By Michelle Talsma Everson | Digital Free Press
As Arizona families prepare for summer vacations, road trips and flights, hydration should be part of the travel checklist.
Long hours in the car, dry airplane cabins, disrupted routines, caffeine, alcohol and summer heat can increase the risk of dehydration. The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends drinking water throughout the day, especially before spending time outdoors, and limiting drinks with caffeine, sugar or alcohol.
Kristin Anderson, who works with clients at Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in North Peoria, said she often sees travelers think through the logistics of a trip but overlook how travel can affect their bodies.
“Hydration plays a big role in how you feel during a trip, especially when you are flying, sitting for long periods or drinking more caffeine or alcohol than usual,” Anderson said.
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness offers IV hydration and wellness services, including treatments focused on hydration, recovery and general wellness support. Anderson said travel-related dehydration is a common concern during Arizona’s hotter months, especially for people leaving for flights, road trips or vacations that include more time outdoors.
Even mild dehydration can leave travelers feeling tired, sluggish or foggy, Anderson said. Common symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, fatigue, dark urine and muscle cramps.
Air travel can be especially drying. FAA-supported cabin air research notes that passenger cabin air is dry, with relative humidity reaching about 10% as a flight progresses.
Road trips bring a different set of challenges. Travelers may drink less water to avoid stops or rely more heavily on coffee, soda or energy drinks to stay alert.
“Long travel days throw off normal routines,” Anderson said. “People may skip water, grab salty snacks, drink extra coffee or have alcohol once they arrive. All of those things can add up, and by the time they notice it, they may already feel tired, foggy or run down.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking plenty of fluids in hot weather, carrying a refillable water bottle and considering limits on drinks high in sugar, sodium, caffeine or alcohol.
Anderson recommends travelers begin hydrating before they leave rather than waiting until symptoms appear. Drinking water consistently in the days leading up to a trip, limiting excess caffeine and alcohol, and eating water-rich foods can help reduce the risk of headaches and fatigue, she said.
“Pre-travel hydration is one of the simplest things people can do to feel better on the road,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start drinking water before departure, keep a bottle with you while traveling and be mindful of how much caffeine and alcohol you’re adding in.”
Travelers also should pay attention after they return home, especially after long flights, time changes, disrupted sleep, outdoor activities or heat exposure.
“Travel can put extra stress on the body, especially with crowded airports, dry airplane cabins and exposure to more germs than usual,” Anderson said. “We often hear from clients who feel run down or get sick shortly after returning from vacation. For some travelers, an immunity-focused IV drip before or after flying may be part of their wellness routine, along with hydration, rest and other healthy habits.”
For some people, Anderson said, IV hydration helps when dehydration symptoms are more noticeable or when they want to restore fluids more quickly. She said it should not replace regular water intake or daily healthy habits.
“IV hydration is not a replacement for daily healthy habits, but it can be a helpful recovery tool for some people,” Anderson said. “Our goal is to help clients understand what their bodies need so they can feel more energized and get back to their routine.”
Travelers should seek medical care if they experience severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, prolonged vomiting or signs of serious dehydration. Mayo Clinic says severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment and can be more serious for infants, children and older adults.
Editor’s Note: Michelle Talsma Everson is a communications expert working and living in the Valley of the Sun.
