Ever faced the paradox of returning from a vacation feeling more drained than before you left?
You probably thought to yourself: aren’t vacations supposed to make us feel relaxed and rejuvenated?
As you probably figured out, travel can be taxing on your health, yet it’s often when we pay the least attention to it.
Get ready to embark on your next adventure with the top five ways to stay healthy while traveling.
1.) Research Your Destination
Embarking on a trip without understanding the health risks at your destination is like setting sail without a compass.
Diverse climates and environments can pose different health risks, from high altitudes that may affect your breathing to tropical conditions that may increase the risk of malaria or dengue fever.
We recommend starting your travel plans by looking into potential health conditions prevalent at your destination.
Understanding common illnesses and the quality of local healthcare can make a big difference.
Local resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be invaluable for this purpose!
Staying updated on travel advisories and health alerts puts you in a good position to enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
Your health is a priority, and staying informed is a critical step in safe travels.
2.) Stay Hydrated
Maintaining hydration is a key aspect of staying healthy while traveling, one that we frequently emphasize at Contour Spa!
Water is imperative, not only to ward off heat-related illnesses when you’re out enjoying the sun, but also to keep nuisances like constipation, headaches, and energy dips at bay.
Drinking plenty of water is an essential routine for any health-conscious traveler.
When you’re flying, the pressurized environment of an airplane can lead to dehydration, making it vital to drink more water than usual.
Carrying an empty water bottle through airport security and filling it up before you board is a simple yet effective way to maintain hydration.
3.) Maintain a Balanced Diet
Traveling introduces us to new cultures and cuisines, making it tempting to indulge in every local delicacy.
However, it’s pivotal to maintain a balanced diet while on the move to ensure our bodies receive the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
We often remind our clients that good nutrition is just as important as any spa treatment for overall well-being!
Opting for freshly prepared meals can make a world of difference.
These meals are often more nutritious, providing a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Here is a simple breakdown:
| Local Foods to Enjoy | Foods to Limit |
|---|---|
| Grilled fish | Deep-fried snacks |
| Steamed vegetables | Sugary desserts |
| Whole-grain bread | Overly processed meals |
| Seasonal fruits | High-sodium fast foods |
| Lean meats | Excessive dairy products |
Savor the local cuisine, but listen to your body’s needs.
Choose dishes rich in vegetables and lean proteins, and control portion sizes.
Despite the joys of trying new foods, at Contour Spa, we encourage travelers to remember the golden rule of nutrition: moderation is key!
Indulge mindfully, and continue to nourish your body with what it needs to thrive during your travels.
4.) Prioritize Sleep and Rest
Amid the excitement of exploring new destinations, the significance of sleep can often be underestimated.
However, adjusting to a regular sleep schedule while on the road is an underrated travel tip that we cannot stress enough!
Even though it might be tempting to extend the day’s adventures into the late-night hours, sticking to your normal sleep routine is essential.
As the Mayo Clinic notes, skimping on sleep can leave you more susceptible to illness, disrupting your travel plans and health.
To maintain a semblance of normalcy despite changing locations frequently, we suggest aiming for 7-8 hours of shut-eye each night.
If you tend to struggle with unfamiliar hotel environments, consider packing a sleep mask, earplugs, or a white noise machine (or maybe a white noise app on your phone).
These travel-friendly accessories can help you create the comfortable setting necessary for restful sleep – ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to explore.
5.) Visit a Med Spa
One of the best ways to stay healthy and maintain your well-being while on the road is to indulge in a visit to a local med spa.
A soothing massage or a calming spa treatment is not just a luxurious experience; it’s a healthy one too.
It allows you to unwind, relax, and escape the hustle and bustle of your travel itinerary.
By visiting Contour Spa before, during, or after your trip, you’re giving yourself permission to enjoy a peaceful respite where stress melts away, and wellness takes center stage.
With a wide range of services designed to help you feel your absolute best, it’s an experience that enriches your travels and contributes to your overall health.
Our Top Recommendations for Travelers
Localized Cryotherapy is perfect for any travelers concerned about (or currently dealing with) travel-related injuries or inflammation! By applying extreme cold temperatures to targeted areas of the body, cryotherapy has the ability to ward off these symptoms and make your body even stronger.
Lymphatic Drainage is a unique, relaxing treatment that uses compression therapy to flush toxins and promote blood health. This is perfect for those looking to prevent sickness or regain the energy so necessary for a successful trip.
Remember, managing stress is essential to staying healthy, and a spa day is a perfect counterbalance to the demanding nature of travel.
Escape, relax, and rejuvenate—it’s just what your body and mind need.