Journeys With Jani

Let’s talk travel and tissues. Not the crying kind (though, yes, I’ve teared up over a missed connection or a bad hotel pillow or two). I mean the achoo! kind—those sniffles that sneak up mid-trip and threaten to ruin your perfectly planned adventure. Whether you’re jet-setting across the pond or road-tripping through the South, staying healthy while traveling isn’t just a hope—it’s a must.

Here’s the lowdown on how this Southern-born, globe-trotting travel advisor keeps herself (and her clients) feeling good from takeoff to touchdown.

1. Hydrate Like Your Life Depends On It—Because It Kinda Does

Planes are drier than a Baptist potluck with no sweet tea. Drink water. Then drink more water. I’m not saying skip your in-flight mimosa, but balance, my friend. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and refill it constantly. Especially important when flying internationally or visiting higher altitudes (I’m looking at you, Denver).

2. Hand Sanitizer Is the New Travel Perfume

Don’t leave home without it. Keep one clipped to your bag, one in your pocket, and one in your carry-on. Wipe down tray tables, hotel remotes, and anything else that looks like it hasn’t seen a Lysol wipe since 2006.

Bonus tip: A travel-sized pack of disinfectant wipes is worth its weight in gold. You’ll thank me when your seatmate sneezes into their elbow and then reaches for the armrest you’re both sharing. Ew.

3. Stick With the 80/20 Rule

I’m not gonna be the one to tell you not to try that street taco or the buttery croissant from the café that smells like heaven. But let’s keep things realistic—try to eat mostly clean, mostly fresh, and mostly what your body’s used to. Especially on longer trips, that 80/20 rule (80% wholesome, 20% oh-heck-yes) will keep your stomach from revolting.

4. Sleep Like It’s Your Job

New beds, new time zones, noisy neighbors—travel sleep isn’t always pretty. Bring what you need to create your sleep sanctuary: eye mask, earplugs, white noise app, melatonin gummies, or lavender spray (yes, I’m that girl). You can’t be your charming, Instagrammable self running on fumes.

5. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance. Seriously.

I know, I know. It sounds like an upsell. But listen, I’ve seen a perfectly healthy client end up in a French ER with food poisoning, and another miss their cruise departure because of a delayed flight. Travel insurance isn’t just about cancellations—it’s about staying protected if you get sick or hurt. International or not, if there’s a chance your plans might go sideways, this is your safety net.

6. Move That Body (Even Just a Little Bit)

Long flights and car rides make us feel like Gumby in a blender. Stretch. Walk. Do some light yoga in the hotel room if that’s your thing. Even a lap around the airport counts. Your joints, back, and mood will thank you.

7. Pack a Travel Health Kit (No, Not Your Mom’s Entire Medicine Cabinet)

Here’s what I always recommend clients toss in a bag:

Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, whatever works for you) Antacids Motion sickness tablets Band-Aids Cold meds (the kind that don’t knock you out) Electrolyte packets A thermometer (Yes, really. Ask me why sometime.)

8. Listen to Your Gut—Literally and Figuratively

If your intuition says “maybe don’t eat that shrimp cocktail from the guy with the cart next to a sewer drain,” listen to it. If your stomach feels off, don’t ignore it. A day of rest is better than a week of misery. Adjust your plans, call your travel advisor (hey, that’s me!), and remember: the journey should be joyful, not miserable.

In Conclusion…

Traveling is one of the greatest joys in life, but it’s hard to enjoy the view from a sick bed. A little preparation, a lot of water, and some healthy habits go a long way toward making sure your only travel stories are about where you went—not what bug you picked up along the way.

Need help planning a trip that keeps you comfortable, safe, and absolutely unforgettable? You know where to find me.

Stay healthy out there,

XOXO, Jani