by Staff Reports
Depending on your preferences, traveling should be a time for rest and relaxation, fun and adventure or learning and exploring. It should not be a time for feeling sick. However, with changes in weather, exposure to germs in crowded places and possible lack of sleep due to jet lag, your body can be at risk for illness when you travel. Here are 12 tips to help you stay healthy on your next vacation.
- Get enough rest. The most important way to stay healthy while traveling is to sleep. If jet lag prevents you from sleeping well at night, make time for short naps throughout your days to compensate.
- Wash your hands. Germs spread easily on airplanes and crowded spaces. Reduce your risk of infection by keeping hands clean. Wearing a medical mask can help prevent airborne germs from making their way into your respiratory tract.
- Pace yourself. Don’t pack your itinerary with so many activities that you don’t have time to rest. Be active and have fun, but allow yourself periods to recover. Remember, traveling is hard on your system. Listen to your body.
- Breathe and stretch. Start your day with some stretches and deep breathing. Consider doing the same before bed to relax your muscles and encourage a better night’s sleep.
- Walk around. Get your daily exercise and stay away from crowds and germs. Skip public transportation and try walking around instead. You’ll take in more sights and sounds on foot too.
- Take your vitamins. Getting enough nutrients can be difficult when traveling and eating on the go. Pack your vitamins from home, including a multivitamin, and remember to take them daily.
- Eat breakfast. Don’t skip breakfast because you’re going out to lunch and dinner. Stop at a local grocery store and pick up some fruit, cereal, yogurt and juice for your room. Eating breakfast will give you the energy needed to start your busy day.
- Stay hydrated. Carry a bottle of water with you everywhere you go and drink, drink, drink it all day long.
- Eat fruits and vegetables. Keep your body regular and healthy with fresh produce. Make sure you incorporate these into your meals or snacks every day while traveling.
- Limit alcohol and sugar. Alcohol disrupts sleep and eating too much sugar will cause your blood sugar levels to be uneven. Yes, you’re on vacation, so have fun, but remember to consume both in moderation.
- Use wetnaps and hand sanitizer. A great substitute when soap and water are not available, these items will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. They are especially important to use before a meal and after coming into contact with people and things like door handles all day.
- Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 during the day and reapply every two hours, if possible. When visiting areas with insects, be sure to wear bug repellent or special clothing to protect yourself.
