Staying healthy while traveling

If you ask a seasoned traveler what would be the last thing he wants to happen while traveling, that would be getting sick. I experienced having severe stomach aches while exploring the temples of Angkor Wat and being bed-ridden for a few days while I was in Guam. I can tell you these are really very unpleasant. Being sick is an inconvenience to your fellow travelers when you're with a group. If you are traveling alone, it can ruin one's itinerary, hampers mobility and on rare cases, can be life threatening. In time, I've learned to be more cautious. Let me share with you some things I do to stay relatively healthy while on a journey:

Watch out for the water

Diarrhea or stomach flu is probably one of the most common illnesses to hit a traveler, and this is due to consuming unclean water. So when in an eatery, ask if the water they provide is filtered; same goes with the ice cubes they use. When in doubt, go with bottled drinks and skip the shakes.

Make sure the food is cooked well

There are times when hunger strikes during the journey and the only food option is a somewhat dingy eatery along a dusty road. If there's no choice but to eat there, just make sure the food is cooked well. Go with the common fried variety, at least you'll know it's fairly cooked well.

Be adventurous on food but eat in small portions

While I like to try out different local foods, I don't take too much of them; just enough to satisfy my taste buds. This is especially true if you are in transit. I find it a lot easier to travel especially on long bus rides when you're not feeling bloated. Beside, you have the least chance to throw up when going through dizziness-inducing zig-zag roads.

Keep hydrated

I always make it a point to bring water with me most of the time and try to sip a few even if I'm not feeling thirsty. I find that there are places like the high-altitude and cold places that you would not know you're already dehydrated. Consume a good amount of water enough to refresh the system.

Snacks are a life saver

I must admit, sometimes 10 to 15 percent of my bag is allotted to snacks. Snacking is a good way to pave a bit of the hunger. I found that there are places that completely shut down by 8pm or if your bus breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you have no idea when it'll be fixed or another bus to come along. At those times, it's very useful to have something to munch along. So stock up on a few power bars, trail mix nuts, dried foods or beef jerky.

Double dose on Vitamin C to boost the immune system

Staying up late for overnight transit disrupts sleeping patterns, and interacting with big crowds at terminals and being exposed to harsh elements can lower one's body resistance and immune system. I found that Vitamin C on top of your regular multivitamins helps. I buy the “Calcium Ascorbate” kind instead of the regular “Ascorbic Acid” kind since they are less acidic and can be taken up to 1500mg per day. On regular days I only take a dose of 500mg. While traveling I take two doses a day, and if I feel I'm coming down with something, I take three doses a day.

Carry some bug lotion

For a tropical climate like Southeast Asia, expect to deal with mosquitoes especially when visiting forested areas. I always carry a mosquito repellant with me to ward off any flying pest, especially at night. If you think you are going to a place with cases of Malaria, do take precautions like getting Malaria shots or taking regular Malaria pills at the duration of the trip.

Don't forget to carry special medicines

I know some people who have allergies on the common over-the-counter medicines like pain killers or analgesic. If you're one of them, make sure you take ample supply of special medicines. There are chances that you won't be able to obtain them.

Get enough sleep

As simple as it may sound, getting a good rest on some parts of the trip helps recharge the body. Personally, I try to allot recovery time after a long journey, that way I would enjoy sightseeing and traveling more being more focused, aware and alert.

Exercise

While some may argue that walking lengths from site to site is exercise enough, I think getting regular exercises would strengthen the body and make it more fit and flexible to do more outdoor activities like hiking and trekking. If I find I'd be staying in a hotel with a gym, I take advantage of that. If you're a runner, it'll be great to bring a pair of running shoes along. Seeing a destination on foot while running would also be a great experience.