As the summer season approaches, many of us eagerly plan exciting travel adventures. You may choose a relaxing beach getaway, a thrilling hiking expedition, or exploring new cities; summer travel offers a much-needed break from our daily routines.
However, it’s essential to prioritize our health and well-being during these journeys to make the most of our experiences. Managing your health while traveling is as important as managing your budget and being on time for the next flight.
Here we are going to explore 6 valuable ways to stay healthy and maintain your well-being while enjoying your summer travel.
Know what Your Medical Insurance Covers
Determining what your medical insurance covers during travel is crucial for ensuring your well-being and addressing any unforeseen medical circumstances that may arise. While you cannot control every situation, being prepared and informed can provide you with a sense of security.Â
If something happens, you will need quick access to the best medical care so you can recover as soon as possible. To get peace of mind and have relevant information on hand during an emergency, find out the following before you leave:
- What medical coverage are you eligible for while traveling?
- Who do you need to call to discuss hospital authorizations?
- Where are quality medical facilities at or near your travel destination?
It is also important to identify the correct contact person or helpline within your insurance provider’s network. It is worth taking the time to research quality medical facilities located at or near your travel destination. By doing this, in the event of a medical emergency, you can swiftly seek appropriate medical attention without unnecessary delays.
Pack Quality Sunglasses
A summer holiday is all about having fun in the sun, but holidaymakers often forget the damage UV rays can cause, even to the eyes. Retinal damage can occur in less than 60 seconds, and you shouldn’t underestimate the danger of UV light reflecting off water or white sand on the beach. Therefore, you need to wear 100% UV-protective sunglasses whenever you’re outside.
If you plan beforehand, instead of buying outdated glasses at an airport stand, you can pick a stylish pair that will complement your outfits and look good on holiday selfies.
Pack Sunscreen
Another part of your body you need to protect against the sun is your skin, so sunscreen is an essential summer travel item. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the long-term effects of UV rays, even on cloudy days. This is also how you ensure a day on the beach won’t leave your skin so red and sore that you can barely move.
Yes, something as simple as sunscreen is how you safeguard happy holiday memories. It’s important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF value for maximum protection.Depending on your travel activities, apply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Be proactive and keep your skin safe while enjoying the sun and the outdoors.
Get Enough Sleep
The idea of a summer holiday is to make as much as possible of each day. However, if you don’t look after your body, it can weaken your immune system, which increases the risk of you falling ill. One essential part of maintaining general health is getting enough sleep. While you rest, your body is given time to repair cells and muscles so it can counter attacks from germs and bacteria. Also, your body needs that downtime to feel rejuvenated the next day. Therefore, if you don’t sleep enough, you won’t have the necessary energy to enjoy your vacation days.
While you embark on your journey and embrace new experiences, staying up late might leave you too exhilarated to easily drift off to sleep. Hence, you may consider adding to your diet some beneficial superfoods for better sleep and relaxation that foster a soothing ambiance, helping you achieve a more effortless transition into sleep and ensuring you wake up refreshed and energized for the following day.
You can, of course, enjoy nights out on the town, but also add some ‘sleeping late’ mornings to your schedule or at least take an afternoon nap now and then.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Having a healthy diet is crucial, especially when you’re on the go during your travels and need the necessary energy to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Embracing a diet rich in quality foods can provide a nourishing and energizing experience.
While it’s tempting to indulge in the local delicacies, it’s important to strike a balance. Opting for different seeds and mixed nuts can be a nutrient-dense snacking option, providing a satisfying snack that keeps your energy levels up throughout the day. These little powerhouses are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Make sure to prioritize wholesome foods that support your overall well-being. By making conscious choices, you can explore new culinary adventures without compromising your health goals.
Drink Plenty of Water
Along with sleep, staying hydrated is essential to ensure you stay healthy. Traveling, especially by air, can lead to dehydration due to low humidity levels in enclosed spaces. Additionally, factors such as climate, physical activity, and sweating can contribute to fluid loss. Water helps your system flush out waste and toxins, and your body will be more empowered to resist infection.
Also, it helps regulate basic processes, such as body temperature and even enables proper digestion. Since you’re likely to eat more than usual while on holiday, you should do all you can to benefit your digestive system, which will work harder than usual.
Furthermore, becoming dehydrated can cause headaches or make you feel lethargic. So, to optimally enjoy every day of your break away, get into the habit of carrying water with you and drinking a few sips throughout the day.
Conclusion
You deserve a break from your normal routine this summer, and the warm days are ideal to spend outside and make memories. However, small details like whether you drink enough water or wear sunglasses can have a huge effect on how you experience your travel time. Use these tips to make the most of every day this summer.