5 Easy Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy When You Travel

by Carla Jannette

Traveling is fun—you get see beautiful landscapes, experience other way of lives and get to learn about other cultures. Travel doesn't come without its challenges though. Traveling means exposing yourself, and your belly, to foreign foods, water that is possibly contaminated, and changes to diet and sleeping patterns that over time your body will naturally adjust to.


1. Coconut Oil
My personal favorite, coconut oil has many benefits and uses. It is antimicrobial and anti-fungal and can be taken as a supplement, you can use it for cooking at high heats, it's a good source of fat and can be used as an all natural moisturizer, conditioner, sunscreen and even toothpaste.

2. Smoothies!
One of the most fun and interesting activities one can do when traveling is visiting the local markets and checking out the local produce and dishes. If you have space in your bag, I highly recommend you invest in a small inexpensive blender so you can create delicious smoothies, shakes, pudding and sauces. When visiting tropical countries where produce is cheap and delicious, your blender will become your best friend. Don't forget to bring your own superfood supplements from home, or buy local.

3. Essential Oils
Easy to pack and travel with, I don't leave my house without my multifunctional and first aid stash of essential oil. Four oils I never travel without are Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lavender and Citrus. Tea tree is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and great for disinfecting cuts and scratches. Peppermint, good for tummy troubles like indigestion, headaches and a boost of energy. Lavender, relaxing, calming and helps with sleep and headaches, as well. Any citrus oil, including lemon, orange or grapefruit, are antioxidant and antibacterial.

4. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics help you maintain a healthy gut by increasing the good bacteria in your belly so you can fight off the bad bacteria. They help one maintain healthy bowel movements and fight off microbes and parasites that can be commonly found. Taking a daily regimen of probiotics while traveling is highly recommended. Pre-biotics work by creating the environment that probiotics, the good bacteria love and thrive in. One of the best probiotics is Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. The list benefits and different ways to use it is endless.

5. Travel Insurance
You don't need insurance to stay healthy but one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellness while traveling is to make sure you are covered in case of any illness or injuries. Many foreign countries require that you pay upfront for any medical fees, so make sure you are covered in case of accident by purchasing travel insurance.

So that's it, these 5 easy tips will help you stay healthier and happier on the road, even if you just use one. Also, always try to buy things locally if you can, so you don't carry as many things, or produce more waste. All these tips are not only good for your health and well being but they can be also be ecologically friendly, when you purchase them locally, organic and fair trade. Aloha and safe travels!