10 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

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I travel regularly and one thing that I do not like is getting sick on the trip. There are only a handful of times that I can remember being sick on a trip. Well, I recently returned from Costa Rica (trip report will be up soon) and guess what, I got sick. The reason that I got sick is because I did not follow the travel rules that I created. Here are 10 ways to avoid getting sick while traveling:

• Exercise Regularly. This should be a no brainer. 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week will return outstanding results. I have recently started Crossfit and am already noticing changes in my body. In addition to building muscles and confidence, regular exercise reduces cholesterol and blood pressure.  Regular exercise helps the body fight off infections as well.
• Keep vaccinations updated.  As a military member, this is a must for me. My shots have to be updated as needed, annually for most shots.  There are numerous diseases than can be repelled simply by keeping shots updated.

• Drink Plenty of Water.  Being trapped in airplane will leave your mouth and skin dry due to pressurization.  I have flown numerous long international flights with water being my drink of choice.  I always take my Camelbak water bottle to keep me hydrated.  Speaking of water…
• Avoid Tap Water.  I repeat, avoid tap water.  My stomach is not used to the bacteria found in the tap water in places like Costa Rica or Panama (maybe yours is).  I usually make it a habit to drink bottled water, usually.
• Take Airborne.  Airborne reduces the risk of contracting the common cold if taken in advance of travel. One of my good friends swears by Airborne and now, so do I.
• Bring Sanitizing Wipes.  Sanitizing wipes greatly reduces the passing of germs. Airplane seats, seatbacks, and lavatories are covered in germs.  I do not like hopping into a seat without wiping it down.  Furthermore, the wipes can also be used at an AirBnB to wipe down a shower.  DO NOT leave home without these.

• Reduce Alcohol Consumption.  I like to have a drink or two to relax on the airplane, it does not matter how many times that I have flown, I still get a bit nervous.  I have to be careful because alcohol dehydrates the body.

• Wear Compression Socks.  Compression socks help keep the blood flowing at altitude.  Without these, I run the risk of swelling or deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).
• Wear a Surgical Mask.  Maybe I am not the sick person on the plane, but there are others coughing.  The airplane recirculates air so it does not take long for germs to reach any seat.  A surgical mask further reduces my exposure to germs.
• Motion Sickness Pill.  Dramamine worked wonders for me.  It did not matter if I was riding in a car or airplane, the stuff helped me a lot.

Final Word

Again, these are usually things that prevent me from getting sick while I travel (when implemented).  I hope that you all find value in these tips. If you will excuse me, I need to get back to my Robitussin and orange juice.

Which one did I forget to follow?