8 Ways to Stay Healthy While You Travel

travel healthy

The holidays are fast approaching, which means long lines of travelers, jam-packed planes, and flu season. While you can’t travel everywhere in a bubble to avoid getting sick, there are some things you can do to stay healthy.

Build up your immune system

In the weeks before you travel, build up your immune system by eating healthy (lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. You can also put in an extra effort by taking vitamins and/or probiotics.

Wash your hands

Prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands frequently. If you aren’t in a situation where you have access to a bathroom, make sure you have some hand sanitizer (at least 50% alcohol) or disinfecting wipes with you.

Keep your distance

If you hear someone cough, sneeze, sniffle, or see someone that looks sick, stay at least six feet away from them. Six feet is about the distance that flu and cold germs can travel from one person to the next.

Wipe down your plane seat

The inside of a plane cabin probably isn’t as clean as you think it is – especially if there was little time between your flight and the flight before you. Fast turnovers don’t give the flight crew much time to clean, so before you sit down, wipe your seat and the surrounding area down with a disinfecting wipe.

Don’t use plane pillows or blankets

If the pillow or blanket you get comes in a sealed package, it means it’s been laundered and you’re probably safe. If it doesn’t, it could be harboring germs and you should stay away. Overall, you’re better off just bringing your own pillow or blanket for the flight.

Stop touching stuff

If you’re someone who likes to touch everything, try not to. Don’t hold the railing as you walk up the stairs, don’t close the overhead luggage bin door, don’t pick up the things on a hotel front desk, etc. The fewer things you touch, the smaller chance you’ll have of picking up germs.

Keep up healthy habits

No matter where you go, be sure to keep up your healthy eating habits and get enough sleep. Don’t opt for a red-eye flight – you’ll be depriving yourself of sleep, which may lead to bad decisions like caffeine or sugar to wake you up.

Drink lots of water

Water is a great way to not only stay hydrated, but to fight off any illness germs. When you’re well-hydrated, it gives your body more power and keeps your immune system alert. Try to drink 8 ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air.

And remember – if you’re traveling from Newark and are looking for discount parking at Newark Airport, look no further than our parking company.