Monthly Archives: August 2011

Travelers Constipation

The flip side of travelers’ diarrhea is constipation. While the old scourge of “tourista” gets most of the publicity, so to speak, constipation is almost as prevalent among travelers… and for some of the same reasons. No, it probably won’t be the water, but it can be the jet lag and the diet that bind you up.

Being tired from not sleeping well on the plane, being dehydrated, the stress of travel… all of these may add to your problem. But wait, you say, I thought those caused diarrhea! Yep, they can cause both, depending on all the other circumstances, and depending on your body. What gives some people the runs, clogs up others.

It may be that you traded off your usual fiber-fortified morning cereal for a fiber-free continental breakfast… Too much refined bread and the cheeses that go with it maybe? My grandmother used to say, “Eat cheese, it’s binding.”

I used to love all those new breads and cheeses to sample for breakfast when we travel, but now I try to eat those “active enzyme yogurts” before we travel, and I look for yogurt and fiber rich foods at the breakfast buffet.

Our bodies are conditioned to the clock, and your body clock is all off if you’ve passed over several time zones….

so for a couple of days, your body (and your bowels) can’t figure out when it’s supposed to work.

When it comes, don’t ignore the urge… you may be walking down the street in a foreign city and think, “Oh no! Not now!” Well, not going will just block things up more later, so do your best to find a toilet. Eventually your body will get on a schedule in your new time zone.

Remember to call it a toilet or WC. Calling it a restroom will only confuse people in many countries. And speaking of the facilities… Sometimes it can even be the strange bathroom facilities that cause travelers’ constipation in some people.

Those facilities may not be as clean as you’re used to… or you could encounter one of those “hole-in-the-ground toilets” instead of “the porcelain throne”. Some people just can’t go when the facilities are so different. I guess you’d better be looking for higher end (so to speak) hotels where things are more apt to be what you’re used to.

When you go on vacation, you probably drink more alcohol than you do at home. Alcohol can dehydrate you, and that can make you more apt to suffer irregularity.

Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Try to keep meals on a regular schedule, and try to eat plenty of raw fruits and leafy vegetables. Go for the prunes, granola, and yogurt if you get the chance at breakfast. You might want to try taking packets of a fiber supplement like Metamucil along.

And get plenty of exercise…. it’ll help get things moving again.

Airline travel

Carry on Luggage – The Advantage of Lighter Weight:

Attention to detail while packing your carry on bag will allow you piece of mind during your airline adventures. Just knowing that your luggage will arrive at your final destination offers you a less stressful flight.

Flying for Less With Frequent Flier Miles:

If you have never heard of travel hacking before it may sound like some type of illegal method of accessing computer systems related to the travel industry. In reality it is simply short hand description for finding ways to travel with more flexibility or for less money. Since many of us dream of travel but feel like we just don’t have the funds or the time to do it the prospect of increased flexibility and decreased cost is quite attractive.

Parking for Frequent Airport Visit:

Anyone who travels a great deal can tell you immediately that one of the most frustrating things about traveling by airplane is actually getting to and from the airport.

If you are a frequent flyer, chances are you are nodding your head right now. You know that frustration.

Tips For Enjoying Your Next Long Flight:

Many people look forward to sleeping throughout their entire flight. However, this may not be possible for everyone. By taking the items necessary for passing the time, dozing off is easier. Take along a pillow and always make sure you take a thick sweater in case the air conditioning is too cold for you. Resting on a plane is better when you are comfortable.

Just Say No! Expert Offers Alternatives to Airline Baggage Fees:

Just when you thought the flying experience couldn’t get any worse, last month Spirit Airlines began charging passengers for any carryon bag placed in the overhead bin. While some may view this as a necessary step to keep airlines operating in the black, I think I stand for most when I classify this in one word.

Cut Costs When Flying:

Flying seems to be getting more and more expensive, and I’m not referring to the flight itself. Extra expenses in airport terminals add up quickly and, for frequent travelers, can mean big bucks. Here are some quick tips to cut back on your travel expenses next time you fly.

 Top Travel Tips by Frequent Flyers:

In the movie, “Up in the Air,” George Clooney’s character Ryan Bingham was the ultimate example of an efficient traveler. With flight delays, baggage fees and lost luggage becoming more common, what can traveling executives learn from Bingham and real-life frequent flyers? Here are five expert travel tips to help you fly more efficiently and reduce stress when on the road.