Let’s face it: The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on us all. We’ve spent the last year locked down and fed up. But now there’s hope on the horizon. Virus numbers are on the decline in most of the world, even as a host of new vaccines have either already entered the market or are about to.
We’re beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. We’re tasting a return to normalcy. And for many of us, that’s going to involve travel, both for business and, most especially, for some long-delayed and much-deserved fun.
But as you prepare to hit the road or take to the skies again, odds are you’re still feeling a bit of anxiety. After all, it’s been a while — and the world isn’t quite the same as it used to be. The good news is, you don’t have to compromise safety for fun when you travel. This article will show you how to return to the world again — without risking your health.
Anti-Viral Victors
Traveling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, of course, is going to mean that you will — and should be — more aware of hygiene than you probably once were. In addition to continuing to practice social distancing, wearing your mask, and washing your hands frequently, you’ll also want to ensure you’re sanitizing high-touch surfaces before you handle them.
Your phone, in particular, can be a germ magnet. Think about it: It goes pretty much everywhere you do, and you spend a lot of your day tapping and swiping its surface with your bare fingertips. So keeping your hands clean is going to mean keeping your phone clean — and vice versa.
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, if you’re using public transportation, it’s a good idea to check out the safety protocols in place at each stage of your journey. The same goes for your lodgings and any restaurants, shops, or indoor public venues you plan to visit. And if you’re traveling abroad, it’s also wise to research any government travel guidelines, recommendations, or warnings for the area. You can even pay a visit to your government embassy’s website for your destination.
This will help you avoid any prospective hotspots while giving you the peace of mind of knowing that sufficient health and safety measures are in place wherever your travels may take you. That’s going to eliminate a lot of the travel anxiety you might experience on your first foray into the world in the wake of COVID.
Beyond COVID
To be sure, protecting against coronavirus is a top-of-mind concern for travelers today, but it’s far from the only health consideration to be cognisant of. Prior to COVID, one of the biggest health challenges travelers faced was how to maintain a healthy diet while letting loose on the road.
And, no question about it, eating well without sacrificing enjoyment is still important when traveling. The good news is that you don’t have to miss out on the fun just because you’re committed to healthy eating. If your travel adventure involves a fun social gathering, then just be sure to plan ahead. Have a good, healthy meal beforehand so that you won’t be ravenous when you get there. This way, you can still enjoy the treats on offer, without worrying about overindulging.
You can also choose healthier options, such as “mocktails” and foods higher in protein and fiber. Not only are these delectable and filling options, but they’ll also prevent you from being overloaded with calories, sugar, and unhealthy carbs.
Above all, don’t forget the other important reasons why you’re out and about in the world again — to enjoy new experiences, to discover new sights and sounds, and to bask in the pleasure of being with other people once again!
A Moving Experience
If you’re hitting the road for the first time in, perhaps, many months, you might be a bit unprepared for the toll it could take on your body. After all, if you’re like so many of us who have been living on lockdown, you’ve gotten a bit used to a more sedentary lifestyle.
That means you need to be prepared to take care of your body to prevent stiffness and discomfort. For example, if you’ve been walking a lot more than usual, carrying heavy luggage, or sitting for prolonged periods of time, chances are you’ve put some pretty significant strain on your joints and spine. Couple that with the strain of sleeping in a strange bed and you’re set up for orthopedic and back pain.
There are things, though, that you can do to help realign your spine and relieve those aching muscles and joints. The best, perhaps, is to try a few spine-friendly sleeping positions, from side sleeping with a pillow between your knees to belly sleeping in a pillow under your hips. This can help you get a great night’s sleep and ensure you awaken each day of your travels feeling rested, spry as a teenager, and ready to run off to the day’s great adventures!
The Takeaway
The last year has been one of anxiety and isolation. We all deserve some time to let loose, and there’s no better way to do that than through travel. Thankfully, with a bit of planning, your journey can be safe, healthy, and joyful!
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