How to stay healthy while traveling

Tips for staying healthy while traveling

• Water, water everywhere. While you're traveling to your destination -- and once you arrive -- be sure to drink lots of water. A good habit to get into anyway, many experts recommend at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. Drinking plenty of water is especially important if you're flying, as is avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Not only will they dehydrate you, they'll leave you feeling sluggish and drowsy -- not a good combo if you're headed to an important meeting or other business venture.

• Avoid the sugar coma. Things can get hectic while you're traveling, but don't give in to the temptation to grab a Snickers bar for breakfast. If you're staying in a hotel with a kitchenette, you can avoid the fast-food trap by hitting the local grocery store for some easy-to-make, healthy meals. If you can't or don't want to cook while you're away from home, seek out the more nutritious restaurant options in the area. If your hotel's breakfast consists of only sugary items like donuts or pastries, fill your room's ice bucket up and throw in some yogurt cups instead. Also, eating fruits and vegetables before your flight is a great way to ease digestion, increase your energy and curb jet lag, according to experts.

• It's all in your mind. Traveling can be stressful, and you're more apt to focus if you're relaxed. Though out-of-town business can often demand cramming in as much work as possible in a short amount of time, be sure to take breaks to clear your mind and re-energize your body so the entire trip doesn't become a big blur. To help relax (and if luggage space permits), bring one of your own pillows to help you sleep at the hotel. And, if the weather's nice, take 10 or 15 minutes for a quick walk around the hotel to wind down after a busy day.

• Keep the germs away. Whether you're driving or flying, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Gas pumps, highway restrooms, luggage handlers and convenience stores see more germs than you could imagine, so wash up often. Lather both hands with soap and scrub for at least 30 seconds (some surgical nurses have been known to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," knowing that they've washed long enough when the song is over), making sure to cover the front and back of your hands as well as under your nails.

See also

• Category:Travel