The last thing you want to think about when you're heading out on your next trip is feeling sluggish or getting sick. The best time to think about it is while you are planning. Few things are more unpleasant than getting off the plane halfway around the world with a sore throat, trying to hike with a sprained ankle, aching after touriong a new city, or discovering too few Band-Aids too late.

Start by beginning your trip in good health. It's always tempting to pack at the last minute, get to sleep late the night before, and eat whatever fast food is handy for breakfast. Don't! Pack a couple of days ahead and do a hour check through the evening before, then go to bed at your usual time, if not earlier. Drink extra water the day before your trip and when you leave, and have a solid, balanced dinner and a healthy breakfast with fruits and vegetables in it. Carry a health bar or some trail mix and a baggie of carrots to snack on before you clear security checkpoints (since they don't let you take fresh food through). When in travel terminal shops & restaurants, look for fresh food or healthy alternatives, and replenish your water whenever you can you can refill your own plastic bottle from water fountains.

Be prepared for facing an onslaught of germs combined with canned, over-circulated air. There are preventative products on the market that can help you boost your immunity system with a big dose of vitamins and herbs, or you can grab a health smoothie that does the same. When on a plane or train, consider using a small face mask, or dampen a bandanna and place it over your nose and mouth for half-hour increments. You are made up primarily of water, so when you get dehydrated, you become more susceptible to picking up viruses. Keep drinking water so that you feel pleasantly sloshy but not bursting.

Limber up before you get stuck in a seat for a long time. You can easily and publicly do a few stretches while in the boarding lines, such as extending your arms in front of your, with your fingers laced, then raising them above your head. You can also do a simple toe-touch while standing, and while seated bring hug your left knee up to your chest, then your right. You can carefully lean forward so that your back is rounded and your head is hanging loose, letting your back and neck muscles relax for 30-60 seconds. Other simple muscle relaxers include gentle head tilts or rolls, shoulder rolls, leg stretches, etc. Also, you can use several of these while seated

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Preparing for healthy traveling?
We want to hear your view. Write now!