When traveling, regardless of your mode of transportation, it’s critical that you do so with your health in mind. You don’t want to push the limit, as doing so can ruin your trip before it ever get started. While there is a lot to keep in mind, one of the most important things you can do is remain hydrated.

As a general rule of thumb, try to stay on the same schedule as you do at home. So, if you drink eight glasses of water every day, don’t cut back when you’re traveling. In fact, you may need to drink even more, such as if you’re traveling by air.

There’s no denying the fact that water is one of the best drinks for staying hydrated, but that’s not your only option. Let’s take a look at several other beverages you can consume to stay hydrated when you’re away from home.

1. Sports drinks

You don’t want to go crazy on sports drinks, as many of them contain a large amount of sugar, but they can help to keep you hydrated. It’s a good alternative when you’re tired of drinking nothing but water. Also, depending on the brand, you may be able to find one that is low sugar or zero sugar.

2. Coconut water

Did you know that coconut water has 95 percent water content? In other words, it’s one of the best alternatives to drinking regular water. Also, when compared to sports drinks, it’s generally preferred because it’s the healthier option. But of course, you want to read the label before you start relying too heavily on coconut water.

At first, coconut water may not suit your fancy, but over time you could begin to fall in love with it. Make sure you give it a chance to be one of your go-to hydrating beverages.

3. Tea

This is a tricky one, as there are many types of teas to choose from. The one thing you need to watch for is caffeine. You don’t want to drink tea with caffeine, as it can actually work against you in regards to staying hydrated. It may be hard to believe, but many types of tea are almost as hydrating as water. Experiment with several types of caffeine-free teas to determine which one is best in regards to keeping you hydrated.

4. Fruit juice

Perhaps the biggest benefit of fruit juice is the number of options available to you. In addition to drinking 100 percent fruit juice, there are also supplements that you can add to other beverages, such as schisandra berry. Generally, fruit juice contains roughly 85 percent water, which makes it perfect for keeping hydrated. Also, depending on the type of juice you choose, there are sure to be plenty of vitamins and minerals that improve your health across the board. The one thing you need to be concerned about is the addition of sugars. This makes fruit drinks taste better, but it can also inhibit hydration.

5. Milk

You probably weren’t expecting to see milk on this list, but it can go a long way in keeping you hydrated. Many people overlook drinking milk as they assume that it’s only necessary for children. That’s not the case. Regardless of your age, it’s a good idea to drink milk. Even if you’re not doing so to stay hydrated, it contains vitamin D and calcium, which can improve your bone health and keep you energized.

Tip: there are many types of milk to choose from, so carefully read the label of each product before making a purchase. For instance, some people only drink organic milk while others are attracted to whole milk or skim milk.

Final Thoughts

If dehydration sets in, even a minor bout, it can cause a variety of symptoms that are sure to bog you down. Rather than take this risk, do whatever it takes to stay hydrated when you’re on the road. Doing so will benefit your health in more ways than you can imagine.

What are your favorite drinks for staying hydrated while traveling? Do you stick to water or is there something else that you generally turn to? Do you have a system that you use when traveling?