Staying healthy while traveling during the holiday season is crucial. Anytime you travel, consider taking precautions against getting sick. But during peak travel times like the holidays, more people travel. This means that the chances of getting sick increase compared to non-peak travel times. This article proves some practical tips to keep you healthy during travel. Some of them might even benefit you at home.
Wash Your Hands
This tip is one that applies during every cold and flu season. It also happens to apply to travel. Wash your hands often and be mindful of touching your face, eyes, and nose as these areas contaminate your hands. Consider carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer with you if you’re going to be somewhere where soap and water won’t be nearby.
However, remember that hand sanitizer is not a substitute for washing your hands. Use it only when necessary. While hand sanitizer is effective at killing germs, it also kills good types of bacteria that keep you healthy. Overusing it actually increases your risk of getting sick.
Fly Safely
Did you know that flying is dehydrating? Experts recommend keeping yourself hydrated while flying. Avoid anything with sugar or caffeine and eat lightly. If you’re on a longer cross-country or international flight, get up every hour or so to keep moving. This helps promote circulation and minimizes the very slight risk of getting a blood clot. If seating arrangements make it difficult to get up, flex your feet and ankles in your seat. You can also take an aspirin during takeoff fo extra peace of mind.
Eat Well
Eating is one of the best parts of traveling and it’s also an important way to keep you healthy. If you’re traveling on a budget, you might skip the fruit and veggies when ordering a meal in favor of things heavy with starch. Be mindful of what you eat and remember to get a well-rounded diet in. This is possible on any budget so long as you’re creative.
While we’re on the subject of food, don’t let your creative streak lead you to any place that doesn’t follow food safety practices. The last thing you ever want to have is food poisoning. Some common sense tips to follow include making sure your meat is well done (learn how to say or write this in another language if traveling overseas.) Be careful of prepared foods in countries outside of Europe. If you’re hungry and not sure what to eat, go with a piece of thick-skinned fruit you’ve peeled in a pinch.
Supplements like super multivitamins are another way of making sure you get all of the nutrition you need during your trip.
Sleep Well
Sleep is just as important as eating healthy during a trip. Not getting enough sleep will leave you feeling run down and make you more vulnerable to illness. Plan to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If you go more than a couple of nights without sufficient sleep, make it a priority to catch up.
Exercise
Traveling is an activity-filled process with a lot of walking and moving around involved. Just because you’re traveling though doesn’t mean that you should forego your normal workout. Don’t be afraid to see the sights by taking a run around the area where you’re staying. Many swim clubs and gyms also offer guest passes for nominal fees if you’re staying somewhere without a gym or equipment. This is particularly useful if you’re planning on traveling extensively or if you’re traveling for work after holidays are over as well.
Protect Yourself
When you travel, you might be spending a lot of time outdoors either walking or otherwise spending time with the sun. The same basic rules of sun protection apply on the road as they do at home. Wear sunscreen and be sure to wear clothes that keep you protected from the sun like hats, pants and long-sleeved items of clothing.
In addition to these practical items, consider using tri-luma and get a triluma discount, if you have melasma. Melasma makes dark and patchy spots appear on the skin, usually on your face. It’s not intended for long-term treatment. But triluma is a cream that helps improve this condition for the short term, like while traveling. Get a triluma discount and save more for your travels.
Traveling is always an exhilarating time particularly during the holidays. You get to see and spend time with family and friends. Don’t miss out on special times together because you’re sick. Follow these practical tips to help you stay healthy and happy while on the road or in the air this holiday.