Staying healthy while on vacation can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you’re worried about catching a cold during your flight, stress overwhelming you, or simply putting on too much weight from all that delicious food you’ll eat, there are several things you can do to maintain your health. Here are a twelve tips for staying healthy while traveling.
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy during your travels is to drink plenty of water. Be sure to drink water during your flight, since the cabin can be really dry. It will help you feel more energized when you land. An easy way to make sure you drink water is to bring along a reusable bottle.
Get Some Rest
If you’re on a long-haul flight, or especially a red-eye, you will want to try to get some sleep on the plane. Bring a travel pillow so you don’t wake up with a painful cramped neck. It will also let you get sounder sleep. While traveling can easily throw off your normal sleep schedule, be sure to get a good night’s sleep as much as you can.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
You’re likely to come in contact with loads of germs while traveling, from airport germs to public transportation to tourist attractions, bars, and more. This makes it extremely important to wash your hands frequently. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use your drying towel to open the door if necessary.
Pack Hand Sanitizer or Sanitizing Wipes
There may be times when you aren’t able to wash your hands with good old soap and water. This is when you will want to have hand sanitizer. Sanitizing wipes can also be extremely useful as well, especially on the plane. You can wipe off the tray table, overhead air vent, and seat belt buckle. Also, point the air vent away from your face.
Public Transportation
Try to find the least crowded area on a train, subway, or bus if you can. Also, sitting is typically better than standing, since you don’t have to hold on to straps or poles. If you do find yourself standing while traveling on the subway or bus, don’t touch your face during the trip and be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after you get off.
Take a Walk During the Flight
Sitting for long periods of time (such as a longhaul flight) in a cramped position can increase the chances of blood clots in your legs. Taking a long walk before takeoff and wearing compression socks during the flight can help. One of the best things to do is to take a walk up and down the aisle every once in a while during your flight. If you’re unable to leave your seat, at least stretch your legs, particularly your calf muscles.
Walk When Possible
One of the simplest tips for staying healthy while traveling is to walk when exploring a vacation destination. Whether you’re headed to a sandy tropical beach or a major city, carve in some walking time into your hopefully not too busy schedule. You may even discover some hidden gems.
Join Walking or Biking Tours
Vacation is often full of sightseeing and eating, but while you may consume more calories than normal during your travels, you can still keep those pounds off while exploring the sights. Walking and biking tours are a great way to really see the city or maybe the countryside, as well as help keep you in shape.
Book Hotels with Pools and Gyms
Fitting in the time to exercise can be a challenge while traveling, however, booking a hotel with a gym or pool can provide you with an easy way to get in a quick workout. Even just a short 15 minutes of exercise can help you stay fit and healthy.
Protect Your Skin
If your vacation is going to involve you being outdoors for a significant time, make sure to use sunscreen. Nobody wants a sunburn as a souvenir of their trip. Also, be sure to use bug repellent as well if you’re traveling somewhere known for mosquitoes and other insects.
Pack Nutritious Snacks
Packing nutritious snacks can help you stay healthy as well, whether you’re snacking on the plane, while exploring a new city, or simply relaxing in your hotel room. Healthy snacks can also help with staying hydrated, such as fresh vegetables and melon.
Plan Ahead
If you get easily overwhelmed or stressed out while traveling, take some time before your travels to plan things out ahead of time. Research your destination, make a list of the things you want to do and see, restaurants you want to eat at, and any other helpful information (tour times, operating hours of museums, etc.). Create a loose itinerary. Also, make copies of important documents, travel insurance, your passport, and emergency numbers (just in case something unexpected happens).
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