Table of Contents
Traveling can be a lot of fun and excitement until someone falls ill! Not only does it disrupt your plans, but it can also be distressing, especially if no medical facilities are available.
While traveling is good for your mental and physical health; often a change in routine and diet can affect your health and make you fall sick. Hence, if you want to stay well when on the move, it is important to take care and be well-prepared to tackle any issues that may arise.
Follow along to learn some helpful tips that may enable you to stay well on the road.
Prepare To Travel
Before you begin your journey, it is essential to ensure you are in good health and well enough to travel. This is particularly important if you are traveling to a place where you may not have convenient access to medical facilities. There are a few precautionary measures you can take to ensure your preparedness for the travel ahead.
If you have planned the trip, ensure to get a health checkup around four to eight weeks before you depart. You may also need to get vaccinations depending on where you are going. Also, get health insurance to cover the medical costs you may need in case you get treatment.
If someone you are traveling with has a health condition, remember to pack the required medications in sufficient amounts and also medical devices, if any.
It is also advisable to get medical or health-related advice for your destination country. You can also get specific wellness tips and practical advice through social media outreach directly from experienced travelers.
Get Sufficient Rest and Sleep
If there is a time zone difference between your place of residence and destination country, try to get adjusted during the days ahead of traveling. This way, you will not feel tired or jet-lagged when you reach.
Also, remember to get sufficient rest and sleep when traveling. Even if you have planned a packed itinerary, it is important to ensure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night. This will keep you well-rested and energized for the next day. It will also help maintain your immunity as the body replenishes its depleted reserves while you are sleeping.
Moreover, if your travel plans include considerable physical activities and exploration on foot, remember to take breaks in between to give your body some well-needed rest.
Stay Hydrated When On The Move
It is easy to lose track of how much water you drink while traveling or even forget to drink any water at all! However, hydration is very important, especially when you are traveling, as it will prevent you from getting tired too quickly. If you are traveling to a place with a water climate, going without water for too long may even make you dehydrated and ill.
To ensure you consume sufficient water on the go, keep a water bottle with you at all times. It is a good idea to keep a reusable water bottle instead of using disposable plastic water bottles every time. It is an eco-conscious move that also lets you keep track of your water intake.
If you need to refill your water bottle, ensure to use a safe water source for the purpose. Also, be careful when using ice or purchasing beverages. In underdeveloped countries, there is a higher likelihood that the water or ice from an unknown source may have bacteria or other pollutants that may pose a risk to your health. If you want to enjoy a cold beverage to cool off, buy a sealed beverage instead.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Your dining experiences will have a significant impact on your travel experience. While trying local cuisines is an important element of traveling, it is equally important to make careful choices. Refrain from raw or undercooked foods to avoid any health complications. Choose to eat freshly made food from fresh ingredients to avoid getting sick.
If you are tempted to try street food, opt for busy vendors and stalls from where you can get fresh food. Pay close attention to the environment and the hygiene conditions when sampling the food, and stay away from stalls that are not employing good hygiene practices.
Moreover, whether you are traveling with family or on your own, packing some nutritious snacks can be helpful especially when on the go. You can take along nuts, seeds, and protein bars for quick snacking. Fresh fruits are also a good idea, but make sure to wash them properly before eating.
Stay Active
Traveling can often interfere with our exercise and workout regimen but there are ways around this dilemma. Since sightseeing is an important part of most trips, search for activities that require you to be physically active. Look for destinations accessible via hiking or bike rides and include them in your plan to maintain a good activity level.
You can also do a few stretching exercises and workouts that do not require equipment in your hotel room. If there is a swimming pool nearby and you are fond of the activity, then a few laps can also help you squeeze in a little workout.
Keep The Essentials With You
While you may be thinking about the travel documents, clothing, and toiletries you must pack, also remember to pack a few essentials that can help maintain good hygiene and health.
For instance, disinfecting wipes and a hand sanitizer will help you maintain cleanliness and keep your hands and belongings germs-free, especially in crowded places. Get good quality wipes and sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and remember to use it regularly to prevent the risk of getting affected by any viruses or bacteria.
Also, keep a first aid kit with the essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, bandages, etc., that you may need to treat minor wounds, medications for fever or body pains, etc. This way, you can treat small emergencies easily and resolve them quickly.
Final Note
Traveling can do wonders for your mental health and overall well-being. However, unexpected health-related problems can quickly hamper your plans and even cause a lot of stress. However, when you are prepared and employ the right traveling strategies, you can stay well and safe during your trip and make the most of your free time.
If you have any health-related issue or condition, remember to consult with your healthcare provider and ensure you keep all the requisite medication. Also, remember to get sufficient rest, eat well, and drink lots of clean water so you can stay well on the road.
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling#summary
https://mybetterhealth.care/staying-healthy-while-travelling/
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/tips-for-staying-healthy-while-traveling
