Studies show that travel can improve our health. These benefits range from an improved state of emotional well-being to an increased sense of energy. Do you experience benefits from going on vacation? Are you planning a trip soon? What questions do you have about staying healthy? Keep reading to learn a few tips to take on the road with you.
1 - Bring Sunscreen
Are you visiting a warm place after a cold winter? Is the forecast predicting sunny days?
Sunscreen is on the packing list when it's warm but should be a focus for all travels because to prevent sunburn from ruining your trip. If you have not been exposed to the sun very much recently, it is important to limit the hours you spend in direct sunlight and consistently reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Pick up the travel size at the store the next time you are there and you'll always have it on hand.
2 - Get Plenty of Sleep
So much to explore but so little time. The excitement of travel can cause you to abandon sleep in search of adventure. Lacking sleep can make you susceptible to sickness because your body is not getting the proper rest to prevent infection and build up your defenses against germs.
If you plan to be out enjoying nightlife, then you could plan ahead by taking a nap earlier in the day so that your body still gets enough sleep.
3 - Do Your Research
Is the water safe to drink? What foods should you avoid?
If you are traveling to an area that you have never been, it is a good idea to find out the answers to these questions ahead of time. No one wants to be locked into their hotel room from drinking unsafe water. Having an idea of where the nearest medical care is located is also important because we don't plan for injuries but they can happen, even on vacation.
4 - Eat Healthy
While splurging on food on vacation can be tempting, it is important to try to eat healthy still. If you typically eat healthy at home and abandon that once you are on a trip, your body can be confused and have trouble digesting certain foods that it is not used to.
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast will help set you up for success. Not only will it give you energy but it will also balance out your diet if you choose to eat something unhealthy later in the day.
5 - Practice Safe Sex
When you travel, you meet a lot of new people. Whether it's a one-night-stand or the start of your next relationship, it is important to practice safe sex so that you don't bring home something that you didn't leave with. You know your history but you won't be able to predict the history of someone you just met.
Educating yourself on the symptoms of common STDs is a good idea in case you find yourself dealing with one. How long does it take to show symptoms of HIV and how can you prevent yourself from contracting it? These are important things to know before jumping into bed with someone.
6 - Exercise on the Road
Cardio. It may not be everyone's favorite way to work out but it requires minimal equipment when you are on the road. Walking or running through a new area can be a great way to explore and find spots that you want to check out during your vacation. Continuing to exercise on the road can help you keep a sense of normalcy and routine.
7 - Hydrate
Dehydration is not an enjoyable experience, especially on a vacation. With all of the activities and travelling, it is easy to forget to drink water. Being properly hydrated will set you up for an enjoyable trip and help prevent illness when your body is not operating from a deficient state.
Bringing a reusable water bottle can help with this because you won't have to keep buying water and can refill it as needed.
Hit the Road
Now that you have read tips on how to stay healthy while traveling, you can get out on the road (or the skies) today! Keeping these tips in mind will help your vacation more enjoyable and keep you healthy.
