How To Stay Healthy While Traveling In The Winter

On top of all of the typical holiday hustle and bustle that has just passed, cold and flu season hits and can take a toll on those who aren’t taking proper care of themselves, especially those who travel. Here are five ways you can stay healthy while traveling in the winter.

Take Your Vitamins

Everyone should take a multivitamin that their doctor has approved once per day, even when away from home. Not only do vitamins strengthen your immune system, but they also promote cell growth and regulate your metabolism. There are other supplements you should also add to your daily regimen if you aren’t getting enough in your diet.

If you don’t get a decent amount of fruits and veggies in your diet, take vitamin C, which heals wounds, helps your body resist infection and boosts your immune system. You can also take a vitamin D supplement to improve your immune system, muscle strength and to help maintain normal blood levels if you aren’t getting enough sunlight or cheese, eggs or fatty fish in your diet. Studies even show that a vitamin D deficiency can cause respiratory infections. So if you’re prone to them, up your vitamin D intake.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep has many benefits and is the key to a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t get enough sleep, it will impact you not only physically but also mentally. Traveling can throw off anyone’s sleep schedule, especially if you plan to visit with friends or family. You may feel that sleep can wait and therefore try to fit in as many activities as you can to get the most out of your trip. If you’re sleep deprived, though, you likely won’t fully enjoy your trip

You also want to make sure you get enough sleep because lack of sleep makes your body more prone to germs and other viruses that linger in airports and other public places.

Hydrate And Keep Your Body Nourished

It can be challenging to maintain a proper diet while traveling. Your options typically include airport food, fast food and meals at restaurants. If you don’t balance your diet out with healthy foods, your body may not get the nourishment it needs to run efficiently. Traveling also tends to throw off regular meal times, but don’t skip breakfast, lunch or dinner — your body will need the extra energy.

Make sure you also drink an adequate amount of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body needs it to function at its best and flush out any extra toxins you are exposed to or take in during your trip.

Stay Active

This does not mean you have to plan out full body workouts while you travel, but it’s a good idea to walk, jog or exercise while you are away from home. You are also more likely to eat and drink things that aren’t good for your body while on vacation, so this makes it even more important to keep on the move so your body can metabolize what you put in it. There are many options to choose from. YouTube is a helpful resource for yoga and other online exercises that will keep your blood flowing.

Use Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

It’s always smart to carry hand sanitizer when you travel. Think about all of the germs you’re exposed to at airports, restaurants, in bathrooms — everywhere. While you are out shopping for travel supplies before your trip, pick up a bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of sanitizing wipes. It’s a good idea to use sanitizer even when you think it isn’t necessary because you won’t realize just how many germs you come into contact with when out and about.

You should also wipe down your plane’s tray table, seatbelt and seat rests. Those areas are full of germs from hundreds of other people.

Traveling healthy is more than possible if you use these five simple tips — vitamins, sleep, lots of water, good food, exercise and sanitation. Not only will these tips ensure your health, but they will also assure that you make the most of your travels and return home happy and healthy.

Last Updated on February 27, 2024