While traveling on its own might be considered a conventionally recreational and therapeutic activity on its own, people who pursue traveling on a full-time/part-time basis might have to say otherwise. Let’s face it, traveling is a lot uglier than what the media makes out of it — and those nasty parts just aren’t talked about enough.
One of the more overlooked parts of the whole travel culture is the traveler’s own health. Although self-care isn’t as interesting as a picture of you balancing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it certainly holds a lot of importance. And since travelers are constantly exposed to new environments, taking care of our bodies becomes a lot more important.
If you’re a traveler who has been putting off self-care for the longest time, today’s the day we snap you out of it! We’ve compiled a foolproof self-care guide that every globetrotter out there can follow, whether you’re sitting on a flight or riding a camel in the middle of nowhere.
Contents
COMPILE A TRAVEL KIT CONTAINING ALL OF YOUR ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE PRODUCTS
If you’re a regular traveler, having a travel kit in your backpack 24/7 is beyond necessary. A travel kit contains any medication you may need, toiletries, wipes, and basic skincare essentials such as a moisturizer and a chapstick. Make sure that you don’t forget to toss in some first aid supplies, a small flashlight, and an adapter or converter, too!
STAY ON TOP OF YOUR MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Regular medical exams help detect any developing ailments in your body, and early detection is crucial for curing illnesses such as cancer. Studies have shown that regular air travelers are more susceptible to skin cancer, so these examinations are even more important for you if you fall in that category. Don’t fret though! Treating cancer is much easier now, with the development of treatments such as dendritic cell therapy. Not only can your illness be cured, but you’ll also be able to hop back into the caravan for your next adventure in no time.
TRY LOCAL, FRESHLY MADE DISHES INSTEAD OF TAKEOUT WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Trying local cuisines is a huge part of traveling, and eating fresh is great for your body too! For instance, family-owned restaurants and stalls at local markets are great places to have delicious, freshly prepared local food. While you head out, try snacking on fresh fruits instead of munching on some potato chips, and try the local and freshly squeezed juices and smoothies if you want to keep yourself hydrated and full.
When eating at local markets my best tip is to stand back and watch which one is the busiest. This usually means the food is fresh and turned over fairly regularly minimising any chance of food poisoning. Besides that, all those people can’t be wrong!
TRY AND SLEEP DURING YOUR FLIGHTS
…and make it a point to head to bed at a certain time every day if you’re staying somewhere for long. Sure, time zones can be a mess while you’re traveling and cause a nasty case of jet lag, but the best way to catch up on some sleep is to sleep through a long flight. If you’re planning to stay somewhere for over a couple of days, it’s great to create a routine that allows for at least 7 hours of sleep at a certain time.
This is especially important when travelling with kids, ensuring they sleep during flights will make your holiday much more enjoyable. Our first night in San Fransisco all 3 kids were wide awake at 2am and went back to sleep after 4am. Melatonin helps if the jet lag sets in and helps get the body clock adjusted quickly and its all natural.
TAKE SOME DAILY VITAMINS IF THE NEED ARISES
Let’s face it: we can’t eat clean or balanced meals every single day, and these things get even harder if you’re a traveler. Nonetheless, traveling is a physically taxing hobby and you need your daily fill of essential vitamins and minerals to be healthy. Taking supplements and tablets to fulfill your daily nutrient requirements is a great way to make up for not having balanced meals.
At the end of the day, getting your nutrient content from natural sources is the absolute best way to stay healthy, so try getting your vitamins from fruits and vegetables instead of pills. You should also only take supplements after consulting with your doctor.
Traveling is seen as a recreational hobby, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less difficult. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping your body in check while you’re out and about is a struggle, so if you’re a passionate traveler, you really have to remember that your health is a priority.
Having a sense of responsibility is the only way to stay healthy, so the next time you head out for a new adventure, remember to think twice before any action to ensure that it contributes to your health. And in turn, you can enjoy optimal health, no matter where your travels take you!
