Healthy Family Travel Tips #3 – Drink Lots of Water

It should go without saying, but here I’ll say it; drink lots of water.  Not just lots, more than you think.  Hikers are told to drink until their urine is clear, that’s how they know they are taking in enough fluids.  The same should be true for a family on the go.  Proper hydration can make or break a trip, especially the moving parts.  Even if you’re just lazing on the beach make sure you have a water bottle near by.

Kids especially need to be reminded of the importance of water and need special supervision from parents in this regard.  While most kids do drink when they become thirsty, they won’t always notice the thirst until they have turned into a cranky ball of whining.  This can then set the rest of the family off if everyone is feeling a bit low of energy and hydration.  More than once my own family has succumbed to this downward spiral until we realize, “Wait a second, I haven’t drank anything in the last 2 hours!”  When there’s fun all around, looking for a fountain or carrying a water bottle is the last thing we usually think of.  But it really helps keep the energy levels up, even more than eating regularly.

Some tricks to remember:

• Hydrate first thing in the morning and last thing at night.  It’s better to risk having to get up in the middle of the night than waking up already thirsty and behind the eightball.
• Bring a water bottle.  And by water bottle, I mean a reusable such as the Kleen Kanteen or Sigg bottles.  I’ve got a personal vendetta against nonreused plastic water bottles.
• Even when kids say they aren’t thirsty, have them drink something.  They’ll never thank you for it, but you’ll hear less complaints.
• Especially on an airplane, drink plenty of fluids.
• Anytime you see a water fountain, use it.  Airports, train stations, hotel lobbies, anywhere you believe the water to be ok, have a drink.
• Take normal precautions when traveling abroad.  There may be many times when you need to resort to bottled water.  In this case, it’s better than nothing.
• If the water is fairly well filtered and not full of odd floating things, consider bringing along a Steripen to purify the water and some Nuun Hydration Tablets (a new tablet I’m beginning to like) to help flavor the water a little.
• Keeping your family hydrated also helps in warding off sickness as your body is better prepared to mount a defense against any incoming diseases or general yick.  Proper hydration keeps things flowing through the body including anti-bodies and white blood cells.

Water is your friend and you’re body craves it.  But it usually doesn’t let you know until your tank is a bit too low.  Be sure to hydrate often to keep your trip enjoyable and healthy.

Previous Healthy Family Travel Tips

#1 – Cut Fingernails Very Short
#2 – Find a Park