5 Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling the World
It’s undeniable—traveling across countries, exploring new cities, immersing yourself in foreign cultures, and seeing all the beauty the world has to offer are pretty brag-worthy ways to spend your time. Travel blogging is coveted by most people who feel glued to their desk or chained to their 9-5 routine that repeats itself day-in and day-out.
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And while I feel incredibly blessed to be able to pursue what I love by traveling so frequently, there is one aspect to being frequently on-the-go that many people don’t consider: how difficult it is to stay healthy while vacationing.
Traveling is tremendous for your mental health, but it can be quite taxing on your physical wellbeing. Here are some common challenges I face during my jet setting and what you can do to stay on top of them during your own travels!
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Keep Hand Sanitizer on You at All Times
This one should come as a no-brainer, but it’s so important that it makes the very top of our list. When you’re travelling the world, you’re exposed to tremendous amounts of germs and bacteria. They’re literally everywhere and the more crowded the place, the higher your exposure.
We’re talking about airports, airplanes, trains, busses, taxis, and anywhere else you might need to go in order to get from A to B. Be especially mindful of the counters, turnstiles, rails, and doorknobs your hands touch in these highly trafficked areas – you have no clue who might have touched what, or what they’re potentially carrying!
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Applying a dollop of hand sanitizer can be the difference between staying healthy on vacation or catching a cold that keeps you cooped up in your hotel room for the entire trip. If you want to be extremely cautious, I’ve seen people travel with antiseptic wipes to sanitize their chairs, trays, and arm rests. Also, wearing a face mask mid route can ward off any airborne pathogens (and if people are worried that you’re the one who’s sick, chances of you scoring an empty passenger seat are pretty high!).0
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Maintain Your Workout Routine
When there’s so much to see and so much to do, it’s hard to find time to squeeze in exercise. But unless you want to return home a few pounds heavier after sipping pina coladas, lounging on the beach for a week, you should make it a priority!
Most hotels have gym amenities, but you can totally create your own workout program that allows you to explore the city while burning some calories. Jog around town, stop at the occasional park bench to do lunges or tricep dips, and take in the sites as you turn up the intensity.
Unless you want to be sore for the rest of your stay, make sure you pack the appropriate gear – running in your flip flops will not feel good! A light pair of forefoot running shoes shouldn’t add much weight to your luggage and will come in clutch when you’re working out on the other side of the world.
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Don’t Overly Indulge in Cuisine
One of the best parts about traveling is getting to taste all sorts of new food (some people travel to Italy just to try the famous gelato!). But be sure to keep your consumption in check, especially when it comes to sodium, fat, and processed sugars.
We suggest saving money and solving your nutritional needs by drinking a meal replacement shake in the morning. That way, you can get up and go knowing you have the essential energy to get you throughout your day!
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Be Sure to Get Enough Rest
Life on the road can lead to poor sleep. Long-distance drives, red-eye flights, and overnight train rides can seriously dig into your sleeping schedule. It’s important to combat jet lag in order to enjoy every moment of your experience, so be sure to read up on my tips for staying energized on vacation.
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Remember to Journal Regularly
Finally, mental health is wealth, so I think everyone should keep a travel journal while exploring exotic destinations. It’s a great way to center your mind while making sure your memories last a lifetime.
What are your tips for staying healthy as you travel around? Let us know in the comments below!
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