Its the first day of Spring! This is the time of year travel is on my brain. After a rainy cold winter I am ready for a change of scenery. Vacations are great but getting to your destination sick, getting sick while there, or returning home sick is something we would all like to avoid. Whether you are flying or driving germs are everywhere. Add that to the disruption to your schedule and food routines and you are bound to not feel your best while traveling. Here are some tips to keep you feeling good your whole trip.
Prior to travel its important to strengthen your immune system. Getting sick on vacation is no fun. You also want to return healthy. Leading up to your vacation maintaining a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and taking extra vitamin C and B vitamins will help you ward off the sickness.
Pack healthy snacks. Airport food and road trip food is not the healthiest. Packing some healthy alternatives will keep you feeling your best when you reach your destination. Veggies, fruits, granola, sandwiches, nuts etc. are all healthy filling options.
Drink plenty of water. Air travel is especially dehydrating. Most of us do better with some humidity in our air and the air in an airplane is dry really dry. Drinking water will keep your skin and body hydrated. Water also helps with jet lag and keeps your energy levels up.
Stay somewhere with a kitchen. Airbnb or VRBO are great because you usually get a fully stocked kitchen. Some hotels have kitchens available and most of the time you can get a refrigerator in your room for free. This allows you to have healthy snacks and food options in reach. If you have a kitchen you can choose what meals you want to eat in and what you want to eat out. We do this most places we travel. Its nice to be able to eat a normal breakfast or lunch. Sticking somewhat to your normal routine will help you feel your best and enjoy your vacation.
Road Travel Tips:
Pack a cooler with sandwich makings, fruit, veggies, water, and snacks. You can stop, stretch your legs, and have lunch and continue on your way.
Road trips can be stressful. Getting stuck in traffic or road construction can raise the blood pressure when all you are wanting to do is get your vacation started. Load your iPod with favorite songs or an audio book. Remember to breathe.
Keep hydrated. It may mean you need to stop more frequently but you will feel better hydrated.
Wash your hands frequently and use sanitizer when water is not available.
Air Travel Tips:
Pack TSA friendly healthy snacks. Airport food is not great. Veggies, fruit, granola, and nuts are all great options and easy to pack. Throw some Emergen-C in your carry on add it to your water for an immunity boost.
Bring your own water bottle and fill it up at a restaurant or at a fountain. You can buy a bottle but airports are expensive.
Hand sanitizer wipes are great for wiping down your seat and tray. Airplanes are germy.
Depending on the length of your flight get up and walk the aisle flying is already uncomfortable but if you get up and move a bit you will feel better.
Remember your neck pillow, blanket, and socks. I do not like what the hand out on the plane so I bring my own. I bring a neck pillow that can attach to my purse so I don’t have extra to carry and a small blanket or scarf to keep warm. If I am flying at night I bring socks so I can take my shoes off but still be warm. I can sleep on a plane this way and arrive not dragging.
Traveling is the not so fun part of vacation for me at least. I use these tips to arrive feeling my best and able to enjoy the fun part (the actual vacation). Then I am able to return home recharged and relaxed which is the point right?!
