With the widespread Covid-19 virus in the early part of 2020, many individuals and families are concerned about their travel plans. It is always a good idea to practice clean and healthy hygiene behaviors, whether you are traveling around your country or around your town.
But in the age of deadly illnesses, it bears repeating the things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are 4 tips for travelers who want to protect themselves:
1. Stay Home if You Are Ill
This is the most commonsense tip of them all. And when people are traveling by public transportation, such as on an airplane, train or bus, it is the best advice for everyone. Canceling a trip because of illness is a common issue and many companies will refund your ticket purchase or at the least, be willing to help you reschedule your trip.
Most individuals and families will want to change or cancel their vacations when someone in the traveling party is sick. No one wants to travel while they are ill, and there is no fun in staying in a hotel bed while others are out having fun.
2. Drink More Water
This may also seem like a simple task, but it is a good one to help you stay healthy. You will want to drink more bottled water, as some tap water in other countries may not be as closely regulated as it is in the United States.
Staying hydrated is a critical part of a healthy regimen. When you are dehydrated, you are more susceptible to illness, especially the airborne contaminants. Do not drink alcohol because that is dehydrated and will not help keep your immune system healthy.
3. Wash Your Hands
This is another universal healthy habit many people do not think about, but it is most helpful for everyone. After you use a public restroom, after you eat, after shaking someone’s hand and anytime you are using cash, you should wash your hands.
Washing your hands is the best defense in stopping the spread of disease. Along with washing your hands, try to keep your hands away from your face. This includes your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Wear a Scarf
When traveling on an airplane, train or bus, it is a good idea to wear a light scarf. You can cover your mouth and nose with it and still be able to breathe. This will not prevent all diseases from coming in contact with you, but it will help protect you from a lot of airborne particles.
If you have a cough, you will be able to cough into the scarf and help to protect those around you. Be sure to wash the scarf in hot water with a high-quality detergent before each time you travel. Clean clothing is another essential to keeping healthy.
You cannot protect yourself from everything that could be floating around in the air you breathe, but you can take some precautions. Common sense is the best defense against illness.
