Tips to Stay Healthy When Traveling

For many travelers, health is the last thing on their minds when traveling. However, it's important to consider how your actions while traveling can affect you upon returning home. The last thing you, or your boss for that matter, wants is for you to return worse off than when you left only to request sick days after your vacation. Below you will find some tips for staying healthy when traveling, and the best part is it may help you enjoy your trip even more!

---

Watch What You Eat
I know, I know! You're on vacation. I'm not saying don't indulge, but I am saying don't over indulge. Sure, have some carbs. And of course, have that second glass of wine. Just be mindful of the fact that if you go too overboard with the indulgence you could pay the price that day, the next day, or worse – the entire trip. There are few things as depressing as having a hangover while you're away, and missing out on the fun.

Plus, when we are used to eating and drinking a certain way, our bodies can react negatively to overdoing it with the heavier and more sugary food and drinks than it's used to. It might not be food poisoning, it could just be your body rejecting the junk it's not used to. TIP: Pineapple is a natural diuretic, so enjoy those Piña colada's in moderation.

Move Your Body
When you're traveling, it's important to get in a little exercise. The good news is, you will probably be walking a lot more than you would at home. However, if you have been too sedentary for a while, i.e. flights that last 14 hours going overseas, get the blood flowing as soon as possible. Some experts even suggest taking a walk on the plane if you will be flying for more than a few hours.

Get Sleep – Seven to Eight Hours Minimum
Do yourself a favor and don't stay up late and get up early everyday of your trip. Yes, there may be a lot you want to see and do on your trip, but not getting enough sleep wreaks havoc on your immune system. Sleep recharges your batteries, allows healthy cell regeneration, and allows you to be more present during your waking hours.

Drink More Water
Water is the best thing you can be drinking when traveling (and when you're at home). It flushes toxins, re-hydrates your body, aids in digestion, boosts your mood, keeps you more awake than coffee – just trust me, water is awesome! Drink plenty of it. If you will be walking a lot, or will be in warmer climates, you'll need to drink more to stay hydrated enough as well. De-hydration is the number one cause of jetlag, and water is the best way to flight back on long flights.

Sanitize
Don't forget to bring hand sanitizer and wipes with you. I like to wipe down my seat area on the plane - you never know what happened there before you (I have seen some very unpleasant things).  I also keep my hand sanitizer close after touching all the germy luggage, doors, bathroom stalls, etc...


This is far from an exhaustive list of ways to stay healthy while traveling. Hopefully, it's got you thinking about some ways you can help yourself though. May your vacations be long, your transits hassle free, and your bodies be healthy. Experiences Await...