New Study Shows Travelers Often Sick & Tired

November 2006 (Medialink) - Call it a perfect storm for sniffles. When the busiest travel day of the year collides with cold and flu season, travelers may bring home more than just leftovers this holiday season. A new study conducted by Westin Hotels finds that 79% of travelers have taken flights while feeling sick, and nearly one-third regret their decision to travel while ill. One-fifth say flying exacerbated their symptoms. Add to that dehydration, which impacts nearly three-quarters of travelers; congestion, which plagues 44% of us while flying; sleep disruption, which affects 60% of travelers; and being trapped in close quarters on planes - and conditions are ripe for all sorts of ailments.

The study was commissioned to understand the physical condition of travelers; and partnered with Prevention Magazine to develop remedies to help renew guests and combat common ailments. So if traveling makes you sick this season, save some room on your plate for an aloe and pineapple sorbet designed to sooth sore throats; a kiwi 'boost juice' loaded with vitamin C for cold relief; and 'liquid yoga' - a tasty apricot tonic to induce relaxation and bring on sleep.

The "Travelers' Renewal Program" at Westin also provides preventative measures designed to keep illness at bay - including things like complimentary hand sanitizer, fruit and water in its lobbies. Now, you have a real bona fide excuse to check out of your in-laws' and into a hotel this Thanksgiving.

Produced for Westin Hotels