Tips For Staying Healthy During Travel

POSTED: Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:00 | POSTED BY: Kristen Kirk

Traveling is amazing, and a Walt Disney World vacation might be just what the doctor ordered for you and your family. But venturing out into the world can also come with it's own set of problems when it comes to taking care of our health. Here are our top tips to help you stay healthy during travel.

Top Tips For Staying healthy During Travel

Get a proper sleep.

I know that you're on vacation, and you've paid a lot of money for your Park tickets, but you really do need to include sleep in your vacation plans. Sleep is actually one of the best things that you can do on a vacation when you're looking to get away and recharge. A proper sleep will also decrease your stress response so that those Theme Park crowds don't get on your nerves.

Drink your orange juice.

Oranges have been growing in the state of Florida since the mid-1500s, so while you're there be sure to get a taste of the legendary crop. Packed with Vitamin C, orange juice boosts the immune system, which is especially important during travel.

Wash your hands.

Speaking of our immune systems, let's give them all the help we can! A LOT of people in Disney touch the same things as you. This makes it a great place for the spread of germs. Wash your hands every chance you get, and carry a small container of hand sanitizer with you to use throughout the day.

Take Some Time Off To Sleep-in

Stay Hydrated.

Just because you aren't working up a sweat taking care of daily tasks doesn't mean that your body doesn't need water. In fact being well hydrated to begin with allows your body to work even better giving you more energy to make it through the day. Dehydration can lead to overheating, headaches, and muscle fatigue.

If you don't have time to keep track of your intake on regular days, use your rest days to count those glasses of water and make sure sure you getting enough. If you want to give your water a boost without adding too many calories, try infusing it with fruit, or using a hydration table such as Nuun.

Eat some balanced meals.

Eating closely to the way you do at home will help vacationer avoid travelers' tummy. I'm not telling you to skip that Mickey Bar, in fact I'm a firm believer in splurging on vacation! Just be sure to get some fruits, veggies, and a little lean protein in your body too. These days Walt Disney World really is a fantastic place to eat, and it's not difficult to find healthy and delicious meals when you try.
Relax your mind.

Rest your mind too.

Disney vacations can be stressful. There, I've said it. With all the planning, and traveling, and Fastpass+, and dining reservations, coordinating meet-ups, and rope drop, and bus schedules, and keeping the crew together it's enough to make one crazy. With all this fun at our fingertips there's one very important thing to remember - don't forget to relax! It's important for our minds to have some down time as well as our bodies. Schedule in some mental down. There is a lot to be said for just swinging in a hammock and watching the clouds drift along.

Find Something Health and Delicious To Eat

Don't forget to go swimming.

Leg and foot swelling when traveling is common, between inactivity from long plane flights, and water retention due to the body's natural cooling action. If you want to fight the dreaded Disney rash (Exercise-Induced Vasculitis is the technical name) then be sure to hit the pool. A dip for 15-30 minutes in your Resort swimming pool will help to force out the extra interstitial fluids you're carrying through hydrostatic pressure. This is a trick my physical therapist taught me when I was having issues and it has worked like a charm for me ever since. Now - I'm not a doctor, so talk to your own medical team if you have questions.

Pamper yourself.

Walt Disney World has plenty of ways that you can pamper yourself while on vacation. Do something nice for yourself and book a special treatment at one of the lush SENSES spas on property. Located at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort these full service spas offer top to toe pampering for men and women alike. If you don't want to take a full day at the spa, most Disney Deluxe Resorts offer on site massage facilities as well.

Swimming Can Help Reduce Travel Swelling

Want to learn even more ways to stay healthy while traveling? Check out our previous articles below.

It's no fun being sick on a trip, or coming home with an exotic bug you picked up. I hope you'll keep these easy tips in mind for your next Walt Disney World vacation and have a healthier experience overall.

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Lisa B. wrote on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 13:55:

I thought it was just me. I usually get that dreaded Disney red rash above my ankle. This is the first time I've ever seen it mentioned in an article. Thank you for the validation and I will definitely take your advice and hit the pool for relief.