Travel requires a combination of preparedness and spontaneity. As your departure date draws near, take a few minutes to learn how to stay rested, relaxed and healthy so you can enjoy the entire experience.
Stuff happens: a headache during a layover, a new-shoe-induced blister or the inevitable paper cut can deflate even the most resilient optimists. Take along a lightweight first-aid kit so you’ll be ready for mild mishaps instead of having to bum a Band-Aid or search for an after-hours pharmacia.
Sticking with regular vitamin and prescription medication routines while traveling is essential to your health. Store your daily pills in a TSA-friendly, soft pouch and tuck it into your carry-on…just in case you’re headed to Bali and your bags end up in Baltimore.
It’s a fact of life (even during dream vacations) that germs and bacteria fill the air. Icky things also breed on even the most innocuous looking objects: airplane seat belts, TV remote controls and hotel room telephones (and don’t even think about touching the phone in the bathroom…who’s bright idea was that anyway?). Carry a compact multi-purpose cleaner to sanitize hard and soft surfaces alike, and help your body’s immune system resist potential trip spoilers.
Additional solutions for clean surroundings include naturally-derived antibacterial and antifungal nose sprays, which offer protection against recycled airplane cabin air and relieve symptoms brought on by colds and sinus infections. Additionally, portable air purifiers employ negative ions to create a healthy bubble of protection against germs and airborne viruses wherever you go. They can even help deflect aggressive aromas from adjacent passengers who carried on garlic fries or left their deodorant in the last time zone.
Sleep is an important factor in maintaining immunity. Instead of wondering if there will be blankets on the plane or being anxious about sitting next to a tumultuous toddler, board the flight equipped with your very own “sleep kit”. A lightweight, packable blanket is a must for long or red eye flights. Choose one that comes with a travel pouch and stays soft and cozy after multiple washings. Some blankets even have extra features like a foot pocket to fend off drafts and a built-in zipper pocket to store a credit card or headphones. Pair your blanket with an inflatable pillow to create a personal slumber cocoon. Look for models with soft covers, adjustable air pressure and machine- or hand-washability.
Add another level of comfort with pressure-relieving, noise-reducing ear plugs. One pair will suffice for a round-trip flight. Insert during takeoff and landing or leave them in for the entire flight to cancel out high-frequency engine noise. They can also keep you from being miserable if you have to fly while congested.
Activity is also vital to travel comfort, particularly on long flights and train rides. When sitting for extended periods of time, your feet and lower legs can swell. So, be sure to stretch, move around and take an occasional walk up and down the aisle. Also, leave the stilettos in your checked baggage, and wear roomy shoes and compression socks to help stimulate circulation, minimize fatigue, reduce swelling and guard against deep vein thrombosis.
Upon arrival, ward off jet lag with homeopathic remedies designed to get you in sync with your destination’s time zone. Look for chewable options that are safe to use if you’re taking any kind of prescription medicine.
If you’re vulnerable to motion sickness on land, sea or air, don’t let that stop you from road-tripping the Amalfi Coast or bobbing in a sailboat while blue whales surface. There are plenty of clinically-proven, non-medicinal options for preventing motion sickness or reducing symptoms if you start feeling queasy. Choose a water-resistant option if there’s a chance you’ll experience rain or splashes. Opt for a waterproof solution if you’ll be getting up close and personal with underwater life.
Once you’ve arrived, you can still enjoy the same amenities that keep you healthy at home. Use a HEPA filter-equipped, portable air purifier to rid the air of particles, viruses and odors. A lightweight humidifier can also moisten the air and reduce your susceptibility to infection. And if you’re staying in hostels, roughing it or just want to rest assured, a travel sack will keep you one layer away from questionable bedding.
It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water is a life essential. Bottled water may not always be available, and no travel kit is complete without options for purifying H2o. Purification tablets are a must when coming into contact with uncertain water sources. Additionally, a lightweight UV sterilizing pen works quickly when water quality is iffy. Both methods effectively kill bacteria, microorganisms and viruses.
Taking constant care of yourself while traveling will stack the good health odds in your favor. Through preparation, pampering, attention to body cues and diligent monitoring of changing conditions, you’ll lay the foundation for wellness so you can make the most of every moment. Have a safe and healthy journey.
