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Air Travel is one of the most efficient ways to travel, but it can be terribly hard on your body. Staying healthy, relaxed, and comfortable during flights can make your whole travel experience much better. | 1) Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize This is the best way to keep yourself from ingesting germs during travel. Did you know that at any given time, there are about 660,000 people flying in airplanes? As a Muddled Millennial’s resident Germophobe, I generally assume that every single one of those people has touched my seat-back tray at least once. Keep a travel size (3.4 ounces) bottle of hand-sanitizer in your carry-on luggage and use it frequently. In my opinion, you can’t clean your hands too much when you’re in congested public areas, but for Pete’s sake, at least clean before eating, after sneezing and coughing and especially after using the toilet.
2) Healthy Snacks When I was a kid, going on family vacations was always an excuse to stock up on junk food while we traveled, so I definitely understand the impulse to reach for the chips and candy while at the airport. These sugary, salty snack foods, though, can make you feel bloated, sluggish, and dehydrated. Instead of reaching for the candy counter, pack some dried fruit, or unsalted nuts to bring on the plane with you to keep your energy up when you arrive at your destination. Also, be aware when keeping food in your bag that it should be something that’s OK to keep at room temperature; a lot of foods, like meat and dairy products, are not safe to eat after they’ve been in the temperature ‘Danger Zone’ (41° - 140° F) for more than two hours.
3) Hydration Station Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy during air travel. Because of the high altitude, which can dehydrate you faster, it’s important to drink an extra two glasses of water on the travel days. Most airports have bottle-friendly water fountains, so it’s easy to pack an empty water bottle and fill it once you’re through security. That way you have something to sip before take-off, and throughout the flight, if there’s no or slow beverage service.
4) Stretch Those Legs Sitting in tight airline seats for long periods of time can give you cramps, and sore muscles. Make sure you stand up, stretch your legs, and take a lap around the cabin once every two hours or so. This can also help you stop feeling fatigued upon your arrival. On travel days, do some extra stretching at home (or even at the gate before you board) just to loosen your muscles up a little more. You’ll rest a little easier, and have a much better flight experience.
5) Vitamin Up Consider taking a multivitamin like EmergenC or Airborne in the days leading up to your flight. During flights you’re enclosed with two hundred other people, breathing much of the same air; taking some extra vitamin C will help boost your immune system and help keep you feeling healthy and well during your trip. Bonus tip: taking a supplement with vitamin B-12 will boost your energy levels, so you can do and see everything you want when you reach your destination.
