I'm so stoked to be doing this! I've always said that i would buy a
ticket and just go for it. And it's a beautiful day to ride a train.
See ya! I will post more photos when I get to sf and not bouncing
around so much.
Having a cold while traveling is a very common thing for me, and never fun. Getting sick isn't surprising when you think about what you're neglecting during travel. Here are a few things to keep in mind while adventuring around to increase you chances of staying healthy:
5 tips:
1. Wash your hands frequently - This sounds easy enough but when you are on the go at the airport and trying to get to your destination it's easy to forget to sanitize you hands. Solution: anti-bacterial hand lotion or anti-bacterial wet-wipes. Also, refrain from any of the following: Picking your nose (Yes, you. You know you do it!), rubbing your eyes and/or biting your finger nails (Eeew, there's so many germs under there).
2. Eat healthyand regularly - This means sticking to your normal diet as much as possible. It's not only important to eat at the same times as your usual routine, but eating similar foods is important for your digestive system, too. Add a bit of fiber and fruits to your travel diet because it's easy to become constipated while consuming airport and hotel food that are loaded with sodium and can dehydrate you. So, drink lots of water. Eat healthy and you will have more energy!
3. Get plenty of rest - A well rested traveler can make better decision when faced with changing itineraries at the airport, they can protect their belongings from theft by staying alert and sleep will boost your immune system. Keep in mind that we heal in our sleep. Your body has time to fend off infections while sleeping. If you have been getting plenty of sleep your body's immune system will be prepared to fight when you're exposed to the flu and/or common cold.
4. Take exactly what you need - bring along a few over the counter medications just in case. Foreig countries don't have the same types of drug store products that we have in the US, so if you use something on a daily basis, then you should bring it with you. For example, anti-diarrhea pills, antacids, aspirin, cold medicine etc. It's sometimes hard to find the basic things you need when traveling, especially if you are in another country. Most importantly, don't forget your prescriptions.
5. Vaccines - Do a little research into what vaccines you've had, and then compare them to what you might need for traveling to foreign countries. A great resource for researching your vaccine needs is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sources and other tips:
I hope this helps. For in-depth information on staying healthy while traveling visit:
1. Children under 2 are not required to purchase a seat. However, some airlines offer a discounted ticket to children under 2, be sure to inquire with an agent before purchase. The advantage of purchasing a seat is that you can bring your child's infant carrier or Sit-n-Stroll and place it directly on the seat so that the child can rest comfortably. ( Toll Free Number to Contact your airline http://www.tollfreeairline.com )
2. If you do not purchase a ticket for your child, try to choose a flight that will not be full. This will allow you to use an extra seat for your child. Usually these flights are midday departures that do not cater to business persons. In addition, book the aisle and window seat only. Most people will not book the middle seat and you have a better chance of getting the whole row. In the event that it is booked, the passenger will surely swap for your aisle or window seat, or even move to another seat elsewhere on the plane.
3. If you bring a stroller to the airport, check it in right at the gate while boarding your flight. Otherwise, travel minimally with a Bjorn or sling and rent a stroller at your destination.
4. Rent or borrow as much equipment as possible at your destination. Traveling with equipment is cumbersome. Many airlines charge extra fees for excess luggage and loose equipment on flights are more likely to get damaged or stolen. Try using a rental service, for example: Santa Barbara Baby Company - http://www.sbbabyco.com/index.html
6. Try to burn off energy with your children before you board the plane. Many airports have children play areas. Check with the airport information kiosk.
7. Seek out other children on the flight. There is nothing more amusing and time consuming for children than playing with new friends. It will make the flight much easier.
8. Food - Bring along a chewy snack for the ascent and descent of the plane. It helps with the discomfort of the child's ear popping due to the altitude change
10. Family Lane at Check Point: these lanes allow families and individuals unfamiliar with air travel procedures, as well as travelers with special needs, to go through security at their own pace. Individuals carrying medically necessary liquids, aerosols and gels in excess of three ounces will also be directed to these popular lanes. Individuals that carry medicine in liquid form, aerosols or gels over the three ounce limit will also be directed to these popular lanes.