Traveling for the Holidays? Avoid Getting Sick with These 6 Health Hacks

Holidays are approaching, and you may soon become one of many people who board a plane, train or car to spend time with your loved ones. However, close contact with multiple people in an enclosed space can also expose you to many bacteria before reaching your destination, which increases the risk of illness. Before you board your flight, consider these three simple tips to help keep your celebration unimpeded and keep your season full of energy.

1. Plan meals in advance

Vegan travel blogger suggest that bring a small bag of nuts, a few low-sugar energy bars or your favorite sandwich to eat during the flight. Once you arrive at your destination and start celebrating, you probably won't pay too much attention to your meals, so do yourself a favor and eat well on the way to and from your destination. Oatmeal with skimmed milk, eggs with a piece of fruit or yogurt are all light and healthy choices that can keep your body healthy and work efficiently.

2. Get enough sleep

The holidays are often hectic, and trying to combine that with flights or lengthy road trips usually ends up with your being sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep can make you overeat, cause dizziness, make you sluggish and affect your mood. Aim for six to nine hours a night and take a short nap in the afternoon if you need it. If you're short on sleep, try to rest while on the plane or in the passenger's seat of the car.

3. Intake multivitamin

Remember to take a multivitamin, especially if you'll be flying. Spending long hours in a plane full of passengers during the flu season can result in disaster and ruin your holiday plans. Take some vitamin C or a multivitamin to keep your defenses high.

4. Be on your germ guard

A recent study published in the journal PNAS reported that passengers on intercontinental flights who sat within two seats or one row of a person with a respiratory illness have an 80 percent or greater chance of getting sick. So you can prevent exposure through the use of disinfection for surfaces, antiseptics for the skin, avoidance of risky foods, and barrier protection for the respiratory tract.

5. Prepare for unexpected delays

Unexpected delays can be stressful since they're largely out of your control, but preparing for them can help you deal better. So pack some movies and books that you've been dying to get through. Also, keep things in perspective.

6. Remain active

If you're staying in a hotel, use the swimming pool or the exercise room. If you're staying with family or friends, invite them along for a walk after lunch or take some time for ice skating or cross-country skiing. If you're vacationing in warmer climates, take a lengthy walk on the beach or go for a jog early in the morning.