Achoo! 10 Tips to Keep You Healthy During Holiday Travel

Has this happened to you?

You’re driving to the airport to get on a plane to enjoy a family holiday trip and feel a tickle in the back of your throat. You open your bottled water, thinking all you need is to quench your thirst. But it doesn’t work. An hour later, your throat feels soar.

Congratulations! You may be coming down with a cold while you travel. Now what do you do? You don’t want to cancel your family trip. Do you?

Before you call your TPI travel agent in a panic, read on to find out how you can stay healthy during holiday travel. All you need to do is take care of yourself. Drink some tea. Eat soup. And if necessary, see a doctor!

10 Tips to Keep You Healthy During Holiday Travel

Exercise

You probably already know this but it’s a good reminder. Exercise does the body and mind good! Whether you run or walk 10 miles or kickbox – exercise at least 3-4 times each week. Check with your doctor to find out what is best for you.

Eat Right

Eating fast or junk food seven days a week may not good for your body. When you grocery shop, try to buy natural and organic. Read labels! Not only will you avoid an allergic reaction, if you have allergies, but hard to pronounce ingredients may not be good for you. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are usually good choices. Eat right while you travel.

Reduce Stress

From seeing your parents to fighting crowds, traveling during the holidays can boost your stress level. Take a deep breath, let it out, and remain calm. Don’t work yourself into a tizzy! Remain flexible and go with the flow. Meditating once or twice a day can reduce stress, too.

See Your Doctor

Before you leave for your holiday vacation, see your doctor. If it’s been a while, you may want to schedule an appointment. Get a physical. Speak about preventative medicine. If you take prescriptions, make sure you get them filled before you travel for the holidays.

Get Enough Sleep

Did you know that Arianna Huffington, one of the founders of The Huffington Post, ranks sleep number one in her life? When you arrive at your destination, do not go to sleep. Sounds counterintuitive, right? No, it’s not. The goal is for you to go to bed at your normal time, whether it’s 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. Also, schedule naps during the day. This way you won’t be cranky while you travel.

Drink Water

When you travel, you may become dehydrated. Either bring a water bottle (or bottled water) with you or buy one when you arrive at your destination. And depending on where you travel, you may want only drink bottled water. If you’re visiting family and friends, you’ll be able to get plenty of fresh water.

Carry Sanitizer

Before you leave for your holiday travels, buy hand sanitizer and wipes. You’ll need to use these after you use the airplane bathroom, get something out of your carry-on luggage, or put the magazine back in the pocket. Wipe down your seat latch and table, armrests, screens, and window shutter, too.

Keep Your Distance

Studies have shown that it’s important to stay at least six feet away from people who are coughing, sneezing, or who look sick. Why? Because a virus droplet can travel when ex-haled by a sick person – it can get into your eyes, nose, and respiratory system.

Sit, Don’t Stand

Believe it or not, bus and subway train poles and straps are more contaminated than seats. If you have to stand, wipe down the pole and/or strap with a sanitizer wipe. If you don’t have any, rub your hands together with hand sanitizer, after the bus or train stops. If you don’t have these, wash your hands when you arrive at your hotel.

Laugh, Laugh, Laugh

Remember, you only have control over you – you can’t control others. When you find yourself in a stressful situation while traveling, laugh it off. And remember, This Too Shall Pass! Don’t ruin your holiday travel by getting angry and upset. Focus on having a fantastic time.

Be Well While You Travel During the Holidays

Being sick isn’t fun.

Particularly when you’re traveling during the holidays.

Crowded airports, busy highways, and family dinners can wreak havoc on your immune system.

But simple changes to your diet and lifestyle now can have positive effects on your health.

Just imagine eating healthier, exercising more, and meditating – you start to feel better.

Imagine arriving at your parent’s home or at a tropical resort feeling great, not sick, and having the holiday vacation of a lifetime.

Imagine touring a 12th century haunted castle, swimming in a crystal clear lagoon, or eating five-star meals – you look forward to each day, not fearing it.

To begin, choose one of the tips above, and try it out today.

Try a new tip each day. Keep those that work for you and toss out those that don’t.

You may boost your health and overall wellness overnight. Sound good? We think so. Contact a Travel Planners International travel agent and plan your holiday vacation right now.

 by Amandah T. Blackwell, Savvy-Writer