According to AAA, the 2018 holiday weekend will see the highest Thanksgiving travel volume in more than a dozen years (since 2005), with 2.5 million more people taking to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways compared with last year… That’s a lot of germs! I visited our friends at “Charlotte Today” to share what you need to do to stay as healthy as you can when traveling. See more tips below.
- Get the flu shot!
Though it’s best to get your flu shot in October, it will still help if you get it now. (It’s really never too late!) Try to get your vaccination two weeks before you travel for maximum effectiveness.
- Get aggressive with killing germs.
Wash your hands as often as you can, and follow the CDC’s five steps to ensure you’re using proper handwashing technique! If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, do the best you can with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers.
- Pack healthy snacks.
During the holidays we tend to eat out more; that only gets worse when you travel. Pack some healthy snacks: nuts, fruit, granola bars instead of grabbing food on the road or at the airport. Commercially packaged food usually clears airport security checkpoints (and bringing your own is way cheaper)!
- Stay hydrated.
Drink water as much as you can and avoid sodas. If you don’t like plain water think about packing sparkling water or infusing it with freshly cut fruit or mint.
- Stay physical and increase circulation.
In the airport, walk to your gate instead of opting for the train/shuttle or moving walkways. Consider wearing compression socks to improve blood flow, decrease clotting and lessen swelling. Away visiting family and friends? Even if all you can manage is a 20-minute walk, seize the opportunity! It might give you some needed “you” time away from the relatives.