Travel has always ignited a fire within many of us, myself especially. Every journey I undertake brings with it an electrifying mix of anticipation, excitement, and exploration – a sensation that’s hard to match. Yet, the very adventures that fill our hearts with joy also pose challenges to our well-being. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a set of invaluable insights to ensure wellness accompanies wanderlust.
To me, travel transcends being a mere hobby; it defines my essence. With every trip I plan, a fresh wave of enthusiasm and inquisitiveness washes over me. The paths I tread often weave tales of beauty, but they also occasionally test my health and resilience. Dive into my cherished regimen and practices that fortify me for every new adventure.
While travel etches vibrant memories, it isn’t without its obstacles. From navigating the nuances of air travel to adjusting to unfamiliar time zones, every traveler ought to be well-prepared.
The Unexpected Challenges of Travel
While hopping from one city to the next or exploring exotic locations can be exhilarating, the challenges it brings, especially to one’s health, can’t be ignored. From minor inconveniences like air travel hassles to the dreaded jet lag, a traveler must be prepared.
Prioritize Self-Care With My Personal Self-Care Toolkit
Whether it’s a bout of homesickness or a sudden cold, traveling can sometimes take a toll on your health. Here are some essential tips to ensure you always feel on top of your game:
Cleanliness is Next to Travel Godliness
Confession: I’m a stickler for cleanliness, especially on flights. This was a habit even before the pandemic.
It started small: a little sanitizing wipe here and there. But now, I’ve got a mini routine. I arm myself with sanitizing wipes and a pocket-sized spray. Before settling into my seat, I sanitize everything from the TV screen, and service tray, to the armrest buttons. And airplane bathrooms? They get their own thorough wipe-down before I use them!
Being a tad obsessive about hygiene, especially during flights, has perks. Consider carrying sanitizing wipes or a mini sanitizer spray. Give everything a good wipe – the entertainment screen, service tray, and all seat buttons. And if you think about the airplane bathroom, well, let’s not even go there.
Protect Those Nostrils
It might sound peculiar, but applying a bit of Neosporin with a cotton swab inside your nostrils can be a game-changer. It protects against germs and moisturizes the nose’s inner skin. Dry, cracked skin can be an entry point for germs. My personal favorite for this purpose is a tube of Waxeline.
Hydration is Key
Never underestimate the power of water. Keeping yourself hydrated during travels can ward off many discomforts. Always have a refillable water bottle handy. Most modern airports now offer water refill stations once you’re past security checks.
I cannot emphasize this enough: water is my constant travel companion. I’ve been caught off guard with dehydration symptoms in the past, and now, I’ve pledged to always keep a reusable water bottle with me.
Pro Tip: Pack electrolyte sticks with you like LMNT or Cure Hydration.
Embrace the Probiotics
On a trip to Asia, my mom advised carrying high-strain probiotics, and it’s been a game-changer for my gut health. It’s a tip that is also science-backed. Combined with regular water intake, it ensures my stomach stays comfortable and ready for all the exotic food I’m eager to try. And if I forget my probiotics or AG1, local plain yogurt becomes my go-to remedy.
Once a Day, Every Day. 75 high quality ingredients in one simple scoop. AG1 is your daily dose of zinc, selenium, folate, vitamin C, probiotic, and more support your immune system.
Sync Your Stomach to Local Time
Combat jet lag by eating according to the local time of your destination. This method helps in adjusting your internal clock, ensuring you don’t feel out of sorts. Once you arrive, try soaking up some sun (if it’s daytime) and resist the urge to nap. Pairing this with local meal times can significantly reduce jet lag effects.
Jet lag was my nemesis until I discovered this trick. By aligning my meals with the local time of my destination, I felt more in sync and less sluggish. This simple shift in meal timings works wonders for the body clock. Additionally, I make it a point to get some sunshine upon arrival and delay sleep until local nighttime, ensuring my internal rhythm adjusts faster.
While traveling unfolds new chapters of adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize health. With these tips, you’re well on your way to both exhilarating and wholesome journeys. Safe travels!
Published in Aug 2017 and updated in September 2023.
