There’s nothing worse than getting sick when you’re on vacation. Not only does it ruin your trip, but it also puts a damper on your immune system for future travels. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can avoid getting sick while traveling. And if you aren’t so lucky and end up stuck in your hotel room with a bug, it’s important to know what you do. Here, Clearwater Adventures presents some strategies for avoiding getting sick and caring for yourself if your efforts fail.
Go on the Offense
The best defense is a good offense, right? Well, the same goes for travel health. Before you even step foot out the door on your trip, there are some preparations you can take to try to stave off any potential illnesses.
First, make sure you’re up-to-date on all your vaccinations. This is especially important if you’re traveling to a country with a higher risk of contracting certain diseases. The last thing you want is to get sick while abroad and then be unable to receive proper treatment because of your vaccination status.
Second, Travel Perk recommends that you boost your immune system before you go. This means eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep in the weeks leading up to your trip. When your immune system is strong, it’s better equipped to fight off any potential bugs that come your way.
And finally, Cleveland Clinic suggests packing some health essentials in your carry-on bag. Things like hand sanitizer, face masks, and immunity-boosting supplements can help keep you healthy while en route to your destination.
Digitize Your Docs
In addition to packing physical items like hand sanitizer and face masks, it’s also a good idea to pack digital copies of important documents like your passport and travel insurance policy. But another document you might not think to digitize is your medical information.
Creating a PDF of your medical history—including any allergies or chronic conditions you have—is a good way to ensure that medical professionals will have quick and easy access to this information if you need medical care while abroad. You can use online resources that will allow you to create PDFs. Then, once you save the files, you can rename, download, or share the new PDFs with others, as well as save the files in the cloud so they’re available even if your phone dies or gets lost.
This is especially helpful if you’re traveling for business. If you get sick and need to request that meetings are moved to an online format, you can send electronic invitations to reschedule, which can prove to be a huge time savings. When you design your invitations in minutes using an online tool, you can choose a template and customize with your own text, fonts and graphics.
Supplies to Have
Even if you take all the precautions in the world, sometimes you still end up getting sick when traveling. If this happens, there are some items you should make sure you have packed so that you can get through it as quickly as possible and get back to enjoying your vacation.
Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen and antihistamines are always good to have on hand in case you start feeling under the weather. If you have any prescription medications that you need to take regularly, make sure to pack those as well—and don’t forget an extra pair of contact lenses or glasses if needed!
It’s also a good idea to keep some inexpensive, safe, natural cleaning products handy for germy surfaces. Items like baking soda and vinegar are great alternatives to chemical cleaners. And last but not least, pack some comfortable clothes so that you can curl up and rest.
Consider the Vacation Home Option
If you have a chronic condition or simply have a favorite destination, staying at a vacation home can be a proactive option. It’s a chance to set up your space as well as establish with local providers so you’ll be better prepared for healthcare if the need arises. Just be aware that getting a loan for a second home may require you to come up with a down payment of 20-25 percent or more.
Tips to Avoid Illness
Although there’s no guaranteed way to prevent getting sick when traveling, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. One of the most important things is to practice good hygiene—this means washing your hands regularly (especially before eating), not touching your face, and avoiding close contact with people who are already sick.
Another way to stay healthy is by being mindful of what you eat and drink. Tap water in many countries is not safe to drink, so make sure to only consume bottled water or boiled water. And although that street food may be tempting, it’s often best avoided, as well. Stick with foods that have been cooked thoroughly instead.
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough rest. Travelling can be exhausting, so make sure you’re taking time each day to relax and recharge. This will help keep your immune system strong so that you can enjoy your trip!
Take Precautions and Take Care
Getting sick when you’re traveling can quickly take the wind out of your sails. However, by taking some precautions ahead of time —like getting vaccinated and boosting your immune system — and packing the right items, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way. And if all else fails and you get sick, then follow the steps outlined above to rapidly recover and get back to enjoying your vacation. Safe travels!
