Health

Take precautions to minimize the effects of jet lag and change of climate.

Schedule your flight, so your body has time to adapt. Summer: maybe sleep on a red-eye flight and arrive in the early morning when temperatures are cooler. Winter: arrive early afternoon when temps are usually warmer. Or whatever works for you. The goal: feeling great and having fun every minute you're here.

Get enough sleep.

Research studies reveal that adequate sleep can increase oxygen supply to the brain; contribute to soothing the eyes; increase memory; combat anxiety; and have a positive effect on ailments like high-blood pressure, migraines and fatigue.

Monitor your energy level frequently.

Constant activity, lots of snacks and alcohol, little sleep, extreme air conditioning, desert heat, recirculated air and exposure to large crowds can quickly wear down your resistance. And that could increase your susceptibility to colds, flu or worse. Know your performance boundaries. Manage your energy accordingly.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Local EMS (Emergency Medical Services) crews report that dehydration accounts for a major portion of their calls. According to experts, feeling thirsty can mean that you are already partially dehydrated. Mild dehydration can make a person tired, cranky, and stiff-jointed, and lead to headache, nausea, aches and cramps. Alcohol and coffee (diuretics) can make dehydration worse.

Travel with healthy snacks that help maintain a stable energy level.

Some people report that periodically snacking on modest amounts of whole foods such as energy foodbars (without refined sugar), granola, apples, raw nuts, trail mix, etc. can help them stay energized and more alert. Sugary drinks and snacks, on the other hand, can lead to big swings in blood sugar levels, from hyperactive to falling asleep. Consult with a health professional to identify the foods most appropriate for you.

Take short, but regular, breaks.

All the lights. All the noise. All the activity. You want to just keep going full-speed ahead. But every great athlete who has to perform at peak levels for several hours at a time, knows they have to schedule adequate time to rest and recuperate. Taking short, regular breaks is the same concept on a smaller scale.

Keep yourself loose and flexible.

Try a few minutes of gentle stretching during your regular breaks. The amount of walking done along The Strip can be quite a workout for some people. The right stretching routine can feel as good as a full-body massage.

Be proactive when it comes to cleanliness.

Wash thoroughly from head to toe daily. Wear clean clothes every day. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Or regularly use individually wrapped towelettes or a hand sanitizer. Huge crowds of drunk or dehydrated people may not have hygiene at the top of their list of things to do.

NOTE: consult with your professional health advisor about these and other strategies for staying healthy while traveling.