Tips to Stay Healthy During your Summer Travels

Summer travel is exciting to look forward to, with opportunities for adventure, exploration, and relaxation. However, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being to make the most of your journey. Neglecting your health while traveling can lead to a range of undesirable situations that can put a damper on your trip. For instance, imagine being dehydrated and fatigued on a hiking excursion, feeling unwell due to consuming contaminated food, or having to miss out on exciting activities because you didn't get enough sleep. 

To ensure your summer travels are enjoyable and hassle-free, it's crucial to adopt healthy habits and take preventive measures. By following a few simple tips, you can stay in top form and make unforgettable memories during your adventures.

1. Stay hydrated

Being airborne and on the go can be dehydrating, both because these environments can be drying and because it can be hard to stay on top of hydrating yourself. Hydration isn’t just about providing your body with water. It’s also about ensuring you’re getting electrolytes. If you’re flying, a good trick is to ask for the tomato juice during inflight beverage service. This provides your body with a lot of healthy electrolytes that your body will be thankful for later.

If you’re feeling fatigued or dehydrated after your travels, you might also consider IV Drip Therapy as an option (our IV Drip Therapy options at Modern Age can also give you a boost of energy, immunity, or focus). 

2. Avoid eating late at night

Staying on top of your meals can also help you feel good on vacation, especially when there are time changes involved. Research shows that our biology works best when we eat our meals as early in the day as possible. So, if you have an early morning flight, you should still try to fit in breakfast as early as you can. On the flip side, if your flight gets in late at night, try to avoid a late night meal.

3. Prioritize getting enough sleep

It should come as no surprise that making sure you get enough sleep each day is also crucial to staying healthy during your travels. Though it may seem like your body is completely at rest while you sleep, it’s actually hard at work in “repair mode.” Your brain has a drainage system that removes toxins during sleep, and in doing so helps it prepare your brain function for the next day. While you sleep, your blood vessels and immune system also use the time to repair. Not getting adequate sleep could disturb these systems working hard to keep your body and mind healthy.

If you expect your summer travel plans to come along with some jet lag, it might be a good idea to pack some melatonin in your suitcase to help your body adjust to a new time zone more quickly.

4. Make time to exercise

While you’re on your travels, you should also build in time for physical activities, whether that means setting aside time for a run or yoga class, or building in time to walk to your next destination. You could also keep a few travel-friendly workout moves, like walking lunges, in your back pocket so you can get some movement in no matter where your adventures are taking you.

5. Protect yourself from the sun

Summer travel often means spending more time outdoors, so it's important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF, cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing, wear a hat, and use sunglasses to shield your eyes. Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating.

6. Stay mindful of food and water safety

When exploring new destinations, be cautious about the food and water you consume. Avoid drinking tap water unless it's deemed safe, and opt for bottled water instead. Be mindful of street food and ensure it is cooked thoroughly and served hot. Research the local cuisine and popular food establishments to make informed choices and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

To strengthen your gut and protect against any inadvertent exposure to bacteria, we also recommend taking a probiotic supplement for consistent gut health.

7. Take breaks and rest when needed

Traveling can be physically and mentally demanding, so listen to your body and take breaks when necessary. If you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, find a quiet spot to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Pace yourself during sightseeing and allow for downtime in your itinerary to avoid burnout and keep your energy levels balanced.

Remember, taking care of your health during summer travels allows you to fully enjoy your trip and make lasting memories. By following these tips, you can stay healthy, energized, and make the most of your travel experience.