Simple Tips to Stay Healthy During an Adventurous Trip

It’s the middle of summer, and you’re daydreaming about your upcoming vacation. You’ll explore a new country, hike through picturesque trails, and lounge on white sand beaches. But before you can enjoy all that excitement, there’s something you need to take care of – your health.

If you’re an avid traveler, you know the importance of being prepared for anything. But what happens when your travels take you to a place with limited access to health care and healthy food? Think lush alpine forests, deserted islands, or small villages off the beaten path. These are the places where a little preparation can go a long way in keeping you healthy. After all, no one’s looking forward to sunburns and animal attacks, and it can be a lot less fun when you’re also dealing with diarrhea.

Scroll down for some tips on staying healthy on your adrenaline-laced and remote adventures:

Do Your Research:

You’ve probably laid down an entire itinerary before booking your tickets. But have you done the same for your health? Research the areas you’ll be visiting and find out what vaccinations or medications you might need in advance. This way, you can avoid any eleventh-hour surprises or delays.

You can also look for medicinal facilities in the area or read up on wilderness medicine in case of an emergency. It’s important to be prepared because abandoned paths and difficult terrain can make it hard to get help quickly.

If you’re traveling with a tour group, they might have a wilderness nurse or doctor in the group. But if you’re going solo, be sure to do your research before setting off.

Listen to Your Body:

It may seem like a no-brainer, but pushing yourself is easy. You might put your sleep on hold or decide to tough it out when you feel ill. But when you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s important to take it easy and listen to your body.

If you’re feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to take a break or see a doctor. It’s better to miss a day of exploring than to spend your entire trip in bed. Some common travelers’ ailments include diarrhea, giardiasis, and typhoid.

These diseases can be easily avoided by taking simple precautions like washing your hands and drinking clean water. But if you come down with something, stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.

Be Mindful of Your Food Intake:

It is probably the most important tip on the list. When we are venturing into new territory, our stomachs can be delicate. The best way to avoid getting sick is to eat and drink only clean and safe food and water.

It means avoiding ice in your drinks, sticking to bottled water, and steering clear of any food that looks or smells questionable. If you’re uncertain whether something is safe to eat, it’s probably best to give it a miss.

Bacteria and viruses are often the root cause of traveler’s diarrhea, so it’s important to be careful about what you put into your body.

Packing your meals, trying some easy and quick recipes, or carrying some snacks can help you stay safe.

Don’t Miss Out on Your Skincare Routine:

You might want to ditch your daily skincare routine when you’re on vacation. But trust us, your skin will thank you for sticking to it.

The sun, wind, and dirt can take a toll on your skin, so pack some sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent. These will help you avoid sunburns, chapped lips, and pesky mosquito bites.

It’s also safe to pack some first-aid supplies like bandages and antiseptic cream, just in case you do get a cut or scrape. If left untreated, these can easily become infected.

Sleep While You Can:

You may be so excited about exploring that you’ll want to make the most of every hour by staying wide awake. But it’s important to get enough sleep, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of physical activity.

You might not have the luxury of a comfy bed and pillow when camping under the stars, but getting some shut-eye is essential for staying healthy on your adventure. So, make sure to get some rest when you can. Although it’s recommended to travel light, carrying a sleeping bag or some blankets might not be a bad idea. You can also use them to keep warm if the temperature drops at night.

If you’re someone who struggles to sleep in new environments, bring along some earplugs and an eye mask. It will help you block out any unwanted noise or light.

Embrace the Art of Travel Yoga:

You may feel like walking, hiking, and climbing are enough to keep you fit on your trip. But if you want to avoid stiffness and sore muscles, we recommend doing some travel yoga.

It’s the perfect way to start your day or unwind after a long day exploring. And the best part is that you don’t need a mat or fancy equipment. Just find a quiet spot, and you’re good to go.

There are plenty of yoga poses that you can do even if you’re not very flexible. Some easy-to-do travel yoga poses include the mountain pose, the tree pose, and the warrior II pose.

So, don’t worry if you’re a beginner.

If you lack the motivation to do yoga on your own, plenty of apps and YouTube videos can guide you through a session.

Go for a Digital Detox:

In today’s day and age, it’s hard to imagine a vacation without taking photos and posting them on social media. But if you’re looking to disconnect and recharge, we recommend doing a digital detox.

It doesn’t mean that you have to give up your phone entirely. Just put it away and enjoy the moment. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells around you without reaching for your camera.

You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable your trip will be when you’re not constantly trying to capture it on film. And who knows, maybe you’ll even make some new friends along the way. All in all, this is important for your mental health. 

The Bottom Line:

Staying healthy on an adventurous trip doesn’t have to be complicated. And you don’t have to sacrifice your health for the sake of adventure. Being prepared and packing the right supplies can go a long way in keeping you safe and healthy.