UPDATE: 3/20/20 – DISCLAIMER: I wrote this article several months before COVID-19 turned our world upside down. Obviously, I am not recommending that anyone travel during a pandemic, nor am I suggesting that these tips will protect you from catching or spreading Coronavirus.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit of a germaphobe. I hate the idea of all the germs I encounter while traveling (especially in airports and on planes). Now, I LOVE to travel and I’m certainly not going to let a few germs get in my way. Luckily, there are some easy things we can do to stay healthy while traveling!
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor…not even close. Some of my recommendations have research to back them up – some don’t. Please don’t mistake this article as medical advice in any form. Think of it more as some tips a friend told you about. Alright then, now that we got that out of the way…
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Emergen-C
I love this stuff (the raspberry flavor is my favorite). It is packed with 1000mg of vitamin C. I keep a box at home and at work. Anytime people around me start getting sick, I break out the Emergency-C! I take one a day until I feel like the coast is clear. Also, a few days before I travel, I will start taking it & I take it every day that I am traveling.
Exercise Regularly
Ok, this is good for you all the time, right? Did you know that regular exercise actually boosts your immune system? Not only that, but if you exercise regularly, you will be less likely to injure yourself while on vacation. Plus, you’ll be more prepared to go bikini shopping before your next beach vacation!
Hand Sanitizer
Ever think about how many people touch that hand rail on the escalator at the airport & how often it gets cleaned well – YUK! Just thinking about it makes me want to pull out my hand sanitizer.
Disinfecting Wipes
Like above, I always think about the germs covering everything on a plane. TONS of people fly on that plane. Sure, they “clean” it, but they certainly don’t sanitize the whole plane between each flight. You can use the wipes to wipe down your seat, arm rests, tray, etc.
Wash Your Hands
I hope this one is common sense, but I thought I’d mention it just in case. Wash your hands well & often.
Wear Compression Socks
If you are in for a long flight (over 5 hours), you may consider wearing compression socks. The longer you sit on a plane, the less circulation you have. This can cause swelling and discomfort. In some cases, it can even cause a blood clot to form, causing other serious issues. Try out the socks and/or make sure you get up and move around a little from time to time.
Get Plenty of Sleep
This is a good practice every day, not just when you’re traveling. But, when we travel, sometimes we are thrown off our normal schedule and activities may keep us out past our usual bedtimes. Plus, you are in a strange bed and that can cause you to lose some zzzz’s as well. Try to be aware of how much sleep you are getting and take a break in the middle of the day for a quick nap, if needed. Lavender can help you relax. I take a little spray bottle of lavender oil when I travel and spray a little on my pillow. When all else fails, I’ll take a Mid-Nite. It’s an all-natural sleep aid. I’ve taken it many times and have never had any side effects.
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Drink Plenty of Water
When you are busy on a vacation, it's easy to forget to drink water, but it’s important to stay hydrated. Getting dehydrated can lead to dizziness, headaches and confusion.
Pack a First Aid Kit
I take a first aid kit with me anytime I travel or go hiking. This is the exact one I carry. It’s small, compact, lightweight, and has all the basic essentials.
Don’t Over Do It
I tend to eat unusual foods when traveling to different parts of the world. I also drink a bit more than I normally would when I’m relaxing on the beach and don’t have to go to work the next day. Splurging is all well and good, as is trying new things, but just be smart about it. If you’ve been eating nothing but chicken breasts and salad for a month to get that beach body, your system may revolt if you spend a day drinking nothing but Mai-Tai’s and eating nothing but fried food.
Fit In a Workout
I am not saying you need to hit the gym hard on vacation, but going for a walk, a hike, or taking the “yoga on the beach” class can feel great. Plus, if you’ve been working out regularly before your trip and you stop cold turkey for a week or more, you’re likely to feel sluggish.
Use Plenty of Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Most of us have done it. We’ve underestimated the power of the sun or just gotten busy having fun and forgot to apply (or re-apply) sunscreen. A bad sunburn can all but ruin your trip. It is painful, can cause a fever in the immediate and skin cancer in the future. This is the sunscreen my family uses.
Mosquito bites can be super annoying. Mosquitos can also carry virus’ that can kill you. Ticks can also carry diseases. DEET repels these insects. This is the bug spray we use.
Vaccinations
When traveling to some parts of the world, you may need a vaccination for a particular disease or illness that is common in the area. For example, if you are traveling to some parts of Brazil, it is recommended that you get a Yellow Fever vaccination. It is typically recommended to get the vaccination at least a month in advance of your trip.
Avoid Areas with Outbreaks
If traveling from the US, always check the State Department Travel Advisories before traveling abroad. If a country is experiencing some kind of illness outbreak or political unrest that makes it unsafe to travel to, you can get information on that there. In addition, you can also find out what vaccinations you need before entering the country and whether or not a tourist visa is required, plus a bunch of other helpful information such as the address and contact information for the US Embassy. Just go to the website and type in the country you are planning to visit.
If you enjoyed tis posts, check these out!
- Motion Sickness – 20 Remedies
- Road Trip Snacks Everyone Will Love
- Road Trip Prep You Need To Do Before Every Trip
Until next time…
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
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I got sick halfway through our trip to NY last summer. Luckily we were still able to most of the things on our list but I wish I would have taken Emergen-C ahead of time and during the trip. I will remember that for next time! Thanks
We always do and I figure it can’t hurt!