Avoid These Things to Stay Healthy While Traveling

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Avoid These Things to Stay Healthy While Traveling

As great as it is to travel, you shouldn’t get some wrapped up in everything that you neglect your body. You can easily become sick which will just ruin your entire vacation. Take care of your body at all times no matter how long or short your travel days are. Here are things that you should avoid doing so that you can stay healthy while traveling.

  • Not Sleeping Enough

One of the biggest mistakes that travelers make that can put their health at risk is not getting enough sleep. It’s all too easy to have so much fun and want to see all that there is to see that sleep may not be a priority. No matter where in the world you are your body needs to rest. Make it a point you get enough sleep, even if it means that you have to try take a few catnaps.

  • Overworking Yourself

While it’s tempting to try to fit in as much as possible during your time on vacation, don’t overwork yourself. Try to pace yourself and don’t jam pack too much in one day. You will just find yourself feeling rundown and with a lot of achy joints.

  • Skipping Meals

It’s important to not be in such a rush to get to where you want to go that you skip meals. Food gives you fuel to keep you going and there really is no excuse not to eat. If you are worried about the cost of meals or how long it will take to grab something to eat, consider packing a few easy items that you can eat on the go. Granola bars are a great choice and well as apples and oranges.

  • Foregoing The Water

You need to hydrate, especially when you will be walking around a lot or spending extended amounts of time outside. If you often forget to drink water, pack a water bottle to fill up when you are on the go. At many destinations you can safely drink the water. Try not to substitute water for soda, juices or alcohol though as they won’t be as hydrating for you as you would like them to be.

  • Not Washing Your Hands Enough

Your hands are going to come in contact with all sorts of germs while you are traveling. Make it a point to wash your hands often. Always wash your hands before you eat and anytime you come in contact with doorknobs or shake people’s hands. Also, hand sanitizer is beneficial to have so that you can clean your hands even if there isn’t soap or water available.

  • Forgetting To Put On Sunscreen

There’s a good chance that you will be spending an ample amount of time outdoors while you are at your destination. Make sure you put on a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen before you head out for the day. Also, pack a portable bottle of sunscreen to take with you so that you can re-apply it every couple of hours.

  • Going on a Large Cruise Ship

There is no doubt that there is a high chance of getting sick when exposed to 5,000 passengers on a massive cruise ship, vs going on a ship with half the amount of guests.  Cruise lines with smaller ship options include Oceania Cruises, Regent Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Another option that offers a more intimate experience when traveling through Europe, would be a cruise with Avalon river cruises.  To help you stay healthy try Active Discovery cruises with Avalon.  Included in your price are excursions that offer hiking, biking, canoeing and more.

Tips for Flying Overseas

Staying healthy while traveling requires preparation. Our guide to What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit is the perfect companion to these tips. And for the most comprehensive health guidance, see How to Stay Healthy While Traveling.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.