Wine + Travel can equal an unforgettable vacation. But organized wine tours can seem a bit intimidating for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons are just misconceptions though and aren’t necessarily true. Here are five myths about wine tours – along with why they are flawed.
We are in the middle of the holiday season which for most people means traveling to and from family and friend gatherings. Not only does this mean that you may be vulnerable to your adorable little nephew’s cold that he got from daycare, but you are most likely getting exposed to a large number of other people who may be sick as well. We thought it would be helpful to provide a few tips on how to avoid getting sick while traveling.
Drink More Water.
Staying hydrated can be one the best actions you can take in fighting off an impending sickness. It oxygenates your blood and flushes out harmful toxins from your immune system. It allows you to digest your food better saving you from potential stomach aches. And, it helps organs like your eyes and mouth to retain moisture and repel foreign particles or contaminants that could cause infections. So keep a water bottle with you whenever possible.
(Photos source: Rubbermaid Products)
Boost Your Immune System.
You may already be taking a daily multi-vitamin but during cold season that may not be enough. Try taking a few Vitamin C supplements and using a nasal spray before you get on the plane. The Vitamin C will help fight off the airborne germs that are sealed in once they close the cabin door of the plane. The air is quite dry when flying so spraying a few puffs of nasal spray will help your nose stay moist and therefore able to flush out the germs.
Stay Active.
We get it – most holiday celebrations involve food and drink, but it’s important to stay active while traveling (or anytime really). One of the best ways to fight off unwanted germs or infections is exercise. It not only helps get rid of toxins in your body when you sweat, but it has been proven to strengthen your immune system. Instead of sitting on the couch after a big meal, gather your family or friends to head out for a nice long walk.
Wash Your Hands Frequently.
You already wash your hands whenever you have used the bathroom (hopefully!) but when you are traveling and even during cold season in general, you should wash your hands more frequently. Just think of how many door knobs, counters, or arm rests you touch while you travel. Now think of how many other people are traveling through the airport or have been on the plane before you. Washing your hands more frequently helps prevent the germs that you’ve been in contact with throughout your day from getting into your system. Those anti-bacterial soaps that were so popular a few years ago have proven to be less effective – nothing beats good old soap and water.
Avoid Touching Certain Surfaces
Sometimes it is impossible to avoid touching germy surfaces – you most likely will have to use the bathroom at least once on a longer flight, right? But there are a few other germy surfaces that can be more easily avoided. The website, Travelmath, did a study of the dirtiest surfaces on an airplane and in airports. The number one offender was the tray table. They speculate that they are the worst due to the littler turnaround time airline staff have to clean a plane between flights – bathrooms on the other hand always get cleaned. You may want to think twice before placing food or even your laptop on a tray table, but if it can’t be avoided, the best thing to do is to wash your hands frequently and try not to touch your face, mouth, or eyes.
Hopefully, these tips will arm you against potential germs and help you avoid getting sick while traveling this holiday season – warm wishes and stay healthy!
