It Was Never About Portugal: Why Your Dream Body Shouldn’t Be a Last-Minute Thing

Let’s clear something up real quick—it was never just about Portugal.

Yes, I’ve been sharing how I’ve been getting my legs ready for this trip. And now that I’m finally getting ready to go, I have to say it: Portugal was just the occasion. The real story is the intention I put into my body leading up to this flight. The treatments, the movement, the hydration, the lymphatic care—that wasn’t “trip prep.” That was me prep. That was lifestyle.

Because here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of the whole “summer body” conversation. Not even a little bit.

Like, what does that even mean? Why are we conditioning ourselves to panic-prep every time a vacation rolls around? Why are we acting like being confident in our skin should be seasonal?

If you really want to feel good in your body, it can’t just be about the beach trip. It has to be about the body you're living in—every day.

“I Have a Trip Coming Up...”

That’s the phrase I hear all the time.

Someone has a vacation coming up and wants to squeeze in a couple of lymphatic drainage sessions right before they leave.

Let’s say they’re dealing with bloating, inflammation, or something deeper like swelling related to celiac...

Let me keep it all the way real:

Two sessions the week before your trip won’t cut it.

Will it help a little? Sure.

Will it give you the sculpted, snatched, smooth feeling you’re dreaming of? Not really.

Why We Really Do Lymphatic Drainage Before a Trip

It’s not just about looking good in a bikini—it’s about feeling good in your body.

Here’s why lymphatic prep matters before you travel:

✈️ Long flights = fluid retention (hello, swollen ankles and knees)

👣 Walking for hours = extra pressure on your legs and hips

💧 New routines = inconsistent hydration + sluggish circulation

But if your body is already used to moving fluid efficiently—you’ll glide through those travel days. You won’t feel heavy or puffy. You’ll actually enjoy the walking, the stairs, the full-day excursions without that “why do my legs feel tight?” feeling.

That’s what real prep looks like.

Let Me Say It Again: I Wasn’t Ready in Two Sessions

I didn’t magically “get ready” for Portugal the week before my flight.

I’ve been months in—building consistency with treatments, hydrating on purpose, caring for my fascia, moving daily.

And no, I’m not saying you need to come in every single week. But if you want to see and feel a difference, you have to give your body a chance to respond.

Results come from rhythm, not rush.

A Little Wellness Girl Reality Check

We need to stop treating our bodies like last-minute projects.

Stop chasing a “summer body.”

Start committing to the version of you that feels strong, light, sculpted, and energized year-round.

That’s the girl who shows up to her trips glowing from the inside out.

So What’s the Takeaway?

If you’ve got a trip coming up—amazing. Let’s get you feeling your best.

But if you really want to feel snatched, radiant, and ready to live your life on your terms, start the work now.

Make the lymphatic treatments, the water, the movement, the self-care…a vibe. A lifestyle. Not a sprint.

Because trust me—it was never just about Portugal.

And it’s not just about your next vacation either.

It’s about the way you treat your body before the big moments…so you’re always ready to enjoy them.

Xoxo,

Stephanie Rachelle