How to Not Get Sick While Traveling

There is nothing worse than planning an amazing trip, only to get sick during it or immediately after returning home. Traveling to new places can mean new germs, close quarters in places like airplanes and a different routine than what your body is used to. Here are a few things you can do to combat sickness while traveling, especially during cold and flu season!

1. ​Get plenty of sleep before and during your trip

There is nothing better for your body than getting a good night of sleep! Being well-rested before you travel is important so that you are prepared for your adventures ahead. Once you get to your destination, sleep is still SO necessary! You want to get the most out of the amazing destinations you visit. Getting 8 hours of sleep at night will help you do that by giving you a clear mind and rested body to fully enjoy the places travel to. Did you know that our white blood cells increase in number while we sleep? So when you are sleep deprived, your body's defense mechanism weakens, making you more vulnerable to sickness. Make sure you are getting proper sleep!

2. ​Stay hydrated

HYDRATION! HYDRATION! HYDRATION! Remembering to drink enough water is very important, especially while traveling. Long flights and days packed with adventure can leave you more dehydrated than normal. Remember to drink at least the equivalent of eight 8oz. glasses of water a day! Opt for water instead of sugary drinks during your trip to stay properly hydrated. You can invest in a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter, so wherever you go, you will have clean, filtered water ready to drink.

3. ​Slow down

When traveling it always feels like there is so much to do, but so little time. People tend to pack as much as they can into every waking moment of their trip. Have you ever come back from traveling and thought, "I need a vacation from my vacation"? Avoid the burnout feeling by making a manageable itinerary where you can see everything you want to see while still having room to relax and enjoy. Planning your trip with a Travel Consultant can help you with that! They have the knowledge and resources to help plan your perfect trip.

4. ​Eat a balanced diet

One of the best things about traveling is trying new food! Many people use vacation as a time to indulge and eat much more food or less healthy food than their body is used to. This can cause stomach issues that you do not want to deal with while on vacation. To combat this, try sticking to a balanced diet while traveling. Be adventurous, but also cautious, when trying new foods in a new area. The CDC also suggests avoiding raw food, street food and bushmeat when traveling.

5. Wash your hands

This one should be a given, but is also important remember! Be diligent with hand washing while traveling. Remember to bring hand sanitizer when you aren't near a sink and sanitizing wipes to disinfect the surfaces around you, especially when flying.

6. ​Give yourself time to recover after trip

When most people come back from a trip they jump right back into work and their regular daily routine. Allow yourself an extra day or two after you get back to readjust and unwind. This can also be a great time to get some extra sleep and fully unpack before jumping back into things.

Are there any other tips we missed on our list? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram page!