Whether you’re going to South America or spending a weekend in the London, traveling is the perfect way to expand your horizons. However, it’s hard to expand your horizons when you’re feeling sick.
No one wants to come down with something while they’re on the road, especially in this day in age. But that doesn’t mean we need to stay home. With a little caution, responsible action, and these tips for not getting sick while traveling, you can see the world and stay healthy.
Wash Your Hands
Most of us have been taught to wash our hands to stave off illness since we were young. Even so, it’s easy to forget childhood lessons when drinking in the sights and sounds of a new place. Unfortunately, that’s the time we need to wash our hands even more.
Here are a few scenarios where it’s a good idea to wash your hands:
- After using the restroom
- Before and after eating or preparing food
- After getting off public transportation
- After going to a public market or attraction
- After interacting with animals
Pro Tip
Excessive hand washing will dry out your hands, especially in the winter. This can lead to cracked skin, which won’t help you avoid illness. Pack some hand lotion and apply it after you wash your hands to keep them moisturised.
Watch Your Diet
In our race to get from place to place, it’s also easy to skip eating enough food and drinking enough water. Since going hungry and dehydrated puts your immune system at a disadvantage, this can create a problem.
Of course, there are times when eating and drinking enough can actually get you sick. If you’re traveling abroad, be sure to drink bottled water. Also, opt for restaurants that are well visited by the locals. That way, you can be sure the food is both safe and delicious.
Balance Adventure and Rest
Another thing that can go to the wayside while we’re traveling is rest, especially when we have a packed itinerary. But rest is when your body heals and regenerates. Without it, we’re leaving ourselves wide open to illness.
The key to this is balance. After doing a high-energy activity, add in a slower-paced one like a walk in a local park or just sitting and people watching. Then, be sure to get to sleep at a decent time every night.
Look for Immune System Boosters
Food, water, and rest create a foundation for a healthy immune system. But there are still other things we can do to give our immune systems a little boost as a way to avoid getting sick while traveling. For example:
- Take natural boosters like vitamin C and zinc
- Add light exercise to the day
- Manage stress
- Squeeze in some spa activities like massage or sauna.
- Spend time outside
Essential oils are also known to help boost your immune system, and diffusing them in your hotel room or Airbnb is a great way to wind down after a long, exciting day.
