Do you want to stay healthy on vacation and prevent travel sickness? Then you've come to the right place! Traveling makes you beautiful, happy and, above all, healthy. But as much as we love the adventure that Experiencing foreign cultures and love a break from everyday life, body and mind are sometimes neglected.
From jet lag, circulatory problems and gastrointestinal complaints to serious infectious diseases, there are a number of potential health risks lurking along the way. But the good news is: with a little preparation and a few conscious decisions, these risks can be minimized - and vacations can be enjoyed in a more relaxed way.
No matter whether you're planning a city break, a long-distance trip or a relaxing beach vacation: In this article, I present my best tips for healthy travel - from smart packing to a safe and relaxed return. Let's go!
1. Choose Your Destination and Travel Time Wisely
Whether it's tropical heat, the rainy season, extreme altitudes or pollen count - many health problems can be avoided with smart planning. So be sure in advance that Climate, Season and Potential challenges in your favorite travel destination suit you and your wishes.
The duration of the trip should also be realistic so that your body can enough time to adapt has - this ensures a relaxed and healthy start to your vacation.
2. Check Vaccination Requirements Before You Go
Depending on the destination, certain vaccinations are mandatory or strongly recommended - for example against Hepatitis, Typhoid fever, Rabies or Yellow fever. Depending on the country you are traveling to, it is best to check with your family doctor in good time. at the Tropical Institute.
Also a short Health check is worthwhile in order to prevent any risks. And if the worst comes to the worst, it may well make sense to take out a International health insurance to take out. As it is often combined with a credit card, you may already have it 🙂
3. Pack a Smart Travel First Aid Kit
A Well-packed first-aid kit prevents unpleasant and stressful surprises and - saves resources at the same time. Plaster as well as Remedy for stomach complaints, Fever, Insect bites or Travel sickness should not be missing.
Be sure to also think about personal medication, Sun protection, Mosquito spray and a Mask for full means of transportation or cities with high Air Pollution.
Tip: A light sweater in your hand luggage protects you from frosty air conditioning on the plane or bus.
4. Know the Water Quality – and Practice Good Hygiene
In many European countries such as Germany and Francebut also in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan this applies Water from the tap as drinkable and healthy.
In South and Central America and in Africa and in many Asian countries you should rather do without it.
So before you travel, always check whether the tap water at your destination is safe to drink and, if in doubt, avoid drinking it. prefer bottled drinking water This often also applies to brushing your teeth.
Also important: Wash your hands regularly or disinfect them. This is particularly recommended before eating to effectively protect yourself from gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections.
5. Stay Active and Keep Moving
Movement is the basis of a healthy lifestyle - and keeps you fit even when you're on vacation because, among other things Jet lag, Tension or Circulatory problems counteracts this.
Whether Yoga in the course room, Freeletics on the mat in the hotel room, a Walk on the beach or a small Running unit in the park: Keep moving!
Prefer Stairs to places of interest instead of elevators. And do simple things on the plane or train too Stretching exercisesto promote your blood circulation 🙂.
6. Travel Mindfully and Stress-Free
Do you want to travel healthily? Then Take some time for yourself and consciously plan breaks to keep your Reduce stress levels and stay healthy. Mindfulness, Slow Travel and conscious consumption will help you avoid sensory overload and relieve your mind.
Less program = more experience. Don't turn your vacation into a to-do list, but into a relaxing experience for body and soul 🙂
Tip: I have put together a few spiritual destinations that will give you more energy and are perfect for a mental break.
7. Bring Essentials for Better Sleep While Traveling
A good night's sleep is worth its weight in gold - even on the road. If you don't have the deepest sleep anyway, you're better off taking a Sleep mask, Earplugs and depending on the destination also a Mosquito net have with you.
When choosing your accommodation, it is best to look for quiet locations and your personal comfort level. For long-haul flights, a Neck pillow be useful if you sleep better and always want to be relaxed.
8. Eat Mindfully, Regularly, and Balanced
For example, to avoid stomach problems and diarrhea, especially in foreign countries, you should pay attention to what you eat. For example, avoid animal products from open markets in heavily polluted areas if you don't want to get sick on vacation.
Basically, you should of course eat balanced and regular meals and - as already mentioned Drink enough water. Also talk to the host localswho can tell you for sure which foods you should stay away from.
9. Unplug and Embrace a Digital Detox
That also Mindfulness is important for healthy traveling, we have already touched on - Digital Detox but not yet. Just leave your cell phone in your travel accommodation or in your pocket - and really enjoy your destination with all your senses.
Not always available can minimize your stress, improve your sleep and improve your Promote concentration. You will also get to know unique people much more quickly on your travels.
10. Listen to Your Body – Rest When Needed
Symptoms such as Fever, Diarrhea, Rash or severe exhaustion should not be ignored - especially during and after long-distance travel. To be on the safe side, visit a doctor's surgery to rule out more serious travel-related illnesses. Also take important Emergency numbers, Medical contacts and information on international health insurance to hand - so you can act quickly in an emergency.
Always listen to your bodyif you want to stay healthy and fit on vacation. Allow yourself time to adjust after your return journey and don't go straight back to your daily routine.
Healthy Travel? No Worries!
We all want to enjoy our vacation. The basis for this is to stay healthy. As you can see, you are already laying the foundation for this with small precautions and behavioral changes. Always find out about the special features of your destination, know yourself, make sure you have a good first-aid kit, watch what you eat - and always take possible symptoms of a potential illness seriously.
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
Jim Rohn (more at Health Quotes)
I hope that the tips in this article will help you to make your next trips not only relaxed, but also healthy - so that you return full of energy and with lots of wonderful memories.
Do you have any questions, your own experiences or other tips for health while traveling? Then please share them in the comments.
Stay healthy and stay safe,
PS: Be sure to take a look at my articles about sustainable travel and Zero Waste Travel. Here you can find out how to make your next vacation not only healthy but also environmentally friendly.
