As fun and exciting as traveling can be, it can do a number on your body. Traveling can often include some form of digestive trouble, bloating, illness or trouble sleeping. Getting sick while traveling is the worst! You can blame it on long days, time changes, irregular meals and exposure to new germs that come along with the fun of exploring new places. But don’t fret! I hardly ever get sick when we’re traveling and here are some simple tips that can help you too!
Get Plenty of Sleep Before Your Trip
While you should make sure that you get a good night’s sleep every night, it’s especially important a week before your trip. Getting adequate sleep is key to staying healthy. This can be super hard because you are probably focused on packing and trying to check off those last items on your to-do list. Try your best to get that rest, your body will thank you later.
Stay Hydrated
Did you know that proper hydration aids digestion, reduces bloating AND helps keep your immune system healthy? It’s one of the easiest ways to stay healthy and ward off unfamiliar germs. So when you travel you should try to drink a little bit more water than usual. I know that when I’m on an adventure, especially in Europe, I walk more so my body needs that extra hydration. I also tend to consume a bit more alcohol. It’s difficult not to enjoy a refreshing Belgian beer while in Bruges or a nice glass of French wine while in Lyon. But a hangover can ruin your trip so I always drink plenty of water too. It’s a good idea to pack a reusable water bottle to help you meet your water goals.
Keep Hand Sanitizer and A Mask Handy
More likely than not you will be using some sort of public transportation. That means exposure to germs, so make sure that you keep hand sanitizer on you. I also keep a mask in my purse just in case. If you are on a crowded train and everyone around you is hacking you may want to slap a mask on. I know there are varying reports on whether a mask actually protects you but that barrier must help a little. Also carry some disinfecting wipes, like wet wipes, they are great for disinfecting things. I use them on airplane TVs and tray tables, hotel light switches as well as the tv controller, and my phone. Things grimey and you can’t always see it.
Keep Your Gut In Check
Probiotic supplements are helpful when traveling. They boost your immunity and keep your digestive system healthy and happy. Travel can drastically alter your eating habits so keeping your digestive system happy is key.
Have Healthy Snacks On Hand
Having healthy snacks on hand is another way to keep your digestive and immune system happy. Either bring some favorite snacks with you or pop into the local market. The best snacks to keep on hand are high in protein and fiber. These help keep you full and will also aid in digestion. Trail mix is easy to keep on you and you can whip up your own while traveling. Just need some nuts and dried fruit, perfect snack. (a little chocolate is always nice too)
Catch Those Zzzzs
Remember how important sleep was before your trip? Well, it’s just as important during your trip. Travel is not a friend to sleep patterns. Jet lag, unfamiliar sounds, and room temperatures that are not conducive to a good night’s sleep. (Hey there no AC in Europe I’m talking about you!) It can be tricky.
Traveling with an eye mask helps me, and Andrew has to fall asleep with the TV or his laptop on so that helps a bit with unfamiliar sounds. There are apps that you can get that provide white noise as well. When traveling by plane or train I always pack an oversized scarf. It can be used as a pillow or a blanket. I detest those neck pillows so you’ll always find me snoozing with my cozy scarf.
Have a great time out there exploring. Stay safe and stay healthy! 🙂
