Most people only get to go on vacation one time each year. If you’re one of these individuals, you should do everything you can to avoid getting sick before your departure date. Otherwise, you’ll probably be miserable the entire time and come back home feeling exhausted.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep yourself in tip-top shape before, during and after the trip. Consider heeding the following advice to ensure you stay healthy and get the most out of your next vacation.
Get the Rest Your Body Needs
Of course, you don’t want to sleep the entire trip away, but it’s important to get seven to nine hours of rest each night. This length of time helps your mind and body recharge fully, leaving you feeling energized and ready to take on the world once you wake up.
Feeling refreshed is essential whether you decide to take a road trip or go on a cruise. In fact, a lack of sleep should be on your list of things not to do on a cruise since there are so many activities to participate in, and you’ll want to have the energy required to do them all!
A lack of rest can also interfere with your ability to think and concentrate and lead to issues with your immune system. You may find that your body has trouble fighting off sicknesses, which makes taking a trip much riskier.
Drink Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is challenging when you’re on vacation. With so much to see and do, drinking water is likely the last thing on your mind. However, you can take control of hydration by drinking a glass or two of water in the morning with breakfast and carrying a refillable container with you throughout the day.
If you don’t like plain water, try adding flavouring or infusing it with fresh fruit. You’re much more likely to drink up if you enjoy the flavour.
If you think you might be dehydrated, you may notice the following symptoms: headaches, fatigue and dark-coloured urine. You may also have issues concentrating.
Apply Sunscreen
Whether hanging out at the beach or skiing on a cold, snowy mountain, you should use sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s harmful rays can shine through and damage your skin, eventually leading to wrinkles or skin spot discolouration.
Many people think that taking the chance of getting a sunburn isn’t the worst thing that can happen, but occurrence after occurrence can cause severe problems, ranging from blisters to skin cancer. Sunscreen dramatically reduces the risk of these issues, keeping your skin healthy and supple for every expedition ahead.
Consume a Healthy Diet
You’ll undoubtedly indulge in an unhealthy food option occasionally while you’re on vacation. However, you should avoid making poor diet decisions the entire time. The pounds can add up in no time, and you may notice a decline in your energy level.
Most restaurants offer a variety of healthy options to choose from. However, if you find it too difficult to pick these meals, you can always go to a grocery store and purchase your own food. Many hotels have a refrigerator and microwave, and some even include a stove. Try to make a healthy meal before you go out for the day so you won’t get hungry during your travels.
To help with the unhealthy tourist attraction snack temptations along the way, consider packing some tasty yet nutritious options. For example, you may want to carry an apple, banana, carrots, granola or trail mix in your bag to help hold you over until your next meal.
Staying healthy includes more than just the avoidance of becoming ill. It also means keeping up with habits that allow you to feel your best, such as making time to exercise. You’re sure to discover that if you keep your wellness in mind during your trip, you’ll have a better time overall and feel mentally and physically refreshed upon your return home.