How To Stay Healthy And Safe While Travelling

Health and safety have always been important while traveling, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become more important than ever. Awareness has grown about how diseases spread through travel. Traveling can not only expose you to many viruses and germs but also disrupts your normal routines and makes you more vulnerable. Whether you’re looking for tips to avoid getting sick while traveling, or you just want to stay as healthy as possible, here are some steps you can take. 

Before you go

At least a month before your departure, you need to find out whether you need any vaccines and plan to get shots if so. Review your healthcare coverage and pack a health kit for travel, including your medications and hygiene supplies. 

If your destination requires a negative Covid-19 test, a rapid PCR test is your best option when traveling. You can get a Phoenix PCR test at your home with results in 60 minutes. Drip Hydration, Bloom Safely, Rapid Covid Clinic and PreMed Inc. will send a certified nurse to your home for rapid PCR testing so you can get the documents you need promptly.

 

Get enough sleep 

Getting enough sleep is critical to staying healthy while traveling, especially when crossing time zones. Disrupting your circadian rhythms can compromise your immune system. 

 

If you’re crossing time zones, try shifting your bedtime and waking time to match your destination’s times a week prior to travel. When you land, spend a little time outdoors if you can, as sun exposure can help you adjust to your new time zone. Avoid burning the candles at both ends while traveling and make sure to leave some extra time to recover. A decent night’s sleep every night will make you enjoy your travels more.

 

Eat and drink safely and healthily

When traveling, you are out of your normal routine, and it can be easy to opt for unhealthy food choices, like takeaways. You should try to make sure you get enough fresh fruit and vegetables, even when traveling. Bananas, apples, nuts and other healthy snacks can help your energy high when you’re on the road. It’s important to drink only bottled, sealed water and avoid ice. 

 

Wash your hands

While traveling, you come in contact with plenty of germs and bacteria every day. Simply touching the doorknob of the bathroom on the plane and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes is enough exposure to make you ill. 

 

To reduce your chances of falling ill, it is important to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Carrying wet wipes and hand sanitizer with you can help when you don’t have access to soap and water. Any time when you’re in a public place and you touch something, like an elevator button or a grocery cart, use that hand sanitizer. 

 

Stretch your legs

Long car and plane trips can increase your chances of having a blood clot in your legs because you have to sit for so long. If possible, stop the car every hour or so to take a short walk. 

 

On flights, sitting in an aisle seat gives you the chance to get up and walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs. If you’ve had a blood clot before, consider wearing compression stockings. 

 

Walk whenever possible

The simplest way to stay fit while traveling is to take any opportunity to walk. Whether you’re visiting a city or a beach, building walking into your time will clear your head and get you moving. 

 

You are often able to explore and experience more when you’re on foot than when you’re in a car or on a bus. You will also be outside in the fresh air, which means you’re less exposed to germs than when you’re closeted inside with other people. 

 

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial if you want to stay healthy while traveling, especially if you’re flying. The air in the cabin can be very dry and affects the mucous membranes in your nose. These membranes are part of your body’s natural defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria. 

 

Make sure you drink enough bottled water and avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, both of which can dehydrate you.

Don’t overdo it

Traveling can be physically exhausting, so it is important to listen to your body and rest when you need it. It can be tempting to fit in as many activities as possible, but this can tire you and make you more susceptible to infections. Pace yourself and take your time to explore. Plan your days carefully and allow for rest periods where you can relax and enjoy an area and the local culture.