TRAVEL NEWS | How to maintain your health while traveling
With recent media outlets discussing the Coronavirus, we wanted to offer some tips on how to stay healthy while traveling, whether you’re concern is catching a cold, getting out of shape, or letting stress overwhelm you.
Note: To prevent the spread of COVID-19, follow the CDC's travel advisories and take extra precautions when traveling.
Stay Healthy On the Plane:
Pack sanitizing wipes
One study by Travelmath found that the tray table has the most germs on an airplane. Other spots are the toilet flush button, the seat belt buckle, and the overhead air vent. It only takes a few seconds to clean the surfaces with an antibacterial wipe, and it could save you from catching a cold, or flu.
Get quality sleep
On a long or red-eye flight, you’ll likely want to sleep. A great travel item is a travel pillow that helps with positioning your head so you do not wake up with a cramp neck or experiencing discomfort. It also helps to have a sounder sleep.
Help your ears reduce airplane ear
Exposure to airplane-level sound (typically 85 dB) for more than eight hours a day can lead to temporary hearing problems, and turning up the volume of your music is not the best solution , according to The National Campaign for Better Hearing. Instead, opt for noise-cancelling headphones to reduce background noise, and invest in filtered ear plugs. Especially important for those prone to airplane ear (that feeling of stress on your eardrum that occurs during pressure change), wearing these during takeoff and landing can prevent serious damage and perforation.
Exercise While Traveling:
Download a fitness app
Do you enjoy working out on your vacation? Great apps like Kickoff and Future that offer a certified training on the go who will design a customized workout plans. Of if you are good to do it on your own, try the free Nike Training Club app.
Walk whenever possible
We mentioned the importance of walking during your trip in one of our previous blog poss. And we have to stress the importance here as well. Walking is a perfect way to get your steps in and find hidden gems.
Eat Healthy On the Go:
Pack nutritious, hydrating snacks for the plane
The best way to support your body including your skin is to stay hydrated. Drinking water is important, but did you know that hydration can come from snacks as well? Fruits & veggies are high in water such as melons, cucumber slices with a squeeze of lemon, fresh veggies, and salads packed with greens.
Look for the nearest grocery store
If you can, pick a hotel or vacation rental that is near to a grocery store. this helps with costs savings and also allows you to control your eating intake. Dinning out out for dinner are great experiences to learn abut the area and cuisine in that country. It is also a bonus so you can get a sense of the locations culture through their grocery store.
Take supplements
Packing supplements are also a great addition to a nutritious diet. Consult your doctor or nutritionist on supplements that you should be taking.
Don’t Neglect Mental Health:
Plan ahead to minimize stress
Contact us to assist with putting together an itinerary for you or research the destination you are visiting and create a list of places you want to see and do. Consider purchasing tickets to the attractions that you want to visit before you leave and make copies of your important documents and emergency numbers and travel insurance cards for the just in case.
Download a meditation app
Travel can be overwhelming, but practicing mindfulness can make a big difference. Download great mediation apps that will guide you through meditation, where you’ll learn how to stay collected during times of stress.
Try gratitude journaling
Journaling is one of the most popular tools for improving mental health—evidence has shown that it reduces stress and improves your mood. Even if nothing’s gone wrong and you’re feeling perfect on your vacation, gratitude journaling in particular can lead to greater happiness. Reflect on what you’re thankful for, and reap the psychological rewards.
Use Talkspace in a pinch
For those who regularly see a therapist, or those who don’t but experience anxiety around travel, Talkspace is a great resource to use on the go. The online program matches you with a licensed therapist based on an assessment you take, and from there, you can send texts to them whenever you want and receive daily responses. You can also schedule video chats for more in-depth discussions.
We hope these tips helped.
Happy Traveling,
The Luxe and Lavish Travels Team