The holiday season is a time for gathering with family, celebrating together, and (often) traveling. Whether you’re driving to visit family or flying across the country, traveling during the winter can bring up various seasonal health concerns. Thankfully, with a bit of planning and some precautions, you and your family can enjoy a healthier, happier holiday season.
1. Prioritize Hand Hygiene and Stay Prepared
During peak travel season, crowded places like airports, bus stations, and rest stops can be full of germs. Minimize your family’s exposure to potential illness with these simple tips:
- Pack a Travel Health Kit: Include hand sanitizer, face masks, disinfecting wipes, and any necessary medications. This kit can help you keep germs at bay and handle minor issues on the go.
- Regular Hand Washing: Encourage everyone to wash their hands with soap and water whenever possible. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good backup for situations when soap and water aren’t available.
- Sanitize Common Surfaces: Disinfect tray tables, armrests, and door handles on planes or in rental cars before use. These high-touch surfaces can harbor bacteria and viruses.
2. Plan for Healthy Eating
Relying on fast food, airport snacks, and vending machines on the road can both be expensive and not very nourishing. Try to pack items like nuts, fruits, whole-grain crackers, or protein bars to avoid impulse buys, and—if you do eat out—opt for healthier options like grilled meats, salads or rice bowls, or other veggie-packed dishes. Avoid sugary drinks and make sure you’re staying hydrated with plenty of water.
3. Take Care of Immunizations and Health Checkups
Before leaving for holiday travel, make sure everyone in your family is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
- Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Vaccines: These immunizations are especially important for preventing respiratory illnesses during the winter months. They’re also widely available and can add a layer of protection as you travel.
- Travel-specific Vaccines: Some vaccines are recommended or required before traveling internationally, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, typhoid, polio, and yellow fever vaccines.
- Routine Checkups: If you have any specific health concerns, consider scheduling a quick checkup for any needed prescriptions, doctor’s notes, or health advice.
4. Build in Rest and Hydration
Holiday travel can be stressful, with long hours in transit and shifting schedules. Protect your family’s energy and health with these simple tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Traveling, especially by airplane, can be dehydrating. Carry a refillable water bottle and encourage everyone with you to drink water regularly. Staying hydrated improves energy levels and keeps immune systems strong.
- Plan Rest Breaks: If you are driving to your destination, plan short breaks every few hours to stretch and rest. Taking a moment to recharge and walk around can reduce stress and prevent fatigue.
Be a prepared traveler this holiday season and plan ahead, practice good hygiene, and prioritize nutrition and rest. By following these basic traveling tips, you and your family are likelier to stay healthy before you travel, during your trip, and after you get home.
This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
