12 Tips To Help You Stay Healthy While Traveling

Traveling has changed drastically since coronavirus became a global pandemic. Before, many people were eager to take trips and travel at their own whim. Now, people are urged to stay home and not travel unless necessary.

There are situations where you need to travel, though. There could be a family emergency, you could need to plan a funeral or make cremation arrangements, or you may need to travel for a necessary work-related matter. If you do have to travel soon, here are some of the top travel tips to stay healthy during your trip.

Tip 1: Review Any Travel Restrictions

Make sure you check any travel restrictions that may be in place before you plan on traveling anywhere. Approximately 1 billion U.S. passengers fly every year, but that number has changed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While there are people who are still choosing to hop on an airplane charter and travel, there are certain places they may not be able to go. For example, the CDC in the United States recommends a halt of all unnecessary travel overseas until further notice. Back in March, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory that urges U.S. residents not to travel globally. Countries around the world have similar travel restrictions.

Before you travel anywhere, research these restrictions thoroughly. That includes within the United States. You may have to quarantine after traveling to certain states, so be sure you’re aware of the risks you may take when traveling domestically and internationally.

Tip 2: Wash Your Hands Often

This is one of the most important travel tips to stay healthy right now. If you do have to travel, make sure you wash your hands often and thoroughly. If you have hand sanitizer, make sure you have it with you when you travel.

Think about it: even with social distancing guidelines, you may have to share an airport shuttle with someone. Or if you’re renting a vehicle, whether it’s a minivan or a dodge challenger, you may be using a car that someone else recently used. Both of these situations could lead to germs being transferred, so remember to wash your hands often and properly. Use warm water with soap, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Also, try to sanitize as many objects as you can before coming into contact with them. If you’re sitting at a table somewhere, wipe it down first. This is especially important if you’re traveling with children. Children may put objects in their mouths, or put their hands in their mouths after touching something. Properly sanitizing surfaces and washing your hands can help prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthy.

Tip 3: Avoid Touching Your Face

This may not seem like it’ll keep you healthy, but avoiding touching your face while on the road is one of the important travel tips to stay healthy. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes while traveling. You’ll come into contact with a number of different surfaces throughout your travels, which means germs will be on your hands. If you touch your face, you’re going to spread those germs and increase your risk of getting sick.

If you’re having issues not touching your face, you can try wearing a mask around the lower half of your face for protection. Some areas may require you to wear a mask in public anyways. You could also wear glasses or sunglasses if you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes. It can be tempting to rub them while traveling, especially if you’re tired, but you must remember to limit it as much as possible.

Tip 4: Distance Yourself From Others

Leaders across the globe are recommending that people social distance right now, but that can be difficult if you’re traveling. You may be in the car with a bunch of people or in an airport with other travelers. However, you can keep your distance between people, and this is one of the most crucial travel tips to stay healthy.

If you are traveling with others, try your best to be at least six feet apart at all times. This should happen whether you’re traveling by car, airplane, or any other form of travel. If you can’t social distance yourself, be prepared. Consider wearing a mask and having a hand sanitizer with you. If you find yourself feeling ill, find healthcare services near you and see a medical professional.

Tip 5: Take Your Vitamins

If you’re preparing for a trip, start taking vitamins and be sure to pack vitamins for your travels. As you travel, you may become sleep deprived and your diet may not be well balanced. This could lead to your immune system becoming weaker, and therefore leaving you more vulnerable to getting sick.

Taking vitamins before, during, and after your trip can help you fight an illness. You should especially consider boosting your immune system during this time. Coronavirus, as well as other illnesses like the flu, can take a toll on your body. The more prepared your immune system is, the better your chances are of recovering faster. If you have questions about how to prevent certain illnesses while traveling, you should contact your doctor before your trip.

Tip 6: Get Enough Sleep

Getting plenty of rest is important for your health while traveling. Sleeping will make you feel refreshed and alert during your travels and it will also keep your immune system as healthy as it can be.

You may not think sleeping is one of the most important travel tips to stay healthy, but it is. If you don’t get enough sleep, you could become exhausted and iterate during your travels. Plus, if you’re driving and are sleep deprived, you could be posing a serious safety risk to yourself and others.

If you’re traveling on an airplane, try to sleep as much as possible on the plane. Bring a pillow to rest your head on and try to rest, even if you have a short flight. If you’re driving and are traveling with others, take turns driving so you can all rest. If you’re driving alone and you’re feeling tired on the road, pull over and rest for a little bit before taking on the rest of your journey.

