Travel Myths Revealed: What You Need to Know

Planning for a trip soon? We explore to discover the truth behind some common travel myths, so you may enjoy your vacation with confidence!

Myth #1: You can only deal with jet lag once you have reached your destination

The truth: Jet lag occurs when your natural circadian cycle is interrupted by travelling to a different time zone. It gets worse as you move from west to east and can persist longer. Fortunately, there are ways that you may plan to prevent jet lag-related concerns such as indigestion, trouble with bowel movements, and appetite loss from ruining your trip.^[1]

There are a few ways to help prevent jet lag or reduce its effects, such as adjusting your sleep schedule to meet the time zone of your new destination a few days before departure, trying to eat meals closer to your destination time, staying hydrated before, during, and after your travels and have proper hydration to help alleviate jet lag and travel tiredness. Be cautious to avoid fitting too many things into your schedule, especially on the day when you first arrive.^[2] Alternatively, consider taking supplements to ease insomnia and improve sleep quality.

Myth #2: Hand washing can be substituted with hand sanitisers.

The truth: Most bacteria and viruses can be killed by hand sanitisers, however not all germs can be eliminated by them. The greatest method for eliminating bacteria, dirt, grease, and harmful chemicals that linger on your skin is to wash your hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not easily accessible.^[3]

Myth #3: Viruses can spread through the ventilation in the aircraft

The truth: All commercial jet aircraft built after the late 1980s recirculate 10%–50% of the air in the cabin, mixed with outside air. In newer-model airplanes, the recycled air passes through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which capture 99.9% of particles (such as bacteria, fungi, and larger viruses or virus clumps). Cabin air is also generally circulated in defined areas within the aircraft, which limits the radius of distribution of pathogens spread by small-particle aerosols, and thus controls the spread of viruses.^[4]

However, some viruses can still be transmitted by contact with infected secretions, such as when a sick person sneezes or coughs and touches a communal surface with contaminated hands. The droplets in the air and contact with those contaminated surfaces can lead to the spread of viruses.^[5]

Therefore, it is essential to practice good handwashing and respiratory hygiene by covering mouth or wearing a mask when coughing or sneezing to decrease the risk of spread. Getting some antibacterial wipes on hand to clean high-contact areas can also be beneficial. Most importantly, stay healthy while travelling by boosting your immunity before your trip. Bring along supplements to help fight free radicals throughout the body and provide a natural source of protection.

Myth #4: It is impossible to avoid gaining weight on your holiday

The truth: It’s normal to slip into a holiday mood and forgo the healthy eating habits and exercise routine that you have built up back home (it is a holiday after all, right?). However, if you have made good success in your fitness or weight loss journey and would like to continue being active, it is not impossible.

There are some recommendations for healthy travel, and one of it is to choose a hotel with a gym. If that is not possible, bring along some lightweight and portable workout equipment, such as a resistance band or a skipping rope. Besides, try to plan a morning routine that sets you up for the day ahead. Take 15 minutes each day to do a few reps of exercises such as sit-ups, wall squats, push-ups and jumping jacks is a great start. You may also schedule some days for physical activities such as trekking or cycling. If you prefer indoor activities with an air-conditioner, museum visits and shopping might also help you reach your daily step goal of 10,000. With so many different food options to try on your holiday, you may consider packing supplements to suppress appetite and reduce carbohydrate absorption.

Myth #5: You will not get traveller’s diarrhoea if you avoid certain types of food.

The truth: When travelling, it is always recommended to avoid eating raw food. To reduce your chance of developing traveller’s diarrhoea, make sure your food is well cooked and avoid eating undercooked meat and seafood. It is also recommended to drink bottled or filtered water, as polluted water may contain hazardous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, simply avoiding these items does not guarantee you are completely out of the woods. Traveller’s diarrhoea typically comes from unhygienic food handling but factors such as stress, unfamiliar food and increased alcohol consumption may also play a part.^[6] It is best to always carry along supplements that help replenish the good bacteria in your gut, and keep any harmful bacteria at bay.

We hope this article helps to bust any of the travel misconceptions that you may have. Let’s head out to explore and enjoy yourself with your loved ones!

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-to-get-over-jet-lag

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jet-lag/symptoms-causes/syc-20374027

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

[4]  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-by-air-land-sea/air-travel

[5] https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-by-air-land-sea/air-travel

[6]  https://www.healthxchange.sg/digestive-system/colorectal/travellers-diarrhoea-causes-prevention