Staying Healthy While Traveling

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

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"To Travel Is To Take A Journey Into Yourself"

Travel Tips: My Personal Recommendations for a Smoother Journey

Over the years, I've developed a few personal travel rituals and tips that help me stay healthy, comfortable, and energized during my travels. While everyone has their own tricks, I wanted to share some of mine that could help make your next trip a little easier.

Sleep: The Struggle Is Real

Let’s start with sleep—something I’m still working on improving. With over 25+ years of extensive travel under my belt, I can honestly say I'm terrible at packing, and even worse at getting a good night’s sleep before a trip. I’ve often found myself with only three hours of sleep before a flight, crashing the moment I sit down on the plane.

But, as I get older, I’m realizing how important it is to rest before traveling. A good night’s sleep can improve your health and help make the start of your trip much smoother. If sleeping on a plane is difficult for you, consider taking a motion sickness tablet like Dramamine to help you get the rest you need. However, always check with your doctor before taking any medication. Alternatively, MQ Motion Patches are a great 100% herbal option that won’t make you drowsy. I love these and never travel without them. Just stick one or two behind your ear, and I’ve even found I no longer need Dramamine on cruises like I used to.

And remember, if you can't sleep on the plane, it's still important to rest your eyes. Take some time to close them and unwind even if you can’t fully drift off.

Healthy Snacks: Better Than Airplane Food

We’ve all been there—the less-than-tasty airplane snacks filled with extra salt and sugar. Due to altitude and pressure changes, your sense of taste dulls, so airplane snacks tend to be loaded with more seasoning than what you’d typically want.Here’s a quick list of my favorite on-the-go snacks that I bring along to avoid the unhealthy airplane options:

BelVita Breakfast Biscuits (several flavors, so delicious!)

Trail Mix (Trader Joe’s has some great options)

Nuts (easy to pack and healthy)

CrackersCandy (a little sweet treat never hurts!)

Fruit (fresh and dried)

Protein Bars (Kirkland brand from Costco is a great, affordable option)

Important Note: If you're traveling internationally, be cautious about bringing in organic items like fruits, vegetables, meats, and nuts. Many countries have strict regulations, and you could face fines or even jail time if caught with certain food items at customs. To be safe, stick to non-perishables like crackers and candy, or make sure to eat your trail mix and fruits before leaving the plane. Always check the rules before traveling!

Zinc Tablets & Lozenges: Immune Boosters

Zinc has become my go-to immune booster, especially when I'm about to travel. I’ve avoided countless colds by taking zinc lozenges as soon as I feel the first signs of illness. I usually up my zinc intake a week before traveling, and since doing this, I’ve never gotten sick while abroad (knock on wood!).

For a quick boost, I use Ultra Zinc Lozenges (from GNC, green box), but there are many good options out there.

Staying Active: Walking & Compression Socks

On long flights, sitting still for hours can be harmful to circulation. I’ve had clients who’ve suffered from blood clots because they didn’t move around during their flight. So, get up! Even if you don’t need the restroom, walk up and down the aisles to keep your blood flowing.

I also highly recommend wearing compression socks. They’re great for improving circulation and can reduce the risk of swelling and discomfort. Keep them on for about two hours after landing for the best results.

If you're at an increased risk for blood clots, make sure to consult your doctor before your trip.

Keep It Clean: Surfaces & Seat Pockets

Airplane tray tables are notorious for being unsanitary, so I always travel with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. If I drop food on that tray, forget the “5-second rule”—I clean it up immediately!

Another tip: avoid using the seat pockets! I once left my iPad in the seat pocket, and I was lucky to get it back. From that moment on, I carry a bag to store all my snacks, books, glasses, and electronics, keeping everything much cleaner and reducing the risk of forgetting valuables on the plane.

Insider Tip: Check for Snacks During the Flight

For those longer flights (to places like Asia, Australia, or New Zealand), here’s a little insider tip: make sure to check out the snacks available in the galley during your flight. Airlines often change up the offerings, and not only do they help you stay nourished, but they also give you a chance to get up and stretch your legs.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Now that you're armed with a few travel tips and tricks, it’s time for the adventure to begin! Remember, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination when you plan ahead. If you need any help with booking or finding the perfect trip, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Safe travels and happy adventures!