Staying Healthy on the Road
Your Go-To Guide for Hygiene and Safety
Travel is exciting, but let’s be honest – staying healthy while on the move can sometimes feel like a challenge. As well as staying healthy after the trip.
Long flights and crowded tourist spots expose us to unfamiliar environments, and maintaining hygiene and safety isn’t always straightforward.
Sometimes you try everything, but still catch something strange on that final flight (that’s me), but still, we need to try our best, so here’s a short guide to keeping yourself in top shape while traveling.
I’m sure the list will seem too extreme to some, especially those who believe we need to be exposed to as many germs as possible, but I guess no one needs E. Coli in their mouths, bladders etc. Just use what you think is useful and carry on!
1) Pack a hygiene travel kit
I’m a firm believer that hygiene starts with preparation. I keep a small travel hygiene kit tucked in my bag at all times – even when I’m not traveling.
Here’s what I always include in my travel kit:
Hand sanitizer: Absolute essential. Go for one that isn’t too drying.
Tissues: From wiping hands to impromptu napkins, tissues are lifesavers.
Reusable water bottle: I use one with a charcoal filter, so I rarely worry about tap water quality.
Disinfecting wipes: I usually skip these, but many friends swear by them for airplane trays, doorknobs, and public seating. I improvise by using sanitizer and tissues.
Face masks: Still relevant, especially in crowded spaces or flights. Some destinations even require them.
2) Hydrate
Dehydration is sneaky and can hit harder during travel. Between less access to bathrooms and long-haul flights, I used to avoid drinking too much – but that always backfired with fatigue and headaches (low blood pressure).
My hydration plan:
carry a refillable water bottle – many airports and cities now have refill stations
limit alcohol and caffeine and opt for caffeine-free teas
eat water-rich foods like cucumbers or oranges
set hydration reminders on your phone