Traveling this Holiday Season? Stay Hydrated with these Top Tips

As much as we love holidays filled with our crazy families and binge eating food, those of us who have to travel often dread the long hours of being in a car, train, or plane ride. Between the travel and non-stop festivities, most are desperate for rest and recovery when we get home. The weather and humidity during travel combined with the alcohol consumption and (sugary) foods consumed during the holiday can throw any of us off our balance. Even throughout the holidays, it's prominent that we continue to take care of our body and its needs.

Holiday Socializing and Drinking Binges

Hydration is a daily essential that 75% of Americans seem to neglect. These levels decrease further during the holiday season due to drinking, traveling, and overeating. Among the wine during Thanksgiving, spiked eggnog on Christmas, and champagne on New Year's Eve, 69% of people are more likely to overindulge during this time of year, often due to socializing. Beverage Daily reports, “The average American sees a 100% increase in their alcoholic drinking habits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.”

Staying on Track during Holiday Travel

The holidays are about relaxing and having fun with loved ones, which for many, includes having a few drinks. To stay hydrated, remember to drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed. Staying hydrated is more than just for thirst, though. During summer, we lose water from sweat; during winter, humidity levels drop because water from our skin tends to evaporate at a quicker level. If this is the situation (as it is for most this time of year), drinking an adequate amount of water will help prevent dry skin and chapped lips. Not only will water increase hydration levels, but it will also curb any weight-gaining habits.

Symptoms of Dehydrations to look out for

Moderate symptoms of dehydration can include increased wrinkles, dry eyes, thirst, fatigue, low urine output, dry mouth, headache, or dizziness. Severe dehydration may result in low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, loss of skin elasticity, little or no urination, confusion, and fever. According to The Global Traveler, "adequate water intake also prevents deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), or heart attacks, especially when traveling."

Traveling by Plane is a Whole Different Level of Dehydration

Hydration is not only important when consuming alcohol, but also when traveling. A plane generally flys approximately 30,000 feet up in the air, which is around 10% humidity, dramatically increasing the chance for dehydration due to the high altitude. The dryness in the air may not feel noticeable, but it does cause our nasal passages to dry out, making it easier for any virus or bacteria to get in. To avoid these situations, spraying a face mist might help, but drinking eight ounces of water for every hour of the flight will be a more effective method for hydration. Bringing an electrolyte supplement like DrinkLyte’s mix packets is perfect in aiding rehydration during and after travel. These packets are pocket-sized, which makes them easier to bring on the plane. Try to avoid drinking beverages that contain sugar, caffeine, or alcohol, as these can only worsen dehydration symptoms.

Long and tiring travels might not always be exciting, but taking the time to prepare ahead will give us the best outcome. For instance, increasing water intake just a few days before a trip can also help with hydration. Ultimately, although staying hydrated during the holidays is crucial to our health, the most important thing is to have fun, relax, and enjoy the holidays with loved ones.