Tips to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling
Getting sick can ruin a trip and ruin it fast! Here are our tips to avoid getting sick on vacation. In order to make sure you have a sick-free vacation, it’s important to be prepared and take preventative measures to help you avoid getting sick while traveling. Getting sick happens unexpectedly, but there are ways to reduce chances. Check out these 11 simple tips to ensure a healthy vacation and avoid getting sick while traveling!
1. Get Required Vaccinations
Getting vaccinated can help prevent potential health issues. Before going on your trip, research the countries you plan on visiting and then ask your doctor if there are any vaccinations you need. See your doctor at least 4 months before you leave.
2. Protect yourself against insect bites
As you may know, mosquitos can spread all types of diseases. To prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellents that contain DEET, sleep with mosquito nets, and wear light colored clothing.
3. Wash your Hands
Washing your hands is so simple and easy yet so many people don’t do it enough. Keeping your hands clean is essential in reducing the spread of germs. Wash your hands before you eat, after you eat, and after using the bathroom.
4. Hand Wipes and Sanitizers
If you can’t wash your hands, always have hand wipes or a sanitizer available, especially when traveling! They kill bacteria and are great to have when hot water and soap are not available.
5. Protect Yourself from the Sun
To prevent sunstroke and burns, wear sunscreen and a hat during peak sun hours. Too much time in the sun can lead to a number of things including nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and light-headedness. Apply sunscreen every few hours!
6. Stay Hydrated
This is a very important tip to avoid getting sick while on vacation. Drink lots of water! This is easy to do but can be easy to forget. Symptoms of dehydration include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, and muscle cramps. If you start to feel a symptom, drink plenty of water.
7. Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Be sure to ask your doctor if it’s safe to drink the water where you’re going. If not, make sure to only drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. Avoid ice!
8. Careful What You Eat
When traveling to a foreign country, be cautious if there is a risk of eating food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Avoid foods like unpeeled fruits and vegetables, salads, food not served hot, and unpasteurized dairy products.
9. Avoid Sitting For Long Periods
Avoid muscle cramping! If you have a long flight or long layover, be sure to stretch every few hours.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Those who travel know that traveling can get stressful, so be sure to sleep 7-8 hours a night to avoid exhaustion and fatigue. Lack of sleep is not only bad for your health, but can also cause you to be grumpy and irritable. No room for that on vacation!
11. Bring medicine in case you do get sick
If you do end up getting sick while traveling, be prepared with medicine from home that you are familiar with. It’s a good idea to pack the following:
-Prescription medication
-Medication for Digestive Issues
-Cough and Cold Medicine
-Pain Medication
-Antibiotic Cream and Bandages
-Motion Sickness Medication
*Remember, it’s always best to consult your doctor before a trip to make sure you’re fully prepared!
Alannah McEwan, Itchy Feet Travel | August 15, 2016
