4 Tips for Healthy Travel
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Traveling is a wonderful experience that, just like most other things in life, can be very negatively impacted by poor health. Getting sick while traveling can ruin the trip. It is essential to focus on your health leading up to and during travel to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to stay healthy as you travel.
1. Hand Hygiene
Washing your hands is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay healthy. We come in contact with many different surfaces throughout the day, from doorknobs to pens that are covered in germs. Practicing good hand hygiene while traveling can help protect you from germs you may encounter. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is a great idea to bring hand sanitizer with you for moments when you may not have access to running water and soap. Whether you are on a mediterranean cruise or sightseeing across Italy, hand sanitizer is an accessible healthcare item to keep on you during your trip. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the day.
2. Medications
If you take medications daily, do not forget to pack enough of the drug to last you for the duration of the trip. This includes your prescription medications but can also consist of other vitamins and supplements you take every day. Other drugs, such as ibuprofen and antacids, are great to have with you, should you need them while traveling. You will be much more comfortable if you are prepared for common scenarios.
3. Stay Hydrated
When traveling, it can be easy to forget to drink water. We reach for the caffeine for a long day of sightseeing or order an alcoholic beverage while lying on the beach. However, staying adequately hydrated plays a vital role in overall health and should be practiced while traveling. Ideally, an individual should consume at least 64 ounces of water per day. Eating foods high in water content, such as watermelon and pineapples, can also help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to headaches, lightheadedness, sleepiness and other symptoms that would undoubtedly put a damper on your travels. Drinking extra water before and after drinking alcohol can also help to limit hangovers or headaches. If you are extra active while traveling or are in a warm destination, be sure to drink extra water.
A collapsible water bottle is perfect for fitting into your luggage. You can fill it in the airports to drink during flights and easily store it to bring with you daily as you go sightseeing. Drink plenty of water, especially during long flights, as dehydration can worsen the jet lag symptoms you may experience. Start your day off with a full glass of water to give yourself an energy boost, too. There are plenty of ways to squeeze water into your day while traveling. Your body will thank you!
4. Rest Up
While it may be tempting to limit your sleep to do everything you desire to do, sleep is very important for your health. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling run down. Without quality sleep, you risk being grumpy, unable to focus and unenergized for the day ahead. This can dampen the trip. Sleep also helps keep your immune system up, your brain focused and has many other benefits.
Make the most of your travels by keeping your health a priority. In the weeks leading up to your trip, be sure to take good care of your body, get enough sleep, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. As you pack, be aware of any medical needs you may have or medications you should bring with you. Hand hygiene can play a tremendous role in protecting you from germs that could cause illness. Carrying hand sanitizer with you throughout the trip allows you to disinfect when using soap and water may not be possible. Your health is important and should be a priority daily, while traveling or not.
