Wyndham Wisdom

Twelve Tips for Healthy Traveling

From PURE Solutions: the Company that Creates Allergy-Friendly Hotel Rooms Worldwide

• Ask for an allergy-free, pet-free and no smoking hotel room. Increasingly hotels, notably those in major cities, are responding to worldwide consumer interest in and demand for more healthy accommodations. The closer you can come to enjoying a PURE room, the more enjoyable your trip will be
• Sunshine and dry air minimize the growth of various types of irritants and contaminants, so try to get a hotel room that is bright and sunny, and well away from such facilities as swimming pools
• Air circulation is key to a healthy hotel room so make sure that yours has good ventilation
• It may run counter to the "fresh air is always good for you" myth, but air conditioning is often a wise idea when traveling by car and staying in a hotel room, particularly for those who have allergies or are sensitive to air-born pollutants
• It may not be possible in the rainforest but it's always helpf`ul to try to keep humidity low, ideally at 50 percent or lower because moisture is generally needed for bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to grow. Air conditioning helps do this
• Know your destination. Allergy and pollen seasons, temperatures and humidity, rainy and dry seasons all vary around the country and the world. The more you know about conditions in your destination at the time of your visit, the easier it is to prepare for possible discomfort. Try to plan your trip for a time of the year when indoor and outdoor pollutants are at a minimum
• Bring your medications. Be sure to plan ahead, even consult a doctor if necessary, to ensure that you are prepared to combat whatever allergy or irritant might rear its ugly head during your travels. Have medications, especially anything needed for a sudden, serious allergic reaction, readily available at all time. And it's always wise to know something about available medical facilities and services when traveling to foreign countries
• Drink plenty of water, but the right kind. Whether it's on an airplane or in a car, whether you are enjoying hot weather or vigorous exercise, keep your body full of fluids, especially fresh, clean water. When traveling internationally to some parts of the world, it might be wise to stick to bottled water, just to be safe
• Be careful with food. New culinary traditions, ingredients and cooking methods can take some getting used to, even when there is absolutely nothing wrong or ill-prepared about the meal. If you are traveling to exotic destinations, get advice about what and where is safe to eat. And it's always a good idea to have an over-the-counter remedy on hand just in case
• Protect your skin. Pausing occasionally to apply sunblock is an easy way to avoid a sunburn - and possible more serious problems years from now - that could ruin a day or two of vacation
• And, of course, ask for PURE room wherever you go. The more you ask, the quicker hotels around the world will have them

Published: Endless Vacation May/June 2008 Issue