Staying Healthy While Traveling

There are several reasons that traveling can leave you feeling under the weather, especially when traveling to a convention or gathering. Being in a different environment, hectic schedules, lack of sleep, stress, and contact in the form of handshakes and hugs with hundreds of your closest friends can stress the immune system to its limit. It's important to help your body keeping working at its best. Here are just a few simple home remedy tips that could help strengthen and protect your body for a fantastic vacation.

• Wash your hands, and carry (and use) a bottle of hand sanitizer. The Center for Disease Control says that hand washing is "one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings." You can supplement hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Keep a small bottle in your pocket for use at the parks.

Sleep Boosts the Immune System
• Get some sleep. I know you want to pack all the fun possible into your trip, and that there's a meet up happening you feel you need to get to, but you really do need to rest. Web MD says "lack of sleep really may make us more prone to catching colds and the flu."




• Stay hydrated, but don't share drinks, even with your BFFs or family members. Your body depends on hydration for survival; water is the best option, but juices, milk, teas coffee and soda can contribute too. However, no, that Grey Goose Slush from the kiosk in France, doesn't quite count.

(c)M.H. Anbinder
• Consider taking a multivitamin before and during your travels to help boost your immune system. Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant, so isn't it lucky that Walt Disney World is in Florida! Feel free to drink a lot of orange juice to boost your vitamin C! The Cleveland Clinic says that studies have shown it both helps in preventing some airborne illness as well as shortens the duration of the illness if you do get sick.




• Pack over the counter medications, such as antihistamines and non-drowsy decongestants just in case. While I was in the hotel gift shop last year searching for allergy medicine, the cast member informed me that they sell an awful lot of it. It seems that the change in environmental allergens lays many a guest low, and once your immune system is compromised, it's easy for more sinister forces to go to work.

How do you stay healthy when you're traveling? Is there anything special you pack in your vanity bag to keep you going? Head over to the forums and discuss ways to be at your best and feeling great when you're touring the parks.