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How to Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling: A Complete Guide

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How to Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling

Traveling can be a great experience, but it can also be risky. If you’re not careful, you could get sick or become a crime victim. This guide will teach you how to stay safe and healthy while traveling.

Traveling is always a good idea. But doing it in good health condition is better. Heliotherapy Institute will help you improve your well-being by using phototherapy. It provides additional information about the beneficial influence of light therapy and device types.

We’ll cover everything from packing your luggage to staying safe on the road. So whether you’re planning a long trip abroad or just taking a weekend getaway, make sure to read this guide first!

Main preparations before your trip

There are some key things you can do before your trip to help ensure you have a safe and healthy journey. Google your destination to learn general information, type of climate, and weather changes. Before you leave on your trip, research the area you’ll be visiting. Familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws. Pack only necessary clothes and toiletries. Be sure to have your passport and visa (if required) ready to go before you leave. Besides, follow some steps below.

Visit the doctor before you go

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor or a travel health clinic four to six weeks before your trip.

  • They can help you plan for any vaccinations you may need and make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
  • They can also advise you on how to stay healthy and safe while you’re away.
  • If you have a chronic medical condition or take medications regularly, let your doctor know so they can help you plan for any potential problems.

Organize travel insurance

When you’re planning a trip, be sure to organize travel insurance and check what your policy covers. You may need to purchase additional coverage for activities like hiking or skiing. Make sure you’re familiar with the company’s policies and procedures if you need to make a claim. There’s nothing worse than getting sick or injured while traveling and not having insurance to cover you. And always remember to keep your insurance card with you while you’re traveling, just in case.

Pack first aid kit items

How to Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling - guide

No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone, it’s always a good idea to pack a first-aid kit.

  • You might need bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and allergy medication.
  • If you’re traveling with prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of emergencies.
  • It’s also a good idea to research the local pharmacies in your destination if you need to refill a prescription while on the road.
  • Find out if there are any travel advisories for your destination that could impact your health and safety.

Protect your home while you’re away

The best way to protect your home while you’re away is to have someone you trust keep an eye on it.

  • If you have a security system, ensure it’s turned on and working correctly. If you don’t have it consider installing one before leaving.
  • You should also give your trusted friend or family member a key to your house so they can check on things while you’re gone. Make sure they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
  • It’s also a good idea to stop your mail and newspaper delivery while you’re away. You don’t want potential burglars to see that there’s no one home.
  • If you have any pets, make arrangements for someone to take care of them while you’re gone. If you can’t find someone to look after them, consider boarding them at a pet hotel or kennel.
  • Finally, ensure all your doors and windows are locked before leaving.

Take care of your skin

Our skin is the first organ that reacts to changes in the body, especially during the journey. Taking care of it should be your priority. It will help you look fresh and confident during your trip. Here are some skincare pieces of advice.

Protection during the flight

Airplanes are an integral part of the journey nowadays. You should avoid germs and protect the skin, as it is sensitive to pressure variation. Follow these simple tips for protection:

  • Apply a facial tissue mask during the flight to protect the skin from the influence of dry air on board;
  • Put on some eye patches to avoid a puffy look;
  • Drink some water.

Prevent bug bites

The best way to prevent bug bites is to use insect repellent.

  • Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 are effective;
  • Always follow the instructions;
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing;
  • Do not apply repellent under your clothes.

Besides:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors;
  • Use a bed net if you are sleeping outside or in a room that does not have screens on the windows and doors;
  • Be aware of peak biting times for the insects in your area. In many places, mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn;
  • Ask to trim vegetation around your home so that bugs have fewer hiding places.

Apply sunscreen

How to Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling - complete guide

It is one of the most important tips for staying safe and healthy while traveling, especially if you enjoy the sun.

  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day;
  • Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating;
  • Apply it liberally, even if you don’t burn quickly and it is cloudy;
  • Avoid being out in the midday sun for too long – stay in the shade as much as possible during peak hours;
  • Remember to protect your lips with a lip balm that contains sunscreen.

Besides, wear protective clothing when possible, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.

Moisture your skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and keeping it healthy and hydrated while you travel is essential.

  • Drink plenty of water;
  • Apply lotion or cream regularly;
  • Avoid long hot showers and baths, which can strip away natural oils and leave your skin feeling parched;
  • If you’re traveling to a place with different climate conditions than what you’re used to, take extra care of your skin.

Sanitization

Practicing good sanitization habits is the most crucial step to staying safe and healthy while traveling. It means washing your hands often, especially before eating or using the restroom. You should also avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Another way to practice good sanitization habits is to clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and phones. Pack disinfecting wipes when packing for your trip so you can easily clean these surfaces when you’re on the go.

Take care of your security

Taking care of your security is essential when you’re on the road. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. If you’re going to be in a crowded place, keep your belongings and valuables hidden.

Another way to stay safe while traveling is to research the areas you’ll be visiting ahead of time. And, if possible, try to travel with someone else so that there’s always someone looking out for you. Also, keep in mind these helpful tips.

Keep a record of documents and credit cards

One of the most important things you can do when traveling is to keep a record of all your documents and credit cards. These include your passport, visa, TEFL certificate, driver’s license, and other identification. If you lose any of these items, replacing them can be very difficult. Keep copies of these documents in a safe place, such as a secure hotel or locked suitcase.

Another way to stay safe while traveling is to ensure you have enough money. Having some cash on hand in an emergency is always a good idea.

Backup travel options

You can’t always predict when something will go wrong on your trip, but you can be prepared for it. Make backup travel plans if you need to change your itinerary. It could mean having a second hotel booked or having the contact information for another rental car company. If something does go wrong, don’t panic. Stay calm, and remember that you have a backup plan. It will help you stay safe and healthy while traveling.

Eat and drink safely

Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling

Food and water are the two things you need to be extra careful about when traveling.

  • Make sure only to eat food that has been appropriately cooked;
  • Avoid street food unless you’re sure it’s safe;
  • Avoid any food that’s been sitting out in the sun for too long;
  • Drink only bottled or boiled water;
  • Avoid ice in drinks unless you know it’s made from purified water.

Build-in decompression days

You might be eager to explore as soon as you arrive at your destination, but it’s essential to give your body some time to adjust.

  • If you’re coming from a place with a different climate, altitude, or time zone, plan to spend at least a day or two acclimating.
  • During this time, take it easy and don’t overdo it. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and get plenty of rest.
  • Build at least one “decompression day” for every three or four travel days.
    Maybe spend some time exploring your hotel or resort or just relaxing by the pool.

Beat jet lag

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find that you can’t sleep because you’re still on home time. To avoid this:

  • Adjust your sleep schedule in the days leading up to your trip.
  • Get as much rest as possible.
  • On the day of your flight, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which will only make jet lag worse.
  • If you can’t seem to shake the fatigue once you’ve arrived, get outside and enjoy some natural light; it’ll help reset your internal clock.
  • And be patient – it can take a few days for your body to adjust to the new time zone.
  • Adjust your watch to the local time as soon as you get off the plane.

Summary

When you travel, it’s essential to stay safe and healthy. It means considering your safety before and during your trip and staying up-to-date on the latest health advice. We collected the main things to consider in your journey. Now that you know how to stay safe and healthy while traveling, all that’s left to do is put these tips into practice. By following the advice in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy your travels while staying safe and healthy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip today!

Jessie Luis is a public health expert and a contributor at Heliotherapy Institute. He aspires to continuously contribute an in-depth range of health guides, helpful information, and product reviews on health and beauty while providing valuable tips with his written articles.

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