6 Ways to Stay Healthy During Summer Travel
Have you been having fun putting together this year’s summer travel plans? Now, how do you make sure those plans don’t get ruined by you ending up in bed for a day or two—or even worse, in hospital?
Managing your health while traveling is as important as managing your budget and being on time for the next flight. Our tried and tested tips will keep you healthy but also energized so you can make the most of every day.
Get a Medical Check-up First
Consider what’s best for your health long before you leave on the road trip or board a plane. A visit to your family doctor for a physical check-up will help identify possible medical problems, like an ear infection, that can easily be treated before it gets out of hand.
You should explain exactly where you’re traveling to, so the doctor can advise you on vaccinations necessary for certain parts of the world. Also, ask for suggestions on superfoods for the immune system in order to stay healthy throughout the trip. Lastly, don’t forget to refill any prescription medication you need to take during the holiday.
Know what Your Medical Insurance Covers
Unfortunately, you don’t have control over every situation and there’s a chance that you can get hurt or fall sick during your travels. If it happens, you want quick access to the best medical care, so you can recover as soon as possible. To get peace of mind and to have relevant information on hand during an emergency, find out the following before you leave:
- What medical cover you’re eligible for while traveling
- Who you need to call to discuss hospital authorizations
- Where quality medical facilities are at or near your travel destination
Pack Quality Sunglasses
A summer holiday is all about having fun in the sun, but holiday makers often forget the damage UV rays can cause, even to the eyes. Retinal damage can occur in less than 60 seconds, and you shouldn’t underestimate the danger of UV light reflecting off water or white sand on the beach. Therefore, you need to wear good quality sunglasses whenever you’re outside.
If you plan beforehand, instead of outdated glasses bought at an airport stand, you can pick a stylish pair that will complement your outfits and look good on holiday selfies.
Pack Sunscreen
Another part of your body you need to protect against the sun is your skin, so sunscreen is an essential summer travel item. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the long-term effects of UV rays, even on cloudy days. This is also how you ensure a day on the beach won’t leave your skin so red and sore that you can barely move.
Yes, something as simple as sunscreen is how you safeguard happy holiday memories.
Get Enough Sleep
The idea of a summer holiday is to make as much as possible of each day. However, if you don’t look after your body, it can weaken your immune system which increases the risk of you falling ill. One essential part of maintaining general health is getting enough sleep. While you rest, your body is given time to repair cells and muscles, so it can counter attacks from germs and bacteria. Also, your body needs that downtime for you to feel rejuvenated the next day. Therefore, if you don’t sleep enough, you won’t have the necessary energy to enjoy your vacation days.
You can of course enjoy nights out on the town, but also add some ‘sleeping late’ mornings to your schedule or at least take an afternoon nap now and then.
Drink Plenty of Water
Along with sleep, staying hydrated is essential to ensure you stay healthy. Water helps your system flush out waste and toxins and your body will be more empowered to resist infection. Also, it helps regulate basic processes, such as body temperature and even enables proper digestion. Since you’re likely to eat more than usual while on holiday, you should do all you can to benefit your digestive system that will work harder than usual.
Furthermore, becoming dehydrated can cause headaches or make you feel lethargic. So, to optimally enjoy every day of your breakaway, get into the habit of carrying water with you and drink a few sips throughout the day.
Conclusion
You deserve the break from your normal routine this summer and the warm days are ideal to spend outside and make memories. However, small details like whether you drink enough water or wear sunglasses can have a huge effect on how you experience your travel time. Use these tips as a guideline to make the most of every day this summer.