Traveling can energize your soul and breathe new life into your daily routines and habits. But if you are not feeling your best, your trip can quickly take a turn for the worse. From staying properly hydrated and mobile in-flight to having all your necessary medications ready and on hand, preparing yourself for long-haul travel can be stress-free and straightforward.
When traveling internationally, it is crucial to understand any restrictions you may encounter when entering a new country. Border control enforces strict laws and regulations regarding medication and medical devices that must be understood and respected. Additionally, some countries, like Australia, implement robust restrictions around vapes and vaping products that may impact you upon arrival. Before boarding your flight, research how to get a vape prescription should you require one while traveling.
Before You Board
Before you leave, it is essential to know what your coverage and care options are when you are away from home. Consult with your health plan or insurance provider to ensure you are covered for emergency and urgent care in your destination country.
Additionally, avoid the stress of running out of crucial medication by refilling prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines and ordering contact lenses and other necessary medical supplies at least 1-2 weeks before leaving. This will give your pharmacy enough time to process and fill your requests.
Protect Your Immune System
Despite common belief, catching a cold from a flight is often not the result of poor or recycled air quality; it is more likely due to a combination of excessive germs and your body’s inability to properly fight them all. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have touched the surfaces you are touching, and everybody is breathing, coughing, and sneezing in the same confined space for multiple hours at a time.
Frequent handwashing is a must when traveling, especially before eating or drinking and when touching high-contact surfaces and items like elevator buttons, seatbelt buckles, check-in kiosks, and in-flight tray tables. If you are concerned about accessing soap and water, pack a travel-size hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and cleaning wipes as a backup.
Stay Hydrated
Commercial airplanes fly at around 30,000 to 40,000 feet, but a pressurized cabin mimics conditions at only 6,000 to 8,000 feet, similar to the altitude at the peak of a mountain. This can make sitting and breathing more challenging, while low humidity can make you feel thirsty and dehydrated.
Staying properly hydrated will help you feel better overall, and water is the most readily available option. Avoid caffeinated drinks and other diuretics as they can contribute to the issue. Aim to drink at least one glass of water per hour. The increased bathroom breaks will also offer more opportunities to get up and stretch your legs.
Get Moving
General immobility can increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although it has not been proven that flying alone can increase the risk of developing DVT, sitting down for longer than 4 hours without moving is unhealthy in any context. An easy way to get your blood flowing mid-flight is to contract your calf muscles by tapping your feet, which will move your shins, thighs, and hip joints. Alternatively, you can walk to the back of the plane and back to your seat, or visit the restroom to get your body moving.
While it is less crucial than regular leg stretches, it is a good idea to get up and move other parts of your body if you have been sitting in one position for an extended period. Bend your chest down towards your thighs to stretch your back, and extend your arms out in front of you for a simple upper-body stretch.
Furthermore, many healthcare experts recommend wearing compression stockings or socks while traveling if you have risk factors for developing blood clots, such as pregnancy, cancer, a recent surgery, DVT, or limited mobility. Compression garments should be fitted appropriately, ending just below the knee, and provide approximately 15-30 mmHg of pressure.
Medication & Medical Information
Most international borders require visitors to carry accurate and detailed information about prescription medication, large quantities of over-the-counter medicine, and other medical aids and devices. To avoid issues upon arrival, ensure all necessary medications are packed into carry-on luggage and kept in their original containers.
A comprehensive list of all medical conditions, allergies, and current medications must be stored in your carry-on luggage for easy access should you need to present it to border control or experience a medical emergency. Additionally, if you have diabetes, ensure you bring your glucometer, snacks, and EpiPens in case of low blood sugar.
Dress Comfortably
Travel attire is a personal decision, largely influenced by travel length, seasonal weather, and your destination country. Regardless of how you choose to dress, layers are crucial for staying comfortable.
Airplanes are typically quite cold, and your immediate environment may become even colder if neighboring seats opt to use the overhead fans and air conditioning services. But the ability to add and remove layers as needed will not only ensure you remain warm and comfortable during your flight, but also help you acclimate to different airports and climates throughout your journey.
Moisturizing Products
For people with sensitive skin, low humidity on planes can cause severe discomfort. Comfortable indoor humidity typically ranges from 30% to 65%, but an airplane cabin is only around 10% to 20%.
To keep your skin and body hydrated and comfortable, it is worth packing a high-quality moisturizer for dry skin and eye drops, such as a simple saline solution, especially if you wear contact lenses or regularly experience dry eyes. Be sure to pack travel-sized bottles to remain security compliant while flying.
