Traveling in this modern world becomes a challenge for today's singer. We travel by wonderful modern jets, but we are put into a cabin and in close proximity with so many other people, some who travel when not healthy. This air that we all breathe within the airplane carries many germs, and at high altitudes also becomes very dry, which does not help us to keep our throats and noses moist to help us fight of any illnesses that may be wafting thru the air.
We also at times travel great distances, remaining on an airplane up to 16-18 hours if traveling internationally. So how do we stay healthy, and also deal with the accompanying jet-lag when flying between continents?
What I have done over the years is develop a routine that works for me, and helps me come off the plane in fairly good physical shape. Indeed, in the past I was able to fly 10 hours, arrive and in an emergency, sing well the same evening of arrival.
My travel secrets:
1. When possible, stay up late the night before so that you sleep a great deal on the plane.
2. If possible, avoid some of the starches in some of the airplane food like the bread and butter. I generally will avoid the starches/carbohydrates when possible. This helps to keep you away from the bloated feeling that you might get when flying.
3. Get up and walk and stretch minimum every couple hours between naps.
4. Of course, drink lots of water on the plane. Also, make sure your seat is an aisle seat because if you are drinking lots of water, you will need to visit the toilet frequently!
5. Take a medicine that will moisturize your throat; something like Mucinex, Robitussin or Mucosolvon. This will help your immune system fight off any bugs in the air.
6. When you arrive at your destination, you might nap on the bus or train into the city, but once in the hotel or home, do not sleep until after 10pm at night. In the morning get up at a realistic hour (after 8 hours of sleep hopefully) and do some exercise.
