Travel Well: 6 Tips for Staying Healthy While You Travel

Traveling can be an incredible opportunity for personal growth and exploration. But embarking on a travel adventure doesn't mean compromising your health and straying from your alkaline diet. 

In fact, it's entirely possible to stay nourished and illness-free while exploring new destinations. By prioritizing your well-being, you can make the most of your travels while staying healthy. 

Consider this your ultimate guide to avoiding getting sick while on the move. Implement these research-backed tips and strategies to maintain a balanced diet, support your immune system, and nurture your overall well-being while enjoying the adventures that await you. 

Safe travels, and stay well!

1. Boost Your Immune System

• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for sufficient restorative sleep to support a robust immune system. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a sleep-friendly environment, and consider natural sleep aids like chamomile tea (or Dr. Sebi’s Immune Support Tea) or lavender essential oil.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water (Dr. Sebi recommended a gallon of spring water daily) and herbal teas to support hydration and optimize immune function. It’s easy to forget drinking water during a trip but put it at the top of your to-do list. 
• Nutrient-Dense, Alkaline Foods: Pack nutrient-rich snacks like raw nuts and seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables to nourish your body with essential nutrients and minerals. Seek out alkaline-rich options, such as leafy greens, vegetables, and alkaline fruits, to maintain a balanced pH and support overall health. If you can’t pack some of these items, find the closest health food store in the area and stock up on the essentials for the duration of your trip. 

2. Avoid Germs on Public Transportation

• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water, or using hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol, can help prevent the spread of germs.
• Be Mindful of Shared Surfaces: Minimize direct contact with surfaces like armrests, tray tables, doorknobs, and handrails, or use a disinfecting wipe to clean them before use. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can enter your body through these.
• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If possible, opt for a window seat on planes or trains, as these have less direct contact with fellow passengers walking in the aisle. Avoid sitting next to visibly sick individuals if other seats are available.
• Use Air Vents Wisely: While it's a common belief that airplane air vents spread germs, research suggests otherwise. Airplanes use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that effectively remove bacteria and viruses from the air. Use your air vent to direct fresh, filtered air toward your face.

3. Make Smart Food Choices While Traveling

• Plan Ahead: Research the destination's local cuisine and identify alkaline-friendly restaurants or grocery stores where you can find fresh, healthy options.
• Pack Snacks: Prepare homemade alkaline snacks, such as kale chips, energy bars, or cut-up vegetables, to have on hand during travel or when healthy options are limited.
• Opt for Fresh Foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods when dining out. Choose salads, grilled or steamed vegetables, fruit cups, and grains like quinoa or wild rice.
• Be Mindful of Food Safety: Ensure that the food you consume is prepared in hygienic conditions, especially street food. Look for busy, reputable vendors and stick to cooked options.

4. Exercise, Move, and Stretch

• Explore on Foot: Take advantage of walking tours or sightseeing on foot to incorporate physical activity into your travel routine.
• Yoga and Stretching: Maintain flexibility and reduce travel-related muscle tension with yoga or stretching sessions. Many apps and online resources offer travel-friendly routines.
• Bodyweight Exercises: Perform bodyweight exercises in your hotel room or find local parks or open spaces for a quick workout routine.

5. Manage Stress and Practice Mindfulness

• Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: Dedicate a few minutes each day to meditation or mindfulness practices. Use smartphone apps or guided meditation podcasts to help you stay centered and grounded.
• Nature Connection: Spend time in nature whenever possible, as it has a calming effect on the mind and body. Seek out parks, gardens, or hiking trails in your travel destinations.

6. Get Adequate Rest and Relaxation

• Schedule Downtime: Plan downtime in your itinerary to rest and recharge. Use this time to relax, read, or engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation.
• Sleep Environment: Create a sleep-friendly environment in your accommodations by ensuring a comfortable mattress, utilizing blackout curtains, minimizing noise disruptions, and setting the thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius).

No matter where your travels take you, remember to stay resilient and maintain an alkaline mindset. If you can’t keep up with your alkaline lifestyle while traveling, make sure to start over once you get home. Your healing journey continues every single day.