Summer has finally arrived and people across the country are ready to head out on a well-deserved vacation. But in the most challenging year of a lifetime, what can you do to stay healthy when you’re traveling? Here are just a few tips to make your summer getaway fun while keeping yourself healthy. By following these tips, you’re almost guaranteeing yourself a healthy summer while you’re on the road.
Stay Active
Wherever you travels take you this summer, it’s important to get plenty of exercise on the trip. This is especially important since you’ll be eating more snacks and restaurant food. Walking and sightseeing will likely be on your itinerary. But it’s important to engage in other outdoor activities to keep you active. For example, it can include biking, swimming and kayaking. Of course, you may have other activities in mind so the choice is yours. On the other hand, if you don’t already have an activity in mind, you’ll need more ideas. In this case, it could be boating and rollerskating or even golf and tennis. That’s not to mention skateboarding and surfing.
Eat Healthy
It’s common knowledge that restaurant food tends to have more calories than a meal at home. Restaurant food usually has copious amounts of butter added, as well as other common but unhealthy additives. When dining out, it’s ok to treat yourself to a fine dinner without dietary restrictions on your summer vacation. But it’s also helpful to order healthy dishes, like salads, vegetarian items and fresh seafood without the carbs. If you’re planning a road trip, don’t forget to pack healthy snacks like fruit, trail mix, veggies and protein bars. Be that as it may, if you can’t avoid eating healthy all the time, you’ll need to go back and read the first suggestion again. In other words, get enough activity for a healthy balance between diet and exercise.
Related: Signs You’re A Travel Lover
Get Plenty Of Rest
If you’re traveling with friends or family, it isn’t always easy to get a good nights rest on a summer vacation. It’s also not easy to get to bed on a regular schedule when you’re having so much fun. However, getting a good night’s sleep will not only have you feeling refreshed in the morning, it’s also good for your body. If you’re having difficulty getting to sleep, try avoiding sugary snacks, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks. If that’s not enough, you can always take a nap during the middle of the day. After all, what’s better than lounging by a pool or at the beach! However, if there’s isn’t a beach or pool handy, you’ll have other options. In your case, it could be the lawn in a park or even the bed you’ll be sleeping in. Even further, it could be taking a quick nap in your car or RV. Whatever the case may be, you’ll feel rested by taking a quick nap. But don’t forget to also get a good night’s sleep each night.
Wash Your Hands!
One of the most important ways to stay healthy this summer while traveling is to simply wash your hands! This is particularly important this year, especially when there is still evidence of people across the country contracting the coronavirus. Both the CDC and WHO recommend washing your hands frequently throughout the day and for at least 20 seconds. Vacationers should also pack plenty of hand sanitizer with at least 70 percent alcohol for the trip. But remember, hand sanitizers are not as effective in removing germs as soap and water. Even after this virus is slowing down, it’s just a smart thing to keep your hands clean.
Related: How To Protect Yourself Against Covid-19
Bring A Protective Mask
As we approach summer, many travelers will think it’s ok to forgo wearing a protective mask (antiviral mask) on their trip. On the contrary, despite what many people think, face coverings are highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Moreover, face coverings can also help prevent a wide scale resurge of the pandemic this fall. It may not seem popular and it may seem “so last month”. But protective mask coverings should be worn on your trip, particularly in public places. As it is, protective masks may be required for entry in some businesses. Do yourself a favor, stay healthy this summer by wearing a mask.
Keep Your Distance
Social distancing has become part of the norm and even now, it’s really no different. Although vaccines have made a huge difference, the coronavirus is still out there. In fact, there are increases in certain parts of the United States. With this in mind, you should still keep your distance from people you don’t know. Despite some people say what’s contrary to public health, you’ll know what’s best.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University, U.S. Army veteran and lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County, California.
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