Whether you’re going on vacation or traveling for work, it’s important to stay healthy and safe. Being away from home and out of your normal routine can make it difficult to maintain our healthy habits. Consider these tips to ensure you stay safe and healthy while traveling!

Prepare For Success

Avoid unnecessary stress by preparing to have a great trip! Taking these steps can help you feel assured that you’re prioritizing your health as you travel.

• Meet with your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks before you travel to ensure you are healthy enough for travel and are up to date on vaccines.
• Research your destination and see if there are any ongoing health or safety concerns.
• Consider packing a travel health kit with essential items that may be difficult to find at your destination. This could include any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen and hand sanitizer all make great health-kit items.
• Prepare before you go by sharing your travel information with someone you trust. Include your itinerary, addresses and phone numbers of your accommodations and transportation if possible. Wait to post or share details of your trip online after your trip is over. Make your copies of important documents like passports or IDs in the event of theft.

Keep Active While Traveling

Staying active while traveling can be difficult. Implementing these tips can help make sure you keep moving as much as possible while you’re getting where you’re going.

• If you are flying, avoid the moving walkways and instead of sitting at your gate, walk around the airport to get in extra steps.
• While on the plane, frequently flex your ankles while sitting, move your limbs frequently and consider getting up to walk the aisle to the bathroom from time to time.
• If you are driving, take frequent breaks to stretch and even go for a short walk around rest areas.
• Look for hotels that have a gym, pool or offer fitness classes. Sneaking away for a workout can be a great way to find time for yourself during your trip, reduce stress and stay on track with your health goals.
• When you get to your destination, explore your surroundings on foot. You’ll be able to soak in the sights by going for a long walk or a morning jog.

Eat Smart

It can be hard to maintain our healthy diets while we travel. On-the-go food options usually prioritize convenience over nutrition. Packing things like nuts, fruits and granola make it much easier to skip the fast-food options and ensure you have quality food options. When you are eating out at restaurants, opt for healthier choices such as salad, lean meats and vegetables. Find balance, variety and try out local cuisine in your meals and remember, it’s okay to treat yourself on vacation.

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