Learn how to stay healthy while traveling abroad with these simple tips and avoid spending your next trip in bed.
Let’s just go ahead and say it—Getting sick while on vacation sucks!
Well, being sick at any time is no fun, but it’s especially awful if you’re on a plane or already on holiday.
The thing is, while you’re on a trip, your health is probably the last thing on your mind. It’s all about food, having fun and food, right? (Yes, I meant to say “food” twice.)
Until you get sick.
So, why not take a few simple steps to prevent getting sick when on a trip? Trust me, taking care of yourself when abroad does not have to be difficult. There are little things you can do that will make a big difference.
How To Stay Healthy While Travelling
1. Stay active
Being active is always a great way to be healthy. How to stay fit while traveling?
You can always hit your hotel gym but there are more fun ways to incorporate exercise into your vacation.
Just walk more. Instead of driving or taking public transportation, use your legs to get around as much as possible. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. You’ll see more of the place that you’re visiting and you may just discover some gems you might have missed in the car.
2. Watch what you eat
Tasting the food in a new city or country is part of the experience of traveling. Sure, it’s okay to indulge every once in a while but don’t go overboard. Choose grilled meats or fish instead of fried. Add vegetables to your meals every chance you get. Occasionally, opt for vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Don’t skip breakfast. Either buy prepared breakfast or make your own. Find a local grocery store and stock up on cereal, fruit, oatmeal, pastries, coffee or juices, whatever you like. You don’t need to have a full kitchen available to have a healthy filling breakfast.
Take snacks with you while you’re out and about. This way you can avoid being hungry for long periods of time. I can tell you that this is really important to me, so you’ll always find a few snacks in my bag when I’m on a trip.
3. Take vitamins
You’re exposed to a lot of germs and bacteria while traveling. So, if you want to avoid getting sick on vacation, make sure you take multi-vitamins to boost your immune system. They will also supplement your meals and help you to get the nutrients you may be missing from your diet.
4. Limit alcohol
Who doesn’t like a little—or a lot—of wine with dinner or a yummy cocktail while lounging by the pool, especially when on holiday?
Too much alcohol can dehydrate your body though, so enjoy it in moderation.
5. Bottled Water
Not only is it incredibly important to stay hydrated, access to clean water is not always guaranteed when you travel. A reusable bottle can save you money and ensure that you have potable water with you at all times.
Leave the bottle empty before you proceed through security check points at the airport. Afterwards, fill it up at a water cooler. After, you arrive at your destination, purchase a large bottle of water from the store and refill your bottle as needed.
6. Use hand sanitizer
Cleanliness helps to prevent sickness caused by those germs that I mentioned before. Hand sanitizer is a life saver when soap and water are not available.
Make sure to use it especially before you eat. The last thing you want to do is touch your food with hands that have come into contact with other people and surfaces in public places.
Make sure you have all the important items you need on a trip using this comprehensive travel checklist.
7. Take Care Of Your Skin
Traveling can take a toll on your skin whether it’s from exposure to the dry air on the airplane or the hot sun when on a beach vacation.
Keep your skin healthy by using sunblock with minimum SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, if possible. Use moisturizer and lip balm to combat dry skin. Apply insect repellent to prevent bites when visiting an area with mosquitoes or biting flies.
8. Get some rest
Last on my list of tips for staying healthy while traveling is simply to sleep.
Sleep is vital to maintaining a healthy body. You need rest to recuperate after crossing time zones, carrying luggage and all the other activities associated with going overseas. Listen to your body and take down time when you need it.
If you struggle to sleep while away from home, check out these tips here.
Your behavior when on vacation may vastly differ from your ordinary life at home but these tips ensure that you’ll stop yourself from getting sick and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
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