Keep some minor meds in your travel first aid kit. Over the counter products like sudafed or Claritin can drastically reduce your sniffles (either cold or allergy related) while on the go. Also make sure you’ve got a travel size hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes in there. Use them to clean the airplane armrests and food tray before you put any of your own things there.
Research any vaccinations you might need and schedule an appointment (or two or three) to get them. Don’t try to get any while abroad, and try to avoid otc meds in foreign countries… I have heard stories of people who bought them and then failed a drug test.
Take vitamins. I take a multi-vitamin every morning. There are huge benefits to them: my hair and nails are super healthy, my skin looks great, and I haven’t had a cold in a while (ok, I just totally jinxed myself!)
While traveling:
Many health experts recommend walking around once an hour during long flights. This reduces the pressure on your legs from sitting in a cramped position for too long and can help you avoid ugly veins in your legs.
Also, travel with a scarf or travel blanket to keep warm (this will help your body stay healthy, oddly enough) and a pillow to keep your neck from slipping into an awkward position. Also, by avoiding carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol, your body’s immune system is already working for you, not against you. Drink warm water, not ice water, tea and eat warm foods, if possible, instead of a cold salad. (Bonus – if you drink a lot of water you have to get up to pee more often, therefore moving around.) Almonds are an amazing snack to have in your bag (and not just while traveling!) because they’ll help you stave off hunger if there is nothing around. And, they’re delish.
At the airport, treat everything as if it was covered in nasty germs (which it is, let’s be honest) and don’t set bags on the ground in the bathroom. Wash your hands before you eat, after you use the restroom. These are common sense tips, to be sure, but it’s amazing the number of times I watch women leave the restroom and NOT wash their hands… GROSS. EW.
At your destination:
Once you’re at your destination, you might lapse in your routine a little. But there are little things you can do to stay healthy. Walk or bike around the city instead of taking public transportation. You’ll see more and have the opportunities to stroll down a tiny alley with a little neon cafe sign that you would miss if you rode past it.
If your hotel has a gym, take advantage of it… even if just for a thirty minutes of stretching before you leave for the day. If you rent an extended stay hotel or an Airbnb, you can do your own cooking, which can help you eat healthy as well as act healthy.
Practice safe sex. Among backpackers, there’s definitely a carefree attitude toward sex especially in Australia and New Zealand, so if you’re hanging out with people, just protect yourself.
If you do get sick, act immediately. Find a hospital and get checked out. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you’ve purchased travel insurance, it might cover it even if your home provider doesn’t.
Some tips recommend staying far away from people that are sick, and while that’s a good idea, sometimes it’s just not possible. In this Conde Nast article from last year, I think every other tip is about sanitizing your hands. ok – we get it.
How do you stay healthy while traveling? Have you ever gotten sick somewhere and needed to seek medical attention?
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