Disinfect and stay hydrated: 5 Ways to stay germ-free while traveling

Traveling can be a vacation or a nightmare. Whether you’re using the train, the bus, or an airplane – the possibility of becoming sick is always there. To make the most of your travels, you need to set some precautionary measures.

The following tips below will help ensure that you remain healthy and germ-free during your travels:

1. Disinfect your seat

Most vehicles don’t bother airing out the seats, changing the covers, or even washing the trays. It’s difficult to spot with the naked eye, but your seat might be swarming with all the accumulated germs and bacteria from previous passengers.

It’s crucial to bring some wet wipes and alcohol with you. Wipe your seats, trays, and screens before settling down. It won’t completely clean them, but it will at least remove some of the germs.

Aside from that, here are some other things to remember:

• Bring your blanket. Despite the airline’s claims, you can’t be sure that those pre-packaged blankets were thoroughly washed. Don’t take that chance, and bring your own blanket. Not only does it ensure that it’s cleaner, it’ll keep you warmer, too.
• Always wash your hands. Your hands come into contact with so many things, like tissues, money, walls, and other people’s hands. Make sure to wash your hands before and after eating, and after going to the toilet. Avoid putting your hand near your face as well.

2. Take immune-boosters

Out on the road, you get exposed to a wide range of experiences. You try new food, new clothes, and new activities. As your body adapts to different environments and stimuli, your immune system usually takes a hit. That’s why it’s so easy to get sick while traveling. (Related: Planning a road trip? Don’t forget these 5 survival essentials.)

Try to consume high amounts of the following nutrients as much as possible. They contain immune-boosting properties that will prevent you from getting sick:

• Vitamin C (guavas, sweet yellow peppers, parsley, thyme, kale, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lemons, lychees)
• Zinc (legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs, whole grains)
• B vitamins (whole grains, eggs, seeds and nuts, dark leafy vegetables)

You can also take nutritional supplements. Make sure to check the manufacturer before using anything.

3. Drink lots of water

It is important to always stay hydrated, traveling or not. A person can survive for a month without food, but will die in three days without water. The body needs water to maintain several functions, like regulating body temperature and helping digestion.

Make sure to bring two water jugs with you at all times. One container is for primary use while the other is refill. This method prevents you from running out of water too quickly.

4. Try to get enough sleep

It’s difficult to get proper sleep while traveling. There may be a turbulence, a bumpy road, or a noisy seatmate. Even with an eye mask, there’s no contest between sleeping in a vehicle and sleeping on a proper bed. Despite that, try to get as much sleep as you can.

The body needs sleep for maintenance. It is during this time that it stores short-term memories, repairs tissues, and other crucial functions for survival. Getting enough sleep is important for your immune system as well.

5. Pack healthy snacks

It is tempting to gorge on chips, candies, and other snacks on the road. However, these foods are not good sources of nutrition. Make sure to pack along with you some healthy snacks, like chopped fruits or a hearty whole wheat sandwich.

While not all foolproof, these tips will help ensure that your body is primed for any adventure ahead. Learn more about keeping your immune system in tip-top shape at ImmuneSystem.news.

Sources include:

MindBodyGreen.com

MyDomaine.com

NomadicMatt.com