Tip 7: Eat As Healthy As Possible

It may not be easy to eat healthy while traveling. Between airports having fast-food chains and gas stations selling candy, chips, and soda, your healthy food options may be limited. However, there are ways you can eat healthy while traveling.

For starters, prepare a healthy meal to eat a home before you travel. If your stomach tends to get upset while traveling, try to prepare something healthy and light. You can also bring healthy snacks with you during your trip. These snacks include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt. If you’re driving, you can make healthy meals and keep them in a cooler in your vehicle.

When it thinking about travel tips to stay healthy, eating healthy may not immediately cross your mind. However, it can have a bigger impact than you realize. If you eat poorly, you could get headaches, stomach aches, and feel lethargic during your travels. Eating healthy can help you feel better throughout your travels and keep your energy levels up.

Tip 8: Drink Plenty Of Water

Staying hydrated is one of the most underrated travel tips to stay healthy. Traveling can be exhausting, and you’ll need to keep hydrated to feel your best. While traveling, it’s important you drink plenty of water. Make sure you have bottled water or a reusable water bottle with you frequently.

You may be tempted to drink sugary beverages and a lot of coffee while traveling, and there’s nothing wrong with having those kinds of drinks in moderation. However, if you want to stay fully hydrated, you need to drink water. Drinking water will help you feel energized and keep your body in good shape while you travel.

Tip 9: Stretch When You Can

How many times have your muscles gotten stiff after a long plane ride or road trip? When you can, take the time to stretch out your body while traveling.

If you’ve been sitting on a plane for a while, walk to the bathroom to stretch your legs a bit. Sitting for too long can cause your leg, neck, and back muscles to stiffen and ache. The same thing can happen on road trips as well, especially if you’re driving. If you feel like your body is sore and your muscles are getting stiff, pull over and take some time to stretch.

If you’re stressed while traveling, you could also be feeling the stress in your body. Your jaw could be clenched and the rest of your body could be tense. Stretching and taking a small break can help you relax and make your body feel better.

Tip 10: Pack A First Aid Kit

You never know what situation you could be in while traveling. You may be in a situation that requires you to help others who are injured or sick. That’s why it’s important to pack a first aid kit when traveling, as it’s one of the key travel tips to stay healthy in these situations.

There are a number of important items to put in your traveling first aid kit. For starters, you should include bandages and gauze in case you have to tend to wounds. You should also have antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment in case you need to clean wounds. The kit should also include gloves, aspirin, an ice pack or a cold press, a thermometer, and any other items you see fit for first aid.

You can keep a first aid kit in your car if you’re driving somewhere, and it’s likely you’ll be able to carry a first aid kit on a plane. However, it’s best to check with airport security just to be sure. If you have other questions about what to put in your traveling first aid kit, you can always ask someone in the medical field who travels, like someone who works a travel nursing job or even a paramedic.

Tip 11: Take Breaks If You Need Them

When remembering travel tips to stay healthy, you can’t forget to take a break once in a while on your trip. Your body knows when you need a break. If you think you need a break while traveling be sure to take it, especially if you’re driving. You can make a pit stop and go sightseeing for a little while to get a change of scenery.

Traveling for a long time can impact your physical and mental health. Your body could feel cramped and stiff if you’re sitting too long. An ongoing trip, depending on the circumstances, could make you feel anxious. It’s okay to need a break. Even if it prolongs your journey a bit, it’s worth the peace of mind and fresh perspective.

Tip 12: Stay Calm

If you must travel right now but are feeling nervous about it, remain as calm as you can be. Traveling, in general, can be stressful, but give current conditions, the stress can take its toll. The biggest thing to remember is to keep calm and be cautious. Trust that you know what to do to stay safe and healthy during this time. If you aren’t sure what to do, do your research before boarding a plane or hopping in a car. The more prepared you are for travel during this time, the more confidence you’ll have that you’re taking the proper precautions and staying healthy.

Right now, you may be hesitant about traveling. The coronavirus pandemic has the world staying where it is, but sometimes you simply have to travel. This could be for necessary personal or work-related matters. If you do have to travel, you can follow these travel tips to stay healthy and get through your trip. If you stay diligent and plan ahead, you can have a safer trip and enjoy it as much as you can.

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