Travel planning doesn’t stop at logistics. Having a game plan for staying healthy while traveling starts well in advance of taking your seat when the captain turns on the fasten seat belt sign. Be sure to cover all of your bases when planning for travel. Traveling with a first aid kit, knowing how to maintain proper nutrition and hydration while on the road and being aware of the dangers at the site are all important pieces to preparing properly for a trip.
Well in advance of your trip check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website to see if any vaccinations are required or recommended for the country you are traveling to. Talk to your physician about your vaccination record. Your physician can advise you if boosters or new vaccines are needed before you travel.
How many times have you reached for a Band-Aid or antacid while on the road? Preparing and keeping a designated travel first aid kit stocked will ensure that you always have those medicine cabinet items handy should you need it while on the road. The Global Travel Guide (page 6) contains samples of three travel first aid kits. Traveling with familiar medications will not only provide a level of comfort, but will also keep you from having to purchase medication while overseas. Purchasing medication overseas poses doping control and other risks.
Here are some additional health related items to keep in mind when planning your next trip:
Continuing the proper nutrition and hydration habits that you used to minimize/prevent jet lag is key to staying healthy at your destination. Below are some additional nutrition and hydration tips that will keep you healthy, so you can swim fast:
Stay hydrated:
Eat normal and easily digestible foods:
In addition to following the safety tips from The United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Chief Security Officer, you’ll also want to be cautious when it comes to animals, insects and plants at your destination.
Please visit the Global Travel Guide for additional information on these and other important travel topics.