A Few Tips A Day Keep the Doctor Away: 10 Easy Tricks for Healthy Travel

Now more than ever, safe and healthy travel is a topic at the forefront of everyone’s minds. With restrictions eased throughout most of the country, travellers are eager to hit the open road and make up for lost time. As you pack your bags this summer, keep these ten simple tricks in mind to ensure a safe and memorable journey.

Pack a First Aid Kit

Whether vacationing alone or with a group, it’s wise to keep a first aid kit on hand. Your kit should include basics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, insect repellent, antibacterial gel or wipes, bandages, antibiotic ointment and remedies for motion sickness. Your first aid kit is also the perfect place to store personal medications for easy access, rather than stowing them in carry-ons or checked luggage.

Hydration is Key

Amid the excitement of a jam-packed itinerary, it’s easy to forget something as simple as drinking water. Typically, travellers require more water intake on a busy day than they would normally drink at home, as travel can be quite exhausting. Dehydration can result in headaches, fatigue, and can even lead to a weakened immune system. Aim to drink at least 60-70 ounces of clean, filtered water each day.

Avoid Aisle Seats on Planes

Everyone has their personal seat preference, but you may want to be a bit choosier when booking the seats for your next flight. According to a 2008 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, passengers in aisle seats are more likely to be exposed to errant germs and bacteria from other flyers.

Get Plenty of Shut-Eye

When planning your daily itinerary, make sure to incorporate plenty of time for sleep. While this may not seem like the most exciting use of your time, it is the most vital. A study conducted in 2015 revealed that sleep becomes more critical than ever when crossing time zones, as disruptions to the circadian rhythm can compromise a traveller’s immune system. Staying well-hydrated, avoiding caffeine and creating a dark, comfortable sleeping space can help to overcome jet lag.

Use Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

Travel hubs are notoriously germy places, where contact with bacteria is virtually unavoidable. Often, access to soap and water is limited. Prevent the spread of germs by cleaning your hands regularly, using antibacterial hand sanitiser, wipes, or paper soap. When choosing hand sanitiser, opt for a selection with high alcohol content, as these types are most likely to kill a wide range of harmful bacteria.

Create a “Healthy Travel Kit”

Try packing a small bag or quart-size ziplock filled with healthy snacks such as seeds, raw nuts, herbal teas, and almond butter. These kits can also contain probiotics and vitamins to help keep your immune system functioning at peak capacity. Keeping healthy alternatives on hand will help you save money as well, steering you away from the high-sugar, low-nutrient options at airports and gas stations.

Don’t Forget Your Vitamins

Maintain a vitamin regimen while you’re out and about—supplements such as Vitamin C can not only boost your immune system but also help guard against common traveller’s problems such as an upset stomach.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is the name of the game in today’s COVID era, but routine vaccinations have been high on the traveller’s priority list long before 2020. If you are travelling abroad, research the vaccinations that may be required for you to enter your destination country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers comprehensive international guides for this purpose. Consultation with a travel medication expert can also ensure you receive the appropriate vaccinations for your trip.

Wear Sunscreen

Regardless of the time of year, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Consider packing a hat or umbrella, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or above. A painful sunburn is a dampener to any vacation and can increase the risk of skin cancer long after the burn itself fades.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

It’s tempting to skip breakfast and get straight to enjoying your day, but during travel, breakfast is more important than ever. Give yourself the energy to explore with a healthy meal option such as fruit, eggs or oatmeal.

We hope these tips keep you safe and healthy wherever your next journey takes you!