Tips to stay healthy while traveling

Ready for your most comfortable trip ever?

IN a nutshell Happy Friday, Wellness Wire fam! Are you feeling major FOMO seeing so many people traveling to Europe? I know I am. After talking with Megan Batoon, the host of Netflix's "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals," I feel much better knowing that adventuring across countries isn't totally what you see on social media or TV. Keep scrolling to read our Q&A and learn some pretty interesting things about living your life constantly on the go that you might find helpful. Next up on the itinerary, we've got: • A collapsible reusable water bottle to bring on the go • Tips for maximizing your comfort while traveling • What to know about travel anxiety (and how to cope) • 15 best foods to eat when you're sick Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota August 4, 2023 • 6 min read

Megan Batoon is a dancer-turned-travel series host and podcaster. Below, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look into what it's really like to travel for a living, manage pain and anxiety while abroad, and her must-try vacation secrets. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: You built a career out of traveling, which is a dream for many people. Can you share some little-known realities of what that really looks like? A: Much of my early travel experience centered around work where I was operating on someone else's timeline. During my time filming with Netflix, our schedules were jam-packed with excursions and locations that needed to be visited promptly to stay on the production schedule. I encourage travelers to pad some time to do "nothing," no matter if they're traveling for work or for pleasure. If you cram your schedule with too many activities, you won't have time to enjoy yourself or even relax. If you're too focused on trying to see everything, you might miss out on the adorable café or unique local stops hiding in plain sight that may end up being the highlight of your trip. Q: Do you ever get stressed or anxious during the chaos of traveling? If so, how do you keep those feelings in check? A: I do have anxiety when it comes to traveling. I make sure to give myself time and leave for the airport 2 hours before my flight takes off so I'm not rushed. I'm also a huge proponent of TSA PreCheck. I've gotten through security within 30 seconds! If I'm feeling anxious in air, I'll practice bilateral tapping, which is a somatic exercise where you alternately tap each side of your body to stimulate the vagus nerve, slow your heart rate, and soothe the body. I also practice meditation by sitting upright in my seat and taking deep breaths. I tell myself, "I'm breathing in ... I'm breathing out," to keep me in the present moment, which can be extremely helpful during turbulence. Q: You recently partnered with Advil to share your travel experiences and how to stop back pain from getting in the way. What inspired you to hop on board? A: This partnership really spoke to me because I've been using Advil for aches and pains my entire life, so I was thrilled when they developed this new product that I know will specifically target my back pain. My friends even call me the "CEO of back pain." It truly felt like the perfect match because lately I've dealt with an increased amount of back pain, and now I have a go-to solution in Advil Dual Action Back Pain. I'm excited to spread the word to make sure travelers know [they can travel with less discomfort]. Q: What are your top travel tips? A: When packing my luggage, I put a dryer sheet inside so all my clothes stay fresh and I keep a separate laundry bag for dirty clothes. I drink from a reusable water bottle on the way to the airport and utilize the refill stations when I arrive. Pro tip: Make sure to open your water bottle a bit before takeoff so it doesn't explode with the air pressure! Scroll down to the end of this email to rate this interview!

great finds Editor faves with health perks       que Collapsible Water Bottle que's reusable water bottle easily fits in a backpack or suitcase — but it also expands into a full-size bottle whenever you're ready to fill it up. This bottle kept me hydrated through years of adventures. The only issue I found is that it can be tricky to clean between the folds. Be sure to wash it well and let it fully dry before storing to avoid potential mold buildup. Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

Friday Kick Start Maximize your comfort while traveling Jet-setting around the world looks pretty great on Instagram. What you don't often see in photos is the pain, stress, and discomfort that come with it. But you don't have to let those side effects slow you down! Here are five tips that will help you have a restful experience: • Wear loungewear. Travel in style and comfort by wearing loose, comfortable clothing in your favorite materials to keep you cozy. FYI: Compression socks may help reduce swelling, too. • Use noise-canceling headphones. Shut out the stimulation around you and tune into your favorite songs and shows without any distractions! (Shout-out to AirPods Pro 2 for saving me from overstimulation on planes and trains over the years.) • Bring a suitcase with 360-degree wheels. Lugging around a heavy duffel bag can lead to shoulder pain, back aches, and exhaustion. Luggage that spins in all directions saves you so much energy. • Rest with neck pillows and eye masks. Need a soft place to land your head in a small space? Want to shut out the light? Consider bringing along a neck pillow and eye mask. You can also check out this list of the best travel pillows recommended by Healthline editors. • Listen to meditation apps. Traveling can be anxiety-inducing for so many reasons. If the chaos has you worked up, try chilling out with the help of a guided meditation app like Calm or Headspace. Want to keep reading? Consider tapping into our guide to safer traveling next! Tell us: How do you stay comfy while traveling? Do you have products or hacks worth sharing? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!)

health stories you need What we're reading next 🍜 15 best foods to eat when you're sick. Want to feel better faster when you're under the weather? Optimize your diet for a speedier recovery. ✈️ Everything to know about travel anxiety. If you've ever panicked while waiting for a connecting train or flight like me, this is a must-read. 🧑‍🦳 Why is your hair turning white? Age isn't the only factor at play. Learn other potential reasons, plus when it might be time to try home remedies or see a doctor. 💤 Tips for sleeping better. You all love sleep content, and so do we. Check out this new guide dedicated to helping you snooze soundly.

Thanks for reading! We hope you have a very happy, healthy weekend. We'll see you again on Monday.

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