What’s a guaranteed way to make or break your experience on a tour? Simply, staying healthy. Play it safe with these tips to keep your bod in shape and your itinerary on schedule.
1. Make colds fly away
You might think a plane’s recycled air is your ticket to Sickville, but there’s another culprit that could put you there if you’re not careful. That tray table or armrest might be your worst enemy on a flight. That’s because germs stay alive for up to 72 hours on plastic surfaces. You could use disinfectant to wipe them down but your best bet is tried and true. Wash your hands as often as you can and avoid touching your face. You may not be able to control the number of germs in the air but you can make efforts to control the number of germs that reach you.
2. Move motion sickness right along
Even the most fearsome traveler can get a bout of motion sickness in transit. To keep your tour in motion (and not your belly,) give these tips a try.
Avoid standing and find a seat with the smoothest ride. If you’re traveling by bus, boat or train that’s usually somewhere in the middle.
Focus your gaze on something in the distance to help your brain match the movement your body feels. If you’re on a boat, keep all hands (and feet) on deck, not below.
Consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine an hour before you travel, which works by targeting the part of your brain that causes nausea. Remember to check the side effects before you try.
3. Tame your tummy troubles
One of the main causes of an upset stomach while traveling is drinking local tap water—especially in South and Central America, Asia and the Middle East. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe, buy bottled for drinking and brushing your teeth. (Oh, and make that soda “no ice, please.”) Lastly, avoid salads, fruits and shellfish because these are oftentimes a breeding ground for bugs, especially in hot climates.