Lots of people, including me, worry about not feeling their best on vacation. We all spend lots of time, money, and emotional energy planning and looking foward to our vacations. Somtimes they are buget list trips that we probably won't or can't take again. While we can't prepare for everything, there are some things we can be on the lookout for. The most common health issues that may derail a trip are a cold/flu, stomache bug, or dehydration. The good news is, with a little thinking ahead, you can prepare for and hopefuly avoid most of these!
Get Vaccinated
Having a safe and healthy trip starts before you even leave home. Be sure to check with your doctor a few months before your trip to make sure you have all the recommended vaccinations for your travels. Some of these may take time to schedule, or require more than one visit, so don't wait until to the last minute. A travel planer can also help you understand what might be suggested for different destinations. You may also want to find out if these are covered by your insurance, and if they aren't be sure to include them in your trip budget.
Eat Healthy Food & Drink Clean Water
It's so much fun to try new foods when traveling - and you should! Keep that excitment and be smart about your choices. Look for busy restaurants and street food carts that will have more turnover and have food that is cooked fresh. Have any meats or seafood grilled to order to avoid parasites. Avoid raw veggies or fruits that may have been washed with tap water in areas where this is a concern. Looking for unpeeled fruit is a great option. While vacation is a often a time to indugle, make sure you're getting enough nutrition along with your treats! Consider taking vitamins and/or probiotics - but be sure to try these before traveling, you don't want to try anything for the first time on your trip.
You'll want to find out if the tap water is safe to drink at your destination. If it's not, or questionable, opt for bottled water or bring a high quality filter with you. Be on the lookout for hidden tap water, like ice or a drink like iced tea that isn't sealed. Be sure to stay hydrated. This may mean drinking more water than your usual amount when in hot climates. In hot dry climates, you may not realize how much you're sweating, so be sure to keep track of your water intake to make sure you're getting enough.
Avoid Unnecessary Risk
Be smart about your personal safety. Don't go walking alone at night in unfamilar areas, keep an eye on your drink, etc. It can be tempting to stop thinking about safety when you're relaxed and on vacation. Although you might see locals doing it, think twice before riding a motorbike without a helmet or hiking/climbing without safety gear. Do you want to have to seek medical attention on vacation? Consider booking activities through agencies that will meet safety standards.
First Aid/OTC Kit
Sometimes having some Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications on hand can make all the difference. While most places you visit will have pharmacies, it might derail your plans for the day to find one, and they may not have your prefered medications. Consider packing a small amount of your go-to or most often used meds in a small kit. For some folks this might include tummy/digestive,headache/body ache, or cold/sinus medications, blister covers, anti-itch cream, or Icy-Hot. Sometimes having some Immodium means the difference between enjoying the day or being stuck in your hotel room.
You don't have to bring the whole medicine cabinet. Think about what you most often need and bring a few for any urgent needs. Don't forget any prescription medications - and be sure to keep these in carry on bags and have information you'll need to replace them easily accessible.
Hand Washing
You've probably heard it a million times, but wash your hands. You can minimize your risk of infection by reducing the likelyhood that infectious agents enter your body. That sounds scary, but in reality this happens every day. The things we touch and the air we breath bring bacteria and viruses into our bodies. Being mindful of this can hugely reduce your risk of getting sick. Don't touch your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands. Wash your hands before preparing foods and eating. Most of us know this, but sometimes while traveling it's easy to forget and eat a snack without washing your hands. Keep some hand sanitizer in an easy to access location and make it a habit to use it before putting anything in your mouth. Don't rely on hand sanitizer alone though, it doesn't remove dirt or debris. A good rule of thumb is to be make sure you wash at least after every third time you use sanitizer. If you'll be traveling by air or in very crowded conditions and tend to catch colds easily, consider wearing a mask.
Sun Protection
If you've ever had a sunburn, you know how it can effect your ability to enjoy the rest of your vacation. Unfortunately, once you get burned, there's no quick fix, so the best strategy is to avoid getting burned!
Be sure to use sunscreen BEFORE you plan to be out in the sun, and use enough to get full coverage. Think about how much you may sweat, or if you'll be in the water, and select the appropriate sunscreen to meet your needs. If you're using a spray on, be sure to follow the instructions to get enough coverage. If you'll be in the ocean, look for a reef safe option. Don't forget to reapply - set a timer if you have trouble remembering when you're having fun.
Consider UV protection in clothing or a brimmed hat if you plan to be in the sun for a long time. For beach days, I love using a rashguard so I don't have to worry about burning my sholders or back while I'm snorkling or splashing around!
Know Your Options for Care
Lastly, if something does happen and you need medical care or medicaiton. Know your options and be prepared. What is the care system like where you'll be traveling? Find out what kind of coverage your heath insurance may provide in your desination. Many plans may require you to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement, if this is the case, be sure you're prepared for that. Consider if trip insurance or travel health insurance may be a good fit for you. A travel planner can help you understand the options.
Wishing your safe and healthy travels!
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