Fitness: Travel: Post 1

Hey everyone! Welcome back! Sorry I haven't been posting, I've been on a vacation in Steamboat, Colorado. Nice place, really. But anyway, I have some tips for some not-so-close trips. Enjoy!

1. A real problem here in Colorado is altitude sickness. Some of the only ways to beat it are altitude sickness medicine, and lots and lots of water. You see, hydrating can get rid of that sickening feeling in your head.

2. Jet lag: Beat jet lag!

• Start resetting your body clock before you fly. Shift your bedtime by an hour or two in the right direction starting three days before your trip.
• Drink lots of water before, during, and after your flight. Experts recommend that you drink at least two 8-ounce glasses just before departure and 1 liter for every hour you spend in the air -- in addition to beverages you drink with meals. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink up. Thirst doesn't necessarily precede the symptoms of dehydration, which can set in without warning.
• The minute you step into the airplane cabin, adopt the hour of the time zone you're traveling to. Reset your watch and start to think according to the new time zone.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or ingesting other depressants, such as Dramamine or other motion-sickness drugs, before, and during your flight.
• Eat more lightly than you are accustomed to before your flight and while you're in the air.
• Daytime naps are OK to take after you arrive, but keep them to 30 minutes or less so they don't interfere with your nighttime sleep.

Read more here.

3. Avoid getting any diseases or infections by checking yourself for ticks in areas that require it. Mosquitoes often come out around sunset and sunrise, and they are very common around cold lakes (I would know, Alaska was TERRIBLE. By the kayaking standard, at least.) Make sure that you know what types of insects and grasses are around your area, so you know you are not allergic or can prepare.

4. Have fun! Go ahead, if you're on a business trip, the last day when you don't have anything to do but pack, try checking out some areas close to the airport. Watch the time!

Hope the tips helped today, and if you ever get the chance to go to Steamboat, make sure you ride the Howler alpine slide they have there!

-Craline <3