Traveling is a great way to explore new places, relax, and reconnect with loved ones. But hopping on a plane, train, or taking a road trip doesn’t mean your health habits should take a vacation too. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, staying healthy on the go can help you make the most of your trip and avoid coming home with an unwanted souvenir like a cold, digestive issues (aka travel tummy), or travel fatigue.
Here are some practical tips to keep your health on track no matter where your journey takes you:
1. Pack a Health Kit
Bring a small travel health kit with essentials like hand sanitizer, motion sickness tablets, pain relievers, any prescription medications, adhesive bandages, and disinfecting wipes. Side note: If you're flying, make sure your items comply with TSA regulations.
2. Stay Hydrated
Airplanes and long road trips can dehydrate you quickly. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly. Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate you and disrupt sleep.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Jet lag, unfamiliar beds, and packed itineraries can throw off your sleep schedule. Try to stick to a regular bedtime and limit screen time before sleep. Use a sleep mask, earplugs, or a white noise app to help you settle in unfamiliar environments.
4. Choose Nutritious Foods
It’s tempting to indulge every meal while traveling, and you absolutely should enjoy some local cuisine and the occasional dessert but balance it with some healthy choices. Pack healthy snacks like trail mix or fruit, and look for restaurants that offer fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Or save a little money and build a healthy lunch from a local grocery store produce and deli aisle.
5. Wash Your Hands Often
Germs travel too! Airports, public restrooms, and tourist attractions are hotbeds for bacteria. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
6. Keep Moving
Travel often involves a lot of sitting. Take breaks to stretch, walk around airports during layovers, or even do a quick workout in your hotel room. Staying active will help with circulation, digestion, and energy levels.
7. Don’t Skip Your Medications
It’s easy to lose track of time zones or daily routines while traveling, but sticking to your prescription schedule is crucial, especially for chronic conditions. Set alarms or use an app to stay on track.
8. Be Mindful of Your Mental Health
Travel can be stressful, especially if plans change or things don’t go as expected. Build in some downtime and don’t overpack your itinerary. Practice breathing exercises or take quiet breaks when needed.
Travel should leave you feeling refreshed, not run down. With a little preparation and mindfulness, you can stay healthy and energized while making memories wherever and whenever you go. Safe travels!
About RevanRx
Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.