Staying Healthy While Traveling in Chiang Mai

Time lost through illness can impact on the enjoyment and cost of travel. So staying healthy while traveling is very important.

Eating Safely

One of the pleasures of travel is enjoying the local cuisine, but, travelers diarrhea, and more can come from contaminated food and drink.

Particularly when traveling in developing countries, here are 2 preventative measures to keep in mind:

1. Be meticulous with your own personal hygiene.

As bacteria can be carried to the mouth through your hands and cutlery, always wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before eating. Also, consider bringing your own cutlery.

2. Be careful with what you eat and drink.

Although you cannot avoid risk altogether, you can reduce it by avoiding the obvious sources of trouble. Here are some general rules to follow:

– Drink bottled, purified or chemically disinfected water (safe water).
– Drink cans of soft drink, beer, wine and spirits (in moderation).
– Avoid ice unless made with safe water.
– Eat freshly cooked food.
– Eat peeled fruits or fruits washed using safe water.
– Eat packaged foods of reputable brands.
– Eat in busy restaurants serving local food.
– Eat food you have prepared.

Eating Well

With a little planning and organization, you don’t have to take a holiday from eating well whilst on a holiday.

Here are some tips to help you keep your commitment to healthy eating while on the go:

– Take away homemade snacks

Always pack some healthy snacks. Stock up on mixed nuts, including almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Other snacks include boiled eggs, fresh and dried fruits, whole grain crackers, pretzels, and trail mix. With healthy snacks handy, you are less likely to indulge in convenient fast foods that are often junk foods.

– Go light while you board your flight

To avoid feeling nauseous during a flight, eat only light meals beforehand, which will also help curb your temptations for aerated drinks and high calorie foods. During the flight, skip high carb foods and go for lighter vegetable sandwiches if available. Also remember to go light on your consumption of alcohol, and stay well hydrated during your flight.

– Choose accommodations with kitchenettes

Select hotel rooms with kitchen facilities. Shop at the local supermarket for basic ingredients and prepare some of your meals.

– Enjoy natural gifts of nature

By that we mean include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet while traveling. Make smart substitutions, like vegetables or salad for fries. Always have a supply of fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, and citrus fruits.

– Think and then drink

Think twice before sipping another glass of aerated drink or wine. It is adding no value to your health. When thirsty, opt for bottled water, lemon juice, fresh fruits juices and unsweetened tea/coffee.

– Eat in smaller portions

Remember you are not obliged to eat whatever you are served in a restaurant. And don’t be afraid to ask for food to be prepared the way you want it, order dressings and sauces on the side, ask for half portions, or share a full one.

Eating safely and eating well while traveling are easier than you think. We hope some of these tips help you stay healthy and consequently, travel better and readjust back into routine faster.

Bon voyage!