Few people are immune from the fear of getting sick while traveling. You might be spending time in a new region or locale where conditions are not quite as sanitary, or you might be trying new foods that are more difficult for your system to tolerate. If you use common sense and remain cautious you should stay healthy no matter where you happen to travel.
Most people get sick by doing stuff which goes against their better judgment. Perhaps you are an individual with a sensitive digestive system who decides to eat street food for a few days. Or maybe you stay up late, partying and drinking into the late of the night when you are usually an early riser and sleeper. In any case you will stay healthy while traveling if you do not deviate much from your set routine. Many people take on a new persona when hitting the road, which is certainly beneficial in some cases but in terms of your overall healthy it makes sense not to push your limits too quickly, as this rapid push can create illness in many forms.
Avoid Eating Rich or Fatty Foods Which You Are Not Familiar With
Trying local fare can be a harrowing experience if your system is not accustomed to digesting rich, fatty or sugary foods. Yes you might be excited to try the new dessert of heavy, calorie-laden entrée from the new travel hotspot you decide to visit but this can be a massive mistake if you are up all night with stomach ailments. If you become ill enough you might just be bedridden for the next 3 or 4 days, and this can be an absolute nightmare which puts kinks into your travel plans, because it becomes virtually impossible to travel when you are sick with stomach issues. All this happens because of 5 minutes of mindlessness so be aware of when you are forcing foreign food down your gullet and stick to basic, tasty but simple foods.
Of special note are food stalls, commonly referred to as street food. These foods are usually not cooled or refrigerated and might cause massive intestinal discomfort if ingested so stay away from any food you purchase on the street to remain healthy.
Stick to Your Basic Daily Schedule When Traveling
If you are typically an early riser then wake up early during your trips. If you go to bed later and wake later then do the same as you go about your travels. This will avoid any shocks to your system which can quickly result in illness. If you go to bed at 9 PM each day when at home it makes no sense to hit the sack at 3 or 4 AM for every night of the week once you hit the road because your body will hate you for it, and there is no quicker way to catch a cold or some type of virus as you tax your immune system by getting less and less sleep.
Wake up early if you are an early riser, and eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast to start the day off right. This simple tip does wonders for your immune system and overall health.
Remember to Enjoy Your Trip
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure remember to always enjoy your travels, as you are continually being introduced to new and exciting places which many people will never see. Even if you have hit travel hotspots consistently you are embarking a new journey of sorts each time you decide to hit the road, because each trip really is a new adventure.
Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who enjoys discussing all topics related to international and domestic travel; if you are traveling through Virginia, check out the quality accommodations on offer at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Petersburg Virginia.