We all know that travelling is an incredible experience and we’ve all heard about the benefits of hitting the road.  From broadening our horizons to getting real-life education, exploring the globe provides plenty of opportunities to become better. But there’s nothing worse than booking flights, making accommodation reservations, shopping for that perfect swimsuit and finally going on your long-awaited adventure and not feeling your best because your body and mind are tired due to long flight or a lack of proper nutrition.

We have compiled some of the best ways you can stay healthy while travelling. Some of these are common sense, but a reminder always helps. You don’t need to miss out on the good times when you remember these 10 tips on how to stay healthy while travelling.

Get plenty of sleep

The most important thing you can do while traveling is sleep. Your body needs rest when you’re physically traveling, crossing time zones, carrying luggage to and from destinations, walking all day, and so forth. Don’t be exhausted. You can’t always do everything. Get lots of rest and sleep before your holiday.

Listen to your body and nap for an hour or two if you feel like it. Let your body to repair itself. Try to stick to a similar sleep routine to what you had at home. Of course, you are on holiday and don’t have to get up at 5.30 if that’s what you did during your working week, but stay relatively close to it.

A 2015 study showed how critical sleep is when it comes to staying healthy, especially if you’re crossing time zones, as a disruption to a person’s circadian rhythm can compromise their immune system.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is extremely vital for your overall health and especially important if you are travelling during the summer month or heading for the higher altitude. During the hot and humid weather conditions, you lose more water by sweating.

Carry a water bottle with you at all times. Drink enough water even though it may not be convenient to find public restrooms on the road. It’s the foundation of your livelihood.

Importantly, be informed about the water situation in the country you are visiting. In some countries the tap water is undrinkable, so you will have to buy bottled water. In countries where you can’t drink the water, be careful of salads and fruits. Always wash them with bottled water or peel your fruit. And beware of adding ice to your drinks, as it is often tap water.

Eat breakfast

If you are staying in a hostel or Airbnb, cook your breakfast. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, get fresh bread from a local bakery, add eggs and fresh fruit; breakfast gives you the energy to start your day right.

If you are planning on sleeping in a hotel, make sure they serve a good breakfast. Some hotels offer complimentary breakfast, and sometimes you have to settle an additional bill. Either way, most hotels serve continental breakfast, and this gives you an opportunity to fillup on Whole grain toast with nut butter, a plain yoghurt with berries or oatmeal. These foods will provide much-needed energy burst and keep you full for hours all while letting you explore a new city with ease.

Don’t forget a first-aid kit

It’s helpful to pack some simple first-aid supplies while traveling, especially if you’re vacationing with kids. If you’re bringing personal medication, pack it in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, just in case your bags are lost in transit.

Stay active

You may think that your ideal vacation should consist of lying on the beach all day, but you will actually feel better and eventually more rested if you incorporate physical activity into your day. Whether that means taking advantage of a hotel gym, exploring the local sights by walking or riding a bike instead of taking cabs, or even doing some pushups, jumping jacks, or yoga in your room, it’s easy to add regular cardio while you’re away.

This way, you can have heaps of fun learn new things and burn the extra calories you are consuming. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing you can be active in. If you are staying near the mountains, bring hiking shoes with good grip and if you are spending time near the ocean, bring your swimsuit.

Update your vaccinations

If traveling to areas that pose a risk of tropical diseases, be sure to visit a travel medicine expert well in advance of your trip to receive the appropriate vaccinations.

Protect your skin

Wearing sun protection with an SPF and replying it frequently to avoid over-exposure to too strong sunlight is significant while on holiday. Sunburns are painful, and sunstroke doesn’t feel nice at all; that’s why taking precautions and protecting yourself, and your family ( especially little ones) should be your second nature.

Cut Down on Drinking

Alcohol and non-alcoholic sweet drinks are packed with calories. Keep your calorie count and sugar intake lower by drinking water instead. Not to mention, alcohol also disrupts your sleep.

Yes, we know! You are on holiday and want to drink and party. Just drink in moderation and include a few alcohol-free days.