Living
Travel Well: How To Stay Healthy On The Go
Travel can bring many unexpected experiences – but illness and exhaustion shouldn’t be among them. Follow these tips to stay happy, healthy and energised on your next trip
Travelling can be excellent for our mental health and wellbeing, opening our eyes to new places and ideas, as well as motivating us to take in experiences we will treasure forever. Our physical health, however, can sometimes suffer unexpected consequences during our adventures – from sleep deprivation to improper nutrition, bad sunburns and everything in between. It doesn’t have to be that way: follow these simple tips to keep your body happy and healthy on your upcoming journeys.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water should be a major element during your trip, no matter where you’re going. Start by drinking lots of it during your journey, especially if you’re flying, as the low-humidity air in the plane cabin has a dehydrating effect. Water will also help you avoid or manage some of the less pleasant effects of travel, such as constipation or headaches, while regulating your body temperature in warm climates. If your destination has clean, drinkable tap water, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to refill during your trip, which will save money and reduce your plastic bottle waste.
Exercise On The Go
It’s easy to forget about our workout routines when travelling, be it for work or play, as busy schedules can make it hard to squeeze in a sweat sesh – and that’s even if the hotel has a gym. The solution? Bring your own! Travelling with a set of portable resistance bands or a lightweight yoga mat transforms your hotel room into your own private fitness centre, making it much easier to fit in a quick workout in the morning or before you get ready for dinner.
Sleep Soundly
Whether due to packed itineraries, odd flight hours, late nights out, jet lag or overindulgence, sleep can be one of the first things to go out the window when we travel. Yet prioritising rest means you will have more energy during your trip – and won’t feel totally destroyed (and in need of another holiday) when you get back home. Some tricks include gradually adapting to your destination’s time zone as you prepare for the trip, staying awake until bedtime once you arrive, and using melatonin to help adjust your body’s rhythms. Extra aid comes courtesy of eye masks, earplugs and even white noise sound machines or apps to lull you into a deep slumber.
Move Naturally
Try to walk everywhere, to the extent that your destination allows. Your own two feet might even be the best mode of transportation when it comes to exploring, whether you’re heading to a specific site or just getting lost on purpose. Cycling is another great way to take in the scenery; check out a local guided bike tour, or see if the town or city you’re visiting has a public bike rental scheme. Love to run? Bring your shoes and turn your workout into a sightseeing adventure.
Watch Your Gut
Few travel activities are as fun as simply savouring the culinary scene: trying local specialities, hitting bucket-list restaurants and bringing unique snacks home as souvenirs. All this indulgence, though, may wreak havoc on your digestive system – be it new ingredients, unfamiliar preparation techniques, or irregular mealtimes. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to maintain a regular dining schedule as much as possible, avoiding the system shock that comes from uncontrollable snacking or long periods on an empty stomach. Be sure to include ample fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and – you guessed it – drink plenty of water to promote healthy digestion.
Stay Sun-Smart
As much as we love coming back from a holiday with a tan to prove it, prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn, sunspots, wrinkles and, in the worst-case scenario, skin cancer. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and any part of your body that will be exposed is mandatory – even when it’s overcast, as sneaky UV rays can penetrate clouds. Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes, especially if you’ll be outdoors for the bulk of the day. Should you get sunburned despite all your preparations, rub some aloe gel on your skin to soothe and refresh – and try to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Be Prepared
Even the most experienced travellers get sick every once in a while – hey, we’re all human! Temperature changes may bring colds, foreign plants may aggravate allergies, street food may bring stomach pain… you get the picture. When such an inconvenience strikes, you’ll want to have a few supplies, especially if you’re travelling abroad and are unfamiliar with your destination’s medication offerings and policies. A small first-aid kit with basics – ibuprofen for pain relief, antihistamines for allergies, anti-nausea medicine for motion sickness, an antacid for an upset stomach and an anti-bacterial gel for wound cleaning and illness prevention – can go a long way. Don’t forget to pack a few band-aids to treat minor cuts or blisters after a full day of walking.
Commune With Nature
Glistening lakes, azure seas, lush jungles, snow-capped mountains… some destinations immerse you in nature from the moment you arrive, connecting you with the beautiful world around you and inviting you to slow down and breathe the fresh air. Other places, however, may present more of a challenge, with jungles more urban than tropical. Even then, it’s still possible to find calm pockets of nature, whether it’s on a stroll through a city park or a visit to an aviary or a botanical garden – which can even make for an exciting discovery. It must be said that seeking out green spaces is a worthwhile addition to any itinerary, as spending time in nature has been proven to boost the immune system, reduce stress and improve one’s mood, allowing you to enjoy your travels that much more.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.