Long flights are
dehydrating. I ask for “two orange juices with no ice” every chance I
get. Eat lightly, stay hydrated, and have no coffee or alcohol and only
minimal sugar until the flight’s almost over. Avoid the slight chance of
getting a blood clot in your leg during long flights by taking short
walks hourly. While seated, flex your ankles and don’t cross your legs.
Some people are more prone to clots (factors include obesity, age,
genetics, smoking, and use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement
therapy).
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Nothing ruins a good trip like getting sick -- and we're not talking
about a few extra bathroom stops. Contaminated drinking water is one of
the leading sources of health problems for travelers, and can cause
anything from mild gastrointestinal distress to serious bacterial
diseases. The most common cause of water-borne illness is bacteria, such as E.
coli, cholera and salmonella, but illness can also be caused by protozoa
(including giardia and cryptosporidium), viruses and chemical pollutants.
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It's probably the most unpleasant minor traveler's malady. Unfortunately, it's also probably the most common. Call it what you will -- Montezuma's revenge, the traveler's trot, the
Toltec two-step, Delhi belly, the runs, traveler's tummy or the commonly
accepted TD (for traveler's diarrhea) -- but don't call it fun.
Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
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Pre-flight anxiety -- spurred by endless baggage lines, security
checkpoints and screaming children -- need not extend to fears of repeat
trips to the airplane lavatory. But eat the wrong thing before you fly,
and you may be contending with more than just an awful in-flight movie
or space-invading neighbor. Unfortunately, airport dining options -- like a greasy fast food burger,
oily pizza or a liquid lunch at the concourse bar -- are rather
limited.
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Not enough legroom. People climbing over you. Noise from movies and
video games and screaming children. If you struggle to get some shuteye each time you take to the air,
you're not alone -- but choosing the right seat, bringing the right gear
and making a few small changes in your flying habits could help you
sleep better on your next flight. Read on for our travel-tested tips.
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Whether it's a sleeping pill to get you through that long-haul flight
to Australia or a motion sickness patch for your round-the-Horn South
America cruise, medications are part of any savvy traveler's bag of
tricks. You'll want to bring any prescriptions that you take regularly,
of course, but a good selection of over-the-counter remedies and/or
herbal supplements can make the difference between a great trip and one
disrupted by jet lag, traveler's tummy or other common travel maladies.
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Jet lag is a physical reaction to a rapid change in time zones. It
affects most travelers, including seasoned fliers like flight attendants
and pilots. Dehydration, unfamiliar foods, cramped spaces,
recycled air, lack of sleep, uncomfortable clothes, continual low-level
noise and connections that disrupt sleep all add to the misery of jet
lag, and can even make you feel jet lagged when you're just a little
beat up.
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There’s a lot to think about from a health perspective when going
overseas.
For example, have you booked a consultation with a travel
medicine clinic or your doctor? Do you need a yellow fever vaccination?
Can you drink the water? Are you worried about malaria, dengue or cholera? Will you remember to get your prescriptions filled before you leave? We hope this information will help you thoroughly prepare for a healthy trip!
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If you've ever stepped off a plane with stained and rumpled clothes, a pore-clogged face, a jet lag-induced
headache, and a mouth that still tastes like hours-old airplane food,
you know how tricky it can be to stay clean and rested while traveling.
And that's just the first leg of your trip. If you're properly prepared, you'll be ready for
whatever travel trial comes your way: to use an apple or lemon to
improve your breath, to take a shower without water, or to fall asleep
in even the most cramped, cacophonous of airline seats.
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Traveling can make it harder to eat right,
get regular exercise, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Don't take a
vacation from healthy habits! Some Best Western locations offer access to
an on-site or nearby fitness center, so you can stick to your exercise
regimen, or just release stress. Don't skip breakfast! Some Best Western locations, such as our Business Plus hotels, offer a complimentary breakfast. Choose whole grains, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables when eating out.
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Be proactive to stay well. If you do get sick, take action to regain your health. (See list of first-aid items to pack from home.)
Headaches and Other Aches: Tylenol (or any other
over-the-counter pain reliever) soothes headaches, sore feet, sprains,
bruises, Italian traffic, hangovers, and many other minor problems. If
you’re buying it overseas, Europeans may be more familiar with the term
“paracetamol” (pare-ah-SEET-ah-mall).
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