Summer travel can be a mixed bag of excitement, unexpected delays, and budget worries. With high gasoline prices, canceled flights, and other travel mishaps making headlines, it’s easy for a trip to feel more stressful than relaxing. Whether you’re jetting off for business meetings or a well-deserved vacation, you can use your benefit accounts—like FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), and even employer-sponsored LSAs (Lifestyle Spending Accounts)—to help ease these worries. Here are eight practical ways to do just that.
1. Stock Up on Medications
Before you head out, it’s always a good idea to take inventory of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and stock up on the necessities using your FSA or HSA funds. Unexpected delays or remote destinations (where pharmacies are hard to find) can turn a minor cold into a major inconvenience. By making sure you have a good supply of essentials like pain relievers, antihistamines, or antibiotics (if prescribed), you can travel with confidence knowing you are prepared for small health setbacks. Be sure to keep any necessary prescription information handy in case you need to contact a doctor while away.
2. Bring a First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit is a must-have for every traveler. Bandages, antiseptic ointment, and pain relievers are easy to carry and are perfect for minor bumps and scrapes. If you have a sensitive stomach or are trying new foods, taking along digestive aids can prevent any unwelcome surprises. The best part? Many of these supplies and premade kits are FSA- and HSA-eligible, allowing you to use your benefit accounts to cover these essential items. By doing so, you’re not only fostering a healthier trip but also managing your budget effectively.
3. Organize Your Travel Documents and Essentials
It isn’t always the physical ailments that bring unexpected stress—sometimes, it’s the little details, like misplaced travel documents or forgotten insurance cards. Use your benefit accounts to pay for travel insurance or even to attend travel safety seminars through some LSAs (depending on your employer’s account set up). Moreover, if you need to invest in organizers or smart accessories to keep your essential documents together, those items might also be eligible. Organizing these elements of your trip ahead of time can save you from last-minute scrambles when things go awry.
4. Pack the PPE
Traveling to new destinations and countries is exciting, but it can expose you to ailments that your body isn’t prepared to handle. Using personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer can save you from catching the ick and spreading it to others. It can sometimes be hard to find quality PPE on the spot, so be sure to pack a sufficient supply. These items are important for yourself and others, and are eligible for purchase with your FSA or HSA.
5. Stay Active
Even when you plan to relax, a little physical activity can boost your mood and reduce stress. Whether your vacation involves exploring a new city or scenic morning walks along the beach, regular exercise can help counteract travel fatigue. Check if your employer’s Lifestyle Spending Account (using the Summary Plan Description) or wellness benefits cover fitness items. Investing in a good pair of walking shoes or even portable exercise equipment can be a smart move for maintaining your well-being when you’re away from home.
6. Prepare for Jet Lag
Jet lag isn’t just about feeling tired—it can throw off your entire schedule, impacting both your mood and your health when you just want to get away. When crossing multiple time zones, your body may need a little extra help to adjust. Use benefit accounts to purchase sleep aids like eye masks, ear plugs, and over-the-counter medications that promote rest. Some LSAs even cover subscriptions to sleep apps, which can gently coax you into a new sleep routine. By planning for how your body will respond to time changes, you set yourself up for a more enjoyable escapade.
7. Protect Your Skin and Eyes
The summer sun is both a blessing and a curse. Basking in the sun can brighten your mood, but high UV rays can damage your skin and eyes if you aren’t prepared. Use your FSA or HSA funds to invest in sunscreen or prescription sunglasses. Not only does this protect you from harmful rays and potential long-term damage, but it also allows you to relax while knowing you’re safeguarding your health. It’s a small effort that can pay big dividends in comfort and protection during your outdoor adventures.
8. Stay Calm and Relaxed
Finally, travel can be unpredictable. Flight cancellations or misadventures in unfamiliar cities can spike your stress levels. When things go wrong, consider turning to relaxation methods. Meditation apps and local wellness or yoga studios can be surprisingly effective at calming your nerves. Expenses for these might be partially covered by an LSA or other wellness benefits offered by your employer. Taking a few moments to reset can transform an otherwise troublesome delay into an unexpected opportunity for self-care.
In Conclusion
Travel is wonderful; stress is not. By using your benefit accounts wisely, you can cover expenses that improve both your physical and mental well-being during trips. From ensuring you have ample medical supplies and travel safety gear to taking proactive steps to remain active and rested, every little bit counts. With a little foresight and smart use of your FSAs, HSAs, and LSAs, even the most stressful travel situation can turn into an opportunity for unexpected relaxation and fun. Bon voyage!
Beneliance has provided Arkansas employers with comprehensive third-party employee benefits administration and compliance services since 1996. Please enter your email (above right) to receive notifications about new blog articles as they are published.
