The sun is shining, the kids are out of school and the summer travel season is in full swing. People across the country are packing their bags for a summer adventure that promises to create memories to last a lifetime.
Of course, traveling is much more enjoyable if you can manage to stay healthy while taking in all of the sights. Keeping the sniffles at bay is no easy feat when you’re visiting the hottest spots in town that are teeming with tourists of various health levels. Nothing quite ruins a trip like falling ill. Especially if your stay is short as you have very little time to overcome this. However even if your stay is prolonged, such as spending a year as a Cultural Care Au Pair, it can make you terribly homesick. So here are some tips that can help you avoid illness on your trip and maximize the trip.
But there’s more to staying healthy while traveling than just avoiding a cold.
You also need to take your overall health and wellness into account by maintaining a healthy diet and consistent exercise. Increase your odds of avoiding a cold and staying healthy while traveling by following these simple steps.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
No surprises here. While you should be washing your hands consistently throughout your everyday life to cut down on the spread of germs, it’s even more important when you’re traveling. Airports and public transportation handle thousands of travelers every day and the potential for exposure to germs is higher than normal. Other tourist destinations, like national parks and theme parks, also see a high volume of people. Try to avoid touching handrails, door handles, airline tray tables and be sure to wash your hands before eating or touching your face. Carry hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available.
Get Plenty of Sleep
It may be tempting to skip your usual number of zzz’s to maximize your sightseeing time but a lack of sleep will ultimately do more harm than good. You need rest for your body to function at its full capacity and keep sickness away. Aim for the recommended eight hours of sleep each night and you’ll find that you’re well-rested enough to get everything done without sacrificing your health and well-being.
Skip Transportation and Walk Instead
If you’re planning to explore a new location, skip the crowded, germ-filled public transportation and walk instead. There’s no better way to explore the nooks and crannies of a city than by exploring on foot. Plus, you’ll get the added benefit of easily meeting, and likely surpassing, your step goal by being so enthralled with the sights that you won’t even notice that you’re getting the recommended 10,000 step per day goal. Fresh air never hurt anyone, right?
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to drink enough water all the time but it’s perhaps even more so when you’re traveling in the summer. The heat combined with physical activity can easily lead to dehydration. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and make sure that you’re drinking regularly. Remember that if you plan to let loose and indulge in an alcoholic beverage or two, you need to be extra vigilant about consuming enough water to counteract the alcohol’s dehydrating tendencies.
Make Healthy Food Choices
It’s easy to be tempted while on vacation by the local cuisine and a calories-don’t-count mentality. Unfortunately, what you eat on your trip may continue to haunt you for months to come in the form of extra unwanted weight. Cut down on weight gain by choosing healthy options, like lots of fruit and vegetables, and limiting your indulgences to the occasional treat instead of every meal. Start your day with a healthy, high-protein breakfast, like egg whites, to give you a boost and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Stick to Your Workout Routine
Staying in shape while traveling is much easier and more fun than you may think, and wearable devices help you keep track of your workouts. If your workout routine consists of exercise in a gym, you’re in luck! Many hotels offer a gym on the premises that is often included in your room rate. Take advantage of the machines and weights to keep on track with your normal schedule. If your hotel doesn’t have a gym, check out some of the local workout classes to discover something new.
Be Cautious In Other Countries
If you’re traveling outside of the United States, be sure to research the country to find out what kind of precautions you should take. For example, you should avoid the water in some areas as it may harbor harmful bacteria. This includes asking for no ice in your beverages and steering away from fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in the water. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Staying Health While Traveling
Now that you’re armed with plenty of recommendations to Staying Healthy While Traveling, get out there and start to explore the world! Happy and healthy travels!
