Being away from home means your routine might get bumped off travel. You may feel tired or distracted, and that can lead to illness or injury. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to set yourself up for a good trip. Check out a few tips that we think might be helpful while traveling.
Food
Plan to keep a few healthy snacks on hand so you won’t have to rely on less healthy options along the way. Avoid risky foods such as: Undercooked meat and seafood, unpeeled or raw fruits and vegetables. Do not use ice in destinations with limited access to clean water or where there is a concern about contaminated drinking water because it was likely made with tap water. Sampling food from street vendors is a fun way to sample local cuisine, but the CDC warns that some may not adhere to the same safety practices — like handwashing and checking food temperatures — as restaurants. It’s always best to avoid foods and drinks that seem to be sitting around for a while. Items that come straight off a grill, for instance, that are piping hot and cooked are likely safer.
Staying Active
If driving, plan stops along your route to stretch and get your body moving. Whenever and wherever possible. There’s increasing evidence that walking as much as possible benefits every area of your life, from body composition to mental health, and it’s never more important than when traveling. Trying a class in a new location lets you sample the local culture and have fun and it’s a great way to meet new people too. Using an app like ClassPass – which is available in 30 countries across five continents – also allows you to find classes and gyms super easily. The app automatically detects your location and shows you what’s on offer nearby – and you can use your credits and membership wherever you are.
Sleep
Schedule enough sleep before and during travel. It’s a great idea to maintain a sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible, even when on vacation. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. If adjusting to a new time zone, try to align your sleep and wake times gradually. Prepare for Jet Lag: If traveling across time zones, prepare strategies to mitigate jet lag effects. This includes adjusting your exposure to light and darkness according to your destination’s time zone, and potentially using melatonin supplements under medical guidance to help regulate sleep patterns.
Planning ahead for travel can make your trip more enjoyable and efficient, and help you avoid unnecessary and unpleasant surprises. Remember to remain flexible as plans may change. Be open to new experiences. Most importantly, enjoy every moment of your adventure
