It’s getting to that time of the year again… Flu season. ☹ We all dread getting on that flight and hearing the coughing from a few rows back. Now, it’s not all bad, according to a study released in 2018 the chances of catching a cold from someone on a airplane are actually pretty low, unless you are unfortunate enough to be sitting right next to them. Not that that means there is no risk. Being in a confined space with lots of people and the minimal cleaning the airplane seats and tables get between flights is the perfect cocktail for getting sick. Unfortunately, being around lots of people is unavoidable when you are a frequent traveler but that doesn’t mean you have to get sick.
Here are the essentials you need to pack to avoid getting sick on your next business trip.
Hand sanitizer & disinfectant wipes
Millions of people travel through airports and on airplanes every day. That means lots of germs, on the things you touch, the places you sit and, for those of us dealing with long layovers the place you rest your head. We encounter germs everywhere but around this time of year when the weather is changing and more people are getting sick and our immune systems are fighting off more than usual, avoiding germs is essential if you don’t want to get sick. There are some ways you can help counteract the germs you may encounter while traveling. Pack a travel sized hand sanitizer in your luggage and don’t forget to use it. And I also ALWAYS pack some disinfectant wipes in my carry-on bag and wipe down my airplane seat and tray table before getting settled.
Water bottle – stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is extremely important if you want to avoid getting sick while traveling because it helps to keep your whole body operating at its best. Hydration should be a part of your daily health routine no matter what the season and especially when traveling. To help counteract the stress travel puts on our bodies you need to drink plenty of fluids, and I mean water not coffee! Studies have shown that staying hydrated helps boost your immune system and better fight infection. Check out this blog post on the best 15 hydrating and filling snacks to bring to the airport. (https://www.sanctifly.club/sblog/15-healthy-snacks-perfect-for-traveling)
Vitamin C tablets
As someone who automatically buys a carton of orange juice whenever I feel slightly run down (and believe me it works!) its no wonder vitamin C tablets are in my healthy travel kit. Vitamin C is one of the best supplements to help boost your immune system and prevent illness. It helps your white blood cells to function more efficiently and effectively protect your body against infections. There are lots of ways you can get some extra vitamin C in your diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables being rich sources. But it’s just not always feasible to get a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice at the airport or on the plane so vitamin C tablets are a great alternative. And you don’t have to worry about going over your liquid allowance!
Probiotics
Our bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad and we need that good bacteria to help keep us healthy. Good gut bacteria helps to regulate and protect our digestive system, something that is prone to discomfort and upset when traveling. Probiotics are live bacteria that do just that. They help keep your gut healthy which is extremely beneficial to your overall health and well-being. It is advisable to start taking probiotics at least one week before your trip and continue to take them for up to one week afterwards in order to get the full benefits.
Sleep aid
A good sleep will cure anything. While not completely true there is some truth to this old idiom. Sleep is how our body recovers, repairs and strengthens itself, all of which help you to avoid getting sick. Unfortunately travel and restful sleep just don’t often go together. Whether you are jumping between time zones and battling jet lag, catching an overnight flight or trying to survive a long layover getting some quality sleep while traveling is really difficult. Sleep aids are sometimes a necessity in order to maintain a decent sleep schedule while traveling. Instasleep Mint Melts (https://instasleep.us/) are a favourite travel essential for the team here at Sanctifly. They are a drug free sleep aid that tastes great and an easy addition to your carry-on bag.
Sanctifly
The ultimate travel survival essential – a Sanctifly membership (https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-types) 😊. Of course I am going to be a little bit bias here but a Sanctifly membership can really help you to avoid getting sick while traveling. As a Sanctifly member you get exclusive access to airport hotel gyms, pools and spas all over the world without the expense of booking a room. Remember mental health is as important as physical health when it comes to avoiding getting sick and maintaining a healthy exercise routine while on the road is of huge benefit. You can also get access over 250 airport lounges, most of which have showers and beds. Catch some ZZZ’s after a refreshing shower on your next layover when you become a Sanctifly member. You can find out more about membership benefits here (https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-benefits).