Tips for Staying Healthy When Traveling Solo

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to traveling.

Some people prefer all-inclusive packages, while others feel most at ease when they travel solo. Traveling solo is indeed a wonderful thing.

While it might not be for everyone, there is no doubt that trying this form of travel will enrich your personality and allow you to discover faraway places while also discovering yourself. However, when you’re alone, all of the responsibility is also yours.

This is why it’s essential that you gather all the tips you possibly can before you embark on your once-in-a-lifetime solo adventure.

From being in the know about all the specifics of the place you will be visiting all the way to always keep your diet as healthy as possible while on the road, you will have plenty of things to think about. Here are some tips to help you out!

1. Research your destination well

The first step to planning a trip is by researching your destination well. Is it safe to drink the tap water there? Are there any tropical diseases you have to get vaccinated against before your trip? Are health standards high when it comes to food in that country?

These are all questions you should find the answer to in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. For instance, many tourists in Bali who are not aware of these things end up with an unexpected Bali Belly that can ruin their trip overall.

2. Always get insurance

You probably already know this, but getting appropriate insurance before setting off on a trip is a must. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it is also a safety net in case something happens, which can be scary when you are traveling alone.

In addition, you can look into insurance options that cover more than just the medical aspect, including lost baggage insurance and even theft insurance. Of course, the best scenario is if you don’t end up needing it at all, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Read more: 8 Most Important Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling Alone

3. Choose your accommodation well

Unless you’re only staying in a city for one or two nights, choosing the right kind of accommodation is crucial in preserving your health. Solo travelers rarely stay at top-notch hotels, but neither is it necessary.

The key thing to keep in mind here is choosing accommodation where you will have access to a kitchen.

Most hostels have shared kitchens guests can use freely and so do apartments that are rented out to tourists. You see, when you have access to a kitchen, you can buy and store food appropriately and even have the option of preparing your own food, which is a huge plus.

4. Steer clear of fast food

If you follow the previous tip, this shouldn’t be that much of a problem. While it’s easy to just go into the nearest McDonalds and get the dinner question out of the way at once, you should try hard to stick to a healthy diet, especially if you’re traveling for a longer time.

You can frequent local farmer’s markets instead and get fresh produce, or you can find places that specialize in healthy dishes. If you’re in Sydney, for example, you can even turn to catering companies such as Tapas Market. Or if you’re in Hong Kong, you can look up small but popular local-owned restaurants that you know use fresh ingredients. In addition, make sure you don’t skip breakfast (or any other meals) even if the day is hectic!

Read more: Tips for Safe Travel with Young Children

5. Stay hydrated

Looking for a bathroom in the middle of nowhere is indeed annoying, but regardless, make sure you stay well-hydrated while on your adventure! Always have water with you and take a sip from time to time, as dehydration can easily happen without us expecting it. This is especially true if you are traveling in a warm climate and sweat plenty throughout the day.

6. Keep fit but also rest enough

In order to keep healthy and strong, you should not neglect your exercise routine either during traveling. Devote a few minutes every day to moving those muscles, especially if that day wasn’t particularly active. Hiking and exploring cities on foot will take care of the rest.

But don’t forget about the other side of the coin either. While it might seem tempting to cut down on sleep so that you can see more, this is not a viable solution as it will just weaken your immune system and ultimately, make you sick. So, make sure you get enough rest, too!

On a final note…

While it might seem that a lot of thought has to be put in this, the truth is that keeping healthy while traveling solo is actually easier than when you are traveling with a friend group.

When you’re alone, you are free to make your own choices and don’t have to follow anyone else’s wishes, which eliminates issues such as fast food and lazy days. All you need is a little discipline, which is a useful skill that you will certainly pick up through traveling solo!

What are other ways to stay healthy while traveling?

About the author:

Hannah Jones is a passionate blogger and an energetic traveler from Sydney, Australia. She is specialized in crafting thrilling adventures with heaping doses of bloodshed and romance. Her favorite sport is swimming and she has the desire of swimming in the ocean! Follow her on Twitter.

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