How to Stay Healthy While Globe-Trotting

Whether you are a business traveler, a backpacker, or a college student studying abroad for the first time, you probably have a checklist of things to bring with you. You might already have your ticket, your passport, and your luggage filled with clothes, but have you considered your health? Here are some products that will help you remain healthy while you are on your trip.

Vitamin C

You may have heard it before: flying on a plane can make you sick, but how is this true? The primary cause of sickness is sitting in close proximity to other people for a long period of time. If the passenger has a cold, chances are you might catch it too. The key to treating a cold is to prevent it. Before you get on the plane, make sure you are taking an adequate amount of Vitamin C. Remember that Vitamin C only works if you take it consistently, so taking it early will boost your immune system before you get on the plane. A popular form of this is Emergen-C, which is water-soluble and comes in flavors such as orange. Because it doesn’t come in a bottle, it is a perfectly portable option.

Wet Wipes

No matter where you go, it is important to have wipes on you just in case. You may, for example, be trekking through the Shunan Bamboo Forest in Sichuan and find yourself in need of cleaning your hands before eating a protein bar. Alternatively, you may go to the restroom on a train, only to find out there is no soap. Hand wipes will always come in handy in the most unexpected situation, and similarly to Vitamin C, will help prevent you from getting sick.

Ibuprofen

In case you find yourself in pain, bring some Aspirin or Ibuprofen with you. You may experience minor irritations, such as a backache from sitting on the plane, or get a blistering headache from adjusting to the weather of your destination. Ibuprofen will ease the pain so that you may enjoy your time.

Any Medications

If you take medications, make sure you have enough for your trip. If you will be gone for a long period of time, you should talk to your doctor and pharmacist about getting your prescription filled to accommodate that time. Also, be sure to check whether your medication is legal in other countries. Some medications, such as certain medications that treat mental illness or disorders such as ADHD. You may have to find another medication, lest your medication get taken away.

Facial Products

Nothing is worse than getting a breakout on your vacation. You do not want to see an unsightly breakout in your photos in Cabo San Lucas. Bring products that will keep your skin healthy, such as sunscreen and gentle facial cleansers. Acne actually is caused by the buildup of dead skin, excess sebum (or oil), and bacteria, but maintaining a regular cleansing schedule can help stave off the breakouts. Prevent this by keeping skin well hydrated, and protecting your skin from the elements.

Sleep-Aids

Adjusting to a new time zone is tough, and it’s even tougher when you are doing it on a plane. Bring a sleep-aid with you to prevent sleepless nights. Melatonin is the chemical produced in your brain to make you go to sleep. You can buy melatonin supplements over the counter so that you can adjust to the time zone. Take it strategically according to the hours of where you are headed, or to get a good sleep before you land. You never know when you will find yourself sleepless, whether it be from unexpected sickness or pure excitement.

Neck Pillow

Help yourself sleep better by also getting a comfortable neck pillow. There is nothing more agonizing after a plane trip than having a crick in your neck. Save your neck by resting your head on a soft neck pillow. Depending on your preference, you can find a variety of pillows to suite the level of firmness you need. You can now even get memory foam pillows, the form to suit your head and neck. Say goodbye to neck cramps and headaches and hello to sweet dreams.

Have a blast on your travels with these healthy tips and make sure it’s an adventure to remember—for all the right reasons.