Nothing is more frustrating than becoming sick while on vacation.
You put money aside and wait for a long time for this trip. The big day approaches, and you arrive at your destination, but you become ill the very next day!
While you heal, the fun continues without you.
Being unwell is never enjoyable. However, if you get sick during your vacation, you are squandering your money on a trip that you will not be able to enjoy.
As a result, staying healthy when traveling is critical. Furthermore, with so much temptation during the holidays, it is easy to fall into harmful habits.
But, no worries! Keep on reading this article to find out healthy travel tips to stay healthy while traveling.
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How to Stay Healthy While Traveling?
Here is a list of the strategies to stay healthy when traveling. Some of these are self-evident, but it never hurts to be reminded.
When you remember these guidelines for being healthy while traveling, you won’t have to lose out on the fun.
1. Avoid Aisle Seats on Planes
When it comes to booking an aircraft seat, you may want to be more selective.
Yes, you can get up easily if you avoid the aisle seat. When your neighbor forces you to get up, you will not only receive less sleep, but you may also get exposed to more infections.
2. Practice Deep Breathing If You Are a Nervous Flyer
If you get nervous on flights, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth while counting to five with each inhale and exhale.
Slowly deepen each breath, counting to ten as you go, and continue until your body relaxes. You might also want to try meditating.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Get a decent night’s sleep the night before you travel, and try to stick to a normal sleep schedule as much as possible while you’re away.
Here are some suggestions to help you obtain the seven to nine hours of sleep you need every night:
- At night, keep your room chilly.
- Keep caffeine usage to a minimum.
- Avoid electronic devices such as smartphones and e-readers for at least an hour before going to bed.
- Travel with an eye mask and earplugs and get some rest while in transit.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
It’s critical to stay hydrated while traveling, especially if you’re flying.
The mucous membranes in your nose are a natural protection against bacteria and viruses in your body. The air in an airplane cabin is exceedingly dry; dehydration and dry air can cause nasal passages to become desiccated, making you more susceptible to a flu-filled sneeze from a fellow traveler.
When traveling, bring bottled water with you and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
5. Eat Healthy Foods
When it comes to staying healthy while traveling, it all comes down to making smart choices, which includes choosing the right food when dining out.
Choose alternatives that include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables whenever available.
Making your own meals is another way to ensure that you eat healthy foods.
Even if you don’t have access to a kitchen, you may stock up on fresh foods and prepare simple meals like salads and sandwiches.
When you’re out and about, don’t forget to pick up some apples, oranges, bananas, or nuts to keep your energy levels up.
6. Wash Your Hands
Every day, you come into touch with a large number of germs and bacteria, and your exposure only rises when you travel.
Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, and keep wet wipes or hand sanitizer with you so you may freshen up when soap and water aren’t available.
7. Beat Jet Lag
Jet lag can sabotage your best efforts to stay healthy when traveling and interfere with your ability to have fun.
Use melatonin or chamomile tea to help you sleep on your travels and for the first few evenings after you arrive at your destination to minimize jet lag.
Research shows that magnesium increases the GABA hormones in the brain which stimulates smooth sleep. So, magnesium with a cup of chamomile tea can relax you after a long flight.
8. Protect Your Skin
You don’t want a nasty sunburn to ruin your vacation.
To protect your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB radiation, bring a hat and an umbrella, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
While the sunburn may fade, the elevated risk of skin cancer will persist, so take precautions.
Read more about difference between sunblock and sunscreen to make an informed choice between the two.
9. Exercise to Keep Your Body Active
It’s simple to stick to a routine at home. You might not have access to a gym while on vacation.
Put your backpack on and march the 1-2 miles to your accommodation.
You’ll see more, save money by not taking a cab or bus, and stay in better shape. Walking around a city is more enjoyable than going through it in a vehicle because you can experience it up close.
Everywhere you go, walk! It’s a fantastic method to keep in shape.
10. Update Your Vaccinations
To begin, make sure you have your COVID-19 vaccine and booster injections.
If you’re going to a place where tropical diseases are a risk, make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist well in advance of your trip to get the necessary vaccinations.
11. Take a Moment to Look After Your Emotional Health
Touring is frequently strenuous. It’s hard to stand in line among throngs of people vying for a good photo shot.
So, it’s also important to look after your mental well-being.
Allow time for jet lag, culture shock, and sensory overload to subside. Take a break and sit in the park for a few hours.
Read a book in your hotel room, relax on your balcony, or take advantage of the resort/hotel services.
Most importantly, do it slowly and don’t put too much pressure on yourself or others.
12. BONUS – Be Proactive!
Carry a basic first aid kit. Things to include:
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen for headaches, pain, hangovers, fevers or any injuries.
- Cold & flu relief medicine (if you usually take them)
- Motion sickness tablets
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Adhesive bandages of various sizes
- An antibiotic ointment
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Putting it all Together!
So, we have established all the useful tips for you to stay healthy while traveling. You don’t need to overthink much, just follow these simple guidelines and you will be well on your way to enjoy your trip with these healthy travel tips.
If you want to know more about how to stay healthy while traveling, you can ask a general physician anywhere near your area by simply booking an appointment via Healthwire.pk.
