For many people, young and old, the appeal of taking time off – or putting off – work to go travelling around the world’s a great one. And why not? Surely it’s good for all of us to experience all manner of things and cultures, meet new people and expose ourselves to different sights, activities, views and opinions.
Well, while that’s all true, no doubt, it’s also important to bear in mind that you’ll need to look after yourself properly should you be spending a (possibly long) period of time away from your home comforts and regular lifestyle. It’s not worth going travelling only to make yourself ill. So it’s imperative you remember to take the right steps to remain healthy. Here are some things you might want to take on board…
Keep hydrated
First up it’s a simple and easy one – but one that’s so easily overlooked and forgotten. If you’re ever in doubt as to why – or even whether – you need to keep your body hydrated, just consider the fact that the majority of your overall body, brain and lungs is actually made up of water (around 60%, 70% and 90% respectively). For it to function correctly, your body simply needs water; and if you’re travelling around you’re likely to get more physically tired than usual, so all the more reason to replace the water your body uses. To wit, carry around a reusable water bottle with you – and don’t forget to top it up with safe drinking water!
Don’t forget your nutrients and supplements
While there’s a lot to be said for travelling light when you venture out across South East Asia – or indeed the whole world – with just a backpack, you’d be very foolish to do so when it comes to medical supplies. In addition to making sure you’ve packed an adequate first aid kit (we’re talking bandages, plasters, gauzes, antibacterial cream, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer and some pain relief tablets here), don’t forget any medication you may need for a pre-existing condition, of course, and – especially as you’ll doubtless be dabbling in cuisine you’re not used to and far from expert in – supplements to make sure you’re getting all the nutrition you need.
To that end, you might consider the likes of Prolactazyme Forte capsules (which contain active digestive enzymes to help you digest milk and dairy products) and Collaflex Gold (which helps keep joints flexible and cushioned, as well as being great for tissue renewal and keeping skin, bones and cartilage healthy; important if you’re planning to do a lot of walking and hiking).
Exercise!
For many people, going travelling is technically a holiday (although some will work while they do so to ensure they make ends meet), in which case it’s all too easy to fall into that age-old ‘vacation mode’ of eating and (maybe) drinking too much and not exercising enough; over-indulging rather than not looking after yourself. No excuses; travelling takes it out on your body, so it’s important to remain fit. That doesn’t mean you need to find and frequent a gym wherever you are, but learning some easy exercises and doing them every day or every other day’s a great habit to get into – find somewhere to jog, for instance. Even doing some squats and push-ups in your hotel/ hostel room’s advisable. Or why not incorporate activities into your schedule; hiking in a national park, seeing a city’s sights on a bike, doing yoga in a park or taking to a canoe on a glistening lake? Sounds good, doesn’t it!
How about health insurance?
Yes, to end then, here’s the ‘if the worst comes to the worst bit’. Truly, though, if you do get ill or have a mishap, travel insurance may not just potentially save your life (depending where you are in the world); but also, less dramatically, save on your money. You might also find a health insurance policy that’ll cover you for adventure travel; just in case you suffer a calamity from bungee jumping, skydiving or the like. Do your online research – it pays to be prepared; quite literally in this case!
