Ad. When it comes to travelling, there is nothing better than being able to get away from your daily lifestyle and experience everything the world has to offer. This is something that rings true with many Brits; there were an estimated 71.8 million trips taken in 2022. Travelling, be it for a few days, months, or even adopting it as your new lifestyle, can be mentally and physically enriching and offer you a multitude of different experiences.

This post looks at some ways you can support your health while travelling and ensure you are fit and well enough to go the distance.

Drink Plenty of Water

Proper hydration is one of the most essential aspects of staying fit and healthy while travelling. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining your body’s functions and keeping your energy levels high. Water helps regulate your body temperature, aids digestion, and helps transport nutrients to your cells. It also plays a crucial role in flushing out toxins and preventing dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, and even more severe health issues if not addressed.

Carry a water bottle around with you and aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day more if you are active or in hotter weather. Be mindful of other drinks you consume to ensure you are hydrated at all times, especially in warmer climates. If you are concerned about the quality of the water in your location, stick to drinking bottled water or take water filter straws with you, which can help to eliminate toxins from the water before it reaches your mouth; these are especially handy for those going on hiking, trekking or other adventures during the trip.

Walk as Much as Possible

Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and healthy, and it costs nothing to do. If you are experiencing new locations and cultures, walking can offer you a firsthand look at your new surroundings and a better way to take everything in compared to driving using public transport.

If you are worried about not being active enough, simply go for a walk in your local area and see where you find yourself. Not only does walking increase your heart rate to help your heart stay healthy, but it can also aid in weight loss, building muscle strength, stamina and much more. So next time you’re tempted to call a cab or use local transportation, why not try walking some or all of the way to support your physical and mental health?

Allow Yourself a Chance to Stop and Rest

It’s only natural that you will want to do and see as much as you can when in any one location; this is especially true if you are only staying for a short period. However, by not allowing yourself the chance to stop and relax, you can risk burnout and put your health at risk.

Your body needs rest, and while it might not feel like you are doing anything, you will be doing a lot by giving your body when it needs. Plan one day wherever you are to simply do nothing. Whether you stay at your accommodation, you travel to a location that allows you to rest, e.g. spending time on the beach reading a book, or you book in a relaxing activity such as a spa day or massage, whatever you do, make sure to rest.

Get Enough Sleep

Burning the candles at both ends can harm your well-being and health and detract from your enjoyment of your trip. This can be especially true for shorter breaks. After all, you want to pack everything in so you experience as much as possible. However, you shouldn’t be doing this at the expense of losing sleep.

Your body needs sleep to be able to process what it has experienced during the day and perform vital functions. Even when you are travelling, your body is working hard to ensure you can be well enough to keep going. By not getting enough sleep, you run the risk of lowered immune systems, meaning you are more susceptible to illnesses; it can take longer to recover from activities, diseases or injuries and generally affect your mood and how you feel in yourself.

So before you start booking every single minute of your day, plan out some good solid sleep time to allow your body the chance to rest and ensure you have all the energy you need to keep going.

Get a Medical Check-Up Before Leaving or When You Arrive Home

This is especially important if you are travelling for a long time. Getting a medical check-up prior to leaving and/or after arriving home can give you peace of mind that you are well and nothing untoward is going on during your trip. 

There are many reasons why checking your health prior to leaving your home country can be beneficial, from assessing your current health levels, getting advice on dealing with health conditions you might face during your travels or even how to visit a travel vaccine clinic to ensure you have all the protection you need before you leave.

Not only can this give you added peace of mind, but it can also help you get the right travel insurance should you need it in the event you suffer any medical emergencies whilst out of the country. It can also alert you of any changes you might need to make or what to avoid doing in your destinations to avoid getting ill or catching illnesses when abroad.

Conclusion: Making Health a Priority During Your Travels

Staying fit and healthy before, during and after your travels can not only improve your quality of life but ensure you can fully enjoy your trip without any added health complications. By having your health under control and taking proactive steps to ensure you are caring for your body, you can be confident you are in the best condition possible to travel and sustain your plans without worrying about your health.