Just because you’re traveling, doesn’t mean you should ever leave your health and well-being behind. If you want to enjoy your travels, you need to take care of yourself which may seem like an obvious point, but since we create new routines or regiments while on the road, you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle or else traveling is just going to burn you out.
Here are ten ways to stay healthy while on the road:
1. Stay hydrated! Drinking lots of water while traveling is something I constantly have to remind myself to do and is such a simple, but necessary part our daily intake. I can’t tell you how many times I have been through a hectic travel day only to realized I haven’t had a drink of water since breakfast. When you don’t drink enough water, you might get migraines, feel faint or start cramping, or just feel rundown. If you’re going to a country or a city where the water is iffy to drink, bring a water bottle with a filter or water purification tablets. I was recommended the LifeStraw which I’m considering to get for camping trips.
2. Eat healthy food. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of buying packaged snacks like cookies and chips. Try eating a fresh vegetables once per day and stop a local grocery store for healthy snacks like grapes, nuts, apples or figs. You can always peel the fruit yourself if you’re worried about buying it off the street. To keep your food going bad, then take a small lunch box cooler or insulated bag with you on your trip. That way you can save money by buying in bulk and be able to eat it the next day or two.
3. Take a nap. If you’re constantly moving from one place to another and are feeling exhausted, then don’t hesitate to take a nap. You need the rest to feel rejuvenated and alert for the rest of your adventures so make time to close your eyes and dose off.
4. Pace your alcohol. The worst feeling while traveling would probably be a hangover after a night of cheap drinks and good company. Be mindful of what you’re drinking, for example, if you’re going to drink vodka, the lower the quality, the more likely that you’ll feel sick the next day. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages will also help you stay hydrated so you won’t have a throbbing headache the next morning especially if you plans to take a all day bus ride.
5. Exercise. Take advantage of trails, parks, boardwalks in new cities that you visit as a way to sneak in some exercise and get fresh air. If you’re staying outside of the city center, rather than taking a taxi or cab, walk into town. Plus you’re more likely to come across shops and cafes that locals usually go to rather than the ones that geared towards tourists.
6. Get vaccinated. Check with the CDC for any vaccinations that are required or recommended before heading off to your destination. If you’re going to be in a jungle environment you may need a rabies vaccination for example. You should research all the vaccinations before getting them and decide whether you want them or not. Some countries that do require certain vaccination may deny you entry without proof of vaccinations so bring a copy of your immunization records with you.
7. Pack a wellness kit. In case you’re going somewhere that you won’t have access to a pharmacy or are worried about the effectiveness of the local medicine, then pack a wellness kit with you. Your kit should have an insect repellent, motion sickness medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine, pain medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen and antihistamines.
8. Use sunscreen. Avoid getting sunburned by using a sunscreen. If you’re going to be in a Mediterranean or topical area, you should be especially careful because your sunburn can be such a painful experience.
9. Wash your hands. Bacteria can spread easily through contact so it’s important to wash your hands frequently especially after handling money, working with animals or using public transportation. Carrying an antibacterial hand gel would be a great idea especially if there isn’t always soap and water available.
10. Purchase travel insurance. In case you do become ill while you’re traveling, purchasing travel medical insurance can make a big difference in the type of care you receive and the cost of care. Square Mouth is a resource available to compare travel insurance quotes based on the travelers needs. If you already have health insurance, make sure that your coverage includes international medical care. Medicare does not offer out-of-network coverage internationally, so if you are insured by Medicare, you will need to purchase additional health insurance.
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