Whether it’s a vacation or a business trip, traveling is supposed to be fun, and we know that the last thing you want to come home with is a cold (or worse). There are a few easy things you can do while you’re away to help prevent an illness in the future:
1. Drink plenty of water.
Water is a simple key to staying healthy, so drink plenty of it both before your trip and during your trip. You’ll not only prep your body’s immune system before you leave (and keep it strong while you’re away), but you’ll also stay hydrated, which is a key to fighting off viruses.
2. Eat healthy.
A healthy diet helps to keep your body in defense mode and while you may eat well at home, many people tend to stray from their good habits while on vacation. Try to resist the urge to indulge and keep a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, and protein. These things help flush out toxins and can help you resist infections.
3. Wash your hands.
Airports, planes, trains, buses, taxis, and other modes of transportation all cater to millions of people, and those people all have millions of germs on their hands. While you’re on your trip, try to avoid touching handles and railings and wash your hands frequently. Make sure you use an anti-bacterial soap and wash them for at least 20 seconds to kill the germs.
4. Exercise.
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise boosts your immune system and helps you fight off viruses. Don’t skip out on exercise while you’re away – you can usually find a gym in your hotel and if not, there are plenty of ways to work out without one.
5. Be prepared.
You never know what will happen, so be prepared by packing some medicine just in case. Bring along some cold, flu, and sinus medications. If you do get sick, you’ll at least be able to combat it as soon as possible (and some of these medications may be hard to find, depending on where you’re going).
6. Get enough sleep.
Sometimes it’s hard to get enough sleep when you travel – whether it’s the sheer excitement of your plans or noisy hotel neighbors, try to set aside at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night to avoid running down your body.
7. Don’t drink tap water.
Many travelers become sick after they drink the tap water in a foreign country, and usually it’s because their bodies aren’t used to the water’s elements. If you’re headed overseas (or even to Mexico), order bottled water instead. If you have to drink tap water, makes ure you boil it for at least one minute to sterilize it.
Have another tip for staying healthy? Share it with us!
