How to Handle a Hangover While Traveling

Dealing with a hangover is never fun, but on the road it can be even more distressing. Here are some tips on making the best of a hangover situation while traveling--be it a business trip or leisure vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Possibilities include aspirin and stomach meds

1. Sleep is the best cure for a hangover, so get every possible wink of shuteye that you can. Most hotels/motels will happily give you an extension on your checkout time, assuming they’re not intensely busy, a great way to buy some more time for rest.

2. Seek out medicinal items that can help you, depending on your symptoms, as soon as possible. Aspirin, stomach meds and other over-the-counter remedies can usually be found at any airport newsstand or convenience store; always buy more than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re going on a long flight or drive.

3. Liquids are also an effective strategy for tackling a hangover, since alcohol causes dehydration—so drink all you can—especially water and anything with Vitamin C. Take advantage of every water fountain you see, and while flying, politely ask the flight attendant for an extra juice or water when the beverage cart comes by.

4. Sweating out the toxins from the previous night never hurts, so take a long, hot bath in that hotel tub—and plenty of lodgings have a hot tub or Jacuzzi that will help heal your woes as well. If you need to wake up, finish off with a cold shower.

5. Make yourself eat something, even if your appetite is shot and dining’s the last thing on your mind. Crackers, toast and other plain items usually aren’t too tough on your stomach, and will help lay the foundation for a more substantial meal.

6. When you are ready to eat a solid meal, avoid the many unhealthy options so easily available when traveling and try to find something reasonably healthy. Something like a high-quality sandwich or chef salad provides a few of the food groups in one easy package.

7. Don’t be hesitant to postpone or just cancel your daily plans, when possible, if on a leisure trip. Even if you have to eat the deposit on something like a horseback outing or whitewater rafting float, it will probably be better than the jarring experience awaiting you with a bad hangover.

8. If you’re determined to get out and about, try to find activities that will be pleasant but sedentary. Lying on the beach, picnicking in a park or going to see a movie are activities that won’t strain your brain, body or stomach too greatly.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to remember to drink a few glasses of water before going to sleep after a night of imbibing—which will lessen the next day's fallout.
• Of course, the best way to handle a hangover is to avoid getting one in the first place!
• Keep in mind when imbibing during your travels that drinking on an airplane or at other high altitudes will heighten the effect of the alcohol.

[ringgold]

on 8/13/2009 Great advice for dealing with hangovers !!! A hangover can really ruin a whole day !!!

[jasenlee]

on 7/21/2009 Awesome advice, I could have used this article on my recent trip to St. Maarten!

[Hode]

on 7/6/2009 Good advice. I never enjoy the next morning with a hangover and just want it to go away as soon as possible. I agree that liquids are the key. Thanks!

[bogdwell]

on 7/4/2009 HEHEHE.. I wrote an article on hangovers also.... nice tips... 5*