Quick Tips for Healthy Travel

You have your airline ticket, and your bag is packed for an important business trip, or a long-awaited vacation. Here are a few quick tips to make your plane trip more comfortable, and hopefully less stressful.

1. Preorder special meals. When you book your flight, order special meals according to your dietary preferences. Vegetarian, kosher, non-dairy, fruit plates, and several other special meals are offered by most airlines with advance notice.
   
   
2. Take Vitamin C. An extra dose of Vitamin C daily for a few days before flying will help strengthen your immunity, and increase your body's defense mechanisms while traveling.
   
   
3. Pack healthy snacks. Pack a bottle of water, some nuts, e.g. almonds, soy nuts, or pecans (preferably raw and unsalted), dried fruits, e.g. apricots or raisins, apples, energy bars, and whole grain crackers.
   
   
4. Bring herbal tea. Drink chamomile tea to help you relax while flying; peppermint or ginger tea will help to settle an upset stomach; green tea is a healthy alternative to drinking coffee.
   
   
5. Drink lots of water. Water is great to keep your body hydrated while flying. Avoid carbonated beverages that cause bloating and gassiness. Also avoid alcoholic beverages that can lead to dehydration or head congestion.
   
   
6. Wear loose clothing. Loose, comfortable clothes made from natural fibers like cotton are best to wear for air travel. Elevate your feet if possible to aid circulation. For long, overnight flights, bring travel socks and a sleep mask.
   
   
7. Moisturizer. The atmosphere inside the plane is very dry and irritating. Use a moisturizing cream and a natural lip balm during the flight to help keep your skin hydrated. You can also splash some water on your face while using the bathroom to keep your skin refreshed.
   
   
8. Take Rescue Remedy. If you feel anxious about flying and want to try a safe, natural remedy, Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy, made of flower essences, can be used for its calming and stabilizing effects.

Always allow yourself enough extra time to get to the airport. Airlines have drastically changed their check-in procedures during the past year, and those procedures continue to change. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight takes off. Bring along ViVa's Healthy Travel Kit to help make your trip more comfortable and relaxing. And remember to take your copy of ViVa's Healthy Dining Guide with you, so you can find healthy dining options when you arrive at your destination.

Best wishes for a safe and relaxing journey!

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