There’s nothing worse than feeling sick, lethargic, or uncomfortable when traveling. Unfortunately, for many of us, that’s what happens when we leave home for several days at a time. We get out of our normal routine and start picking up new habits (not all of them healthy). Thankfully, you don’t have to feel like a walking zombie when traveling.
Best Tips and Tricks for Healthy, Comfortable Travel
Traveling is fun, exciting, and rewarding, but if you aren’t careful, it can also be stressful and uncomfortable at times. This is especially true when you switch time zones and/or are forced to eat all of your meals out.
Here are a few tips for how to be more comfortable when traveling:
- Dress in layers: Layering your clothing can help you to adapt to changing temperatures and environments. Wear lightweight, breathable layers that you can easily add or remove as needed.
This is especially important advice when traveling in airplanes and airports. You can experience significant changes in temperature when you go from one city to an airport to an airplane to another city. By dressing in layers, you can simply remove or add clothing to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Your feet are likely to do a lot of walking while traveling, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. Look for shoes with good support and cushioning, and consider investing in a pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
Leather boots are another good option. With a high-quality pair of leather boots, you get optimum protection, support, and comfort. Chelsea boots and Brooklyn boots are fairly versatile styles.
- Pack a neck pillow: If you spend a lot of time on airplanes (or even as a passenger in a car or bus), it’s a good idea to invest in a neck pillow. These small, inflatable pillows can be worn around your neck to provide support while sleeping on long flights or car rides. They help to reduce neck pain and fatigue, making your travels more comfortable.
There are literally hundreds of different brands of neck pillows on the market. This includes the traditional inflatable kind, as well as memory foam and microbead versions. Size will be one of the determining factors in this purchase. If it’s primarily for car travel, you can get a slightly larger neck pillow. But if it’s for air travel, you’ll want something compact that can easily be tucked away.
- Bring your own snacks: Airplane food can be expensive and not very tasty, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks. Pack some healthy and portable options, such as granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Once you arrive at your destination, try to find a local supermarket or farmer’s market where you can pick up some fresh snacks for your trip. (This prevents you from relying on vending machines and fast food.)
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue and discomfort, so it’s important to stay hydrated while traveling. Bring a water bottle and refill it frequently, especially during long flights or car rides. If traveling in a rural area or third-world country, be sure to research the potability of the water supply. It’s possible that the locals can drink the water while outsiders may need bottled water.
- Stay active: Staying active while traveling can help to reduce muscle stiffness and fatigue. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk or run at your destination, or try some stretching exercises in your hotel room. Even just 15 or 20 minutes twice a day can improve circulation, boost energy, and help you feel better.
- Get plenty of sleep: Sleep is important for both physical and mental well-being, so try to get plenty of rest while traveling. If you’re on a long flight, bring an eye mask and noise-canceling earbuds to block out light and noise, and try to sleep as much as possible.
If traveling to another time zone, it’s best to immediately adjust to the local time. That may mean staying up for several hours before going to bed. This is the easiest way to adjust.
By following these tips, you can make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable. That’s not to say you won’t ever become sick, tired, or uncomfortable. However, these will no longer become the defining characteristics of your travel experience. Instead, you can feel energized and refreshed as you experience new things.
