Stay Healthy on the Go: Essential Travel Tips for the Holiday Season

LongIsland.com

Here are five key health tips to keep in mind as you navigate the busy season.

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The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and travel—but it’s also a time when our health can take a backseat. Whether you're flying cross-country to see loved ones or hitting the road for a holiday getaway, maintaining your well-being during travel can be challenging. 

Before we embark on travels far and wide, Dr. Theresa Fiorito, director of the Family Travel Medicine Center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, has travel safety tips and health precautions to share to ensure an enjoyable holiday. Here are five key health tips to keep in mind as you navigate the busy season:

  • Stay Hydrated: Travel often means dry air in airports, planes, and cars, leading to dehydration. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and sip regularly to stay hydrated, especially on long flights. Hydration supports your immune system, energy levels, and helps prevent travel fatigue.
  • Pack Healthy Snacks: It’s easy to fall into the trap of sugary snacks and airport fast food, but these can leave you feeling sluggish. Pack a variety of portable, nutritious snacks like mixed nuts, fresh fruit, protein bars, or veggie chips to fuel your body and keep your metabolism steady.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Holiday travel often disrupts your sleep routine, but rest is essential for both physical and mental health. Try to get enough sleep before your trip, avoid caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, and use a neck pillow or eye mask to make rest on the go more comfortable.
  • Move Regularly: Long flights or car rides can leave you feeling stiff and lethargic. Combat this by taking breaks to stretch or walk around every couple of hours. Simple exercises like seated leg lifts or standing stretches can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
  • Boost Your Immunity: Travel exposes you to crowded spaces and changes in routine, which can increase your risk of getting sick. Support your immune system by eating nutrient-rich foods, taking vitamins like vitamin C and D, and washing your hands frequently. Consider carrying hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for extra protection on planes or public transport.

Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health.