got to Kawasan falls by climbing, sliding and swinging all the way to the waterfall. It was epic!  

You have travelled to 32 countries and met people from different cultures; which encounter has touched your heart the most? 

I travelled to Singapore by myself and stayed in a hostel. I met some pretty incredible people at the hostel and we stuck together for the whole trip.  Some were travelling the world and Singapore was just a stop, others were travelling for leisure. I remember this trip so vividly because I really wanted to go to Singapore but at the time I had no one that was interested in going. I ended up going by myself but then I met this amazing group of people to spend the vacation with.  

What have you learned about yourself while travelling?

Cheesy alert!! I learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I was. I know this sounds so cliche but I used to wait and wait for someone to go with me to a destination. If there wasn’t anyone to go with then I simply wouldn’t go. I think travelling alone is so important because it teaches you more about yourself. When you are lost do you ask for help or figure it out on your own? Would you be open to meeting strangers at a bar and having a conversation or would you walk away? Would you be open to staying at a hostel or would you prefer a luxury hotel? I learned so much about myself when I travelled alone and the most important one was how strong I am to do things on my own and for myself simply because I wanted to. Once you realize that, truly nothing can hold you back.  

You are originally from Lebanon but also lived in Qatar and Wisconsin. Now you are based in Dubai. Where do you call home and why?   

Home for me right now in Dubai. I have a beautiful apartment and a routine and a job that I adore. I have lived in the U.A.E for 5 years now and it has been an incredible place to be and it has provided me with lots of opportunities to grow and travel.

What are your travel goals for 2021? 

I would love to go to the U.S. and Lebanon at some point to see my family and to have my wedding in Lebanon. I would like to continue to explore new countries in 2021 if Covid gives me a chance to do so. On top of my list are Brazil, Spain, Portugal and Mexico.   

If you miss travelling and need some inspiration, follow @trimmed.and.traveled on Instagram.