Vacation is something most of us spend a great deal of time preparing for. We research to find the dream location, the ideal flight, the perfect resort; and spend hours choreographing every last detail. Yet how many times have you been on vacation only to find yourself in misery from a nasty virus or bad case of sunburn? You are not alone. In fact, a recent national study by “Rx fro Travel Health” revealed that 63 percent of travelers report that they, or a travel companion have become sick while on vacation. What’s even more striking is that many of the illnesses were preventable. Here are 10 tips to help you stay happy, healthy and safe while traveling.
- Eat smart. Avoid mindless munching while traveling. Too many pit stops at diners, drive-thrus and vending machines can make a long road trip even more uncomfortable from heartburn, indigestion and bloating. Opt instead for healthy on-the-go options. Pack a cooler with fresh sandwiches and wraps, bottled water, and snacks like nuts and granola bars. Instead of stopping for fast food, look for local farmer’s markets and fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables. A nutrient dense, meal replacement shake like Shakeology, is a great way to refuel on-the-run. Shakeology comes in a variety of flavor and can be purchased in individual serving size packets that are easy to pack in a purse or carry on bag. Shake the powder with some water or milk and you have an instant meal on-the-go. It’s a complete day's worth of nutrition and will keep you from feeling hungry for hours.
- Stay hydrated.
Water is replenishing, restorative and refreshing.Your body needs it more than you realize, especially with the demands of traveling. Drink water to maintain energy, flush toxins from your body and aid in digestion. One important note, when traveling abroad choose bottled water and check to make sure that the cap is factory sealed and has not been tampered with. Although most major resort chains and hotels claim that local water is filtered twice, why take a chance? Spend a little extra for bottled water and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it’s germ-free.
- Don’t skip the sunscreen. Too often travelers choose to leave sunscreen behind because they are afraid it will not pass through TSA screening. Each passenger is allowed to pack as many 3.4 oz or less bottles of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that will fit in one clear, quart-size Ziplock plastic bag. Sunscreen sticks are permissible at any size. So be prepared and pack the sunscreen. Use it even on cloudy days to avoid the burn.
- Just like your mother says, “Wash your hands!” While traveling, wash your hands with hot
water and soap and wash them often. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer and Clorox Wipes are also great products to have on hand when traveling, but don’t rely on them as a substitute. Handwashing remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of bacteria among humans.
- Avoid over-indulging. Let’s face it, vacation is a time to let you hair down and enjoy some guilty pleasures. But be careful not to cross the line. Too much of anything, whether it’s alcohol, sweets or an all-you-can-eat buffet can be a formula for disaster. Pace yourself and balance your treats with some healthy eats to feel your best while away.
- Stay active. Yes, vacation is supposed to be a chance to get some much needed R&R, but it’s
equally important to get enough exercise. Get out of your seat and move periodically during a long flight or car ride to avoid blood clots. Walking, bike riding, swimming and kayaking are
great ways to get some exercise while exploring your surroundings. If you’re used to regular fitness, seek out a hotel or resort with a gym. Many resorts and cruise lines offer scheduled daily exercise classes like yoga, dance fitness and even Insanity! Another great fitness tool is online fitness streaming through sites such as Beachbody on Demand. BOD is a subscription service that gives you access to hundreds of cloud-based
workouts led by celebrity trainers such as Shaun T, Autumn Calabrese and Tony Horton. You can access the workouts 24/7 from any smart phone, tablet or PC, and most workouts are 30 minutes or less. The programs don’t require a lot of room or equipment to complete, making it a convenient option for people on the go. For a FREE 30-day trial of BOD, click here
- Be prepared. Take some time to research your destination before you travel and check the local weather. Be prepared for any adverse weather conditions by packing some protective clothing. If you have limited mobility, you may need to make arrangements to have a specially designed wheelchair, scooter or walking devices to get around easier on sand or rocky terrain. And remember to make a list of medications and take enough to last you for the duration of the trip.
- Know where to turn in case of emergency. What will you do if you need medical attention
while you are away from home? In a true emergency you would call 911 or find the nearest ER, but people who suffer from chronic illness have other concerns. Dialysis patients need to arrange treatment while they are away and people with autoimmune diseases and cancer patients, for example, may need help if they experience flare-ups or adverse reactions to medication. Amino.com's Find A Doctor service is a great resource to use if you need to find a doctor while you are away. After answering a few questions about your specific condition and needs, the service provides you with a list of nearby doctors and medical professionals who are experienced in that field. Find A Doctor will even call the doctor to schedule and appointment that is convenient for you, and will check to make sure they accept your insurance. Best of all, the service is free!
- Wear the right shoes. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking on your trip, wear shoes
that offer both comfort and support. Flip-flops, although fashionable, can lead to serious foot and ankle pain if you spend too much time walking in them. Opt instead for brands like Clarks and Merrell who design flip-flops and sandals with added support for walking.
- Get enough rest. Part of the fun of vacation is taking in all the events, attractions and entertainment. As you move along
through your day, you may not notice how tired you are. But sooner or later the lack of sleep will catch up with you. Take short breaks and don’t deprive yourself of sleep when you know your body needs it. You should return from vacation feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, not exhausted.
Brenda
