This is a wonderful guest post to help all of us avoid getting sick during upcoming holiday season travel! 😀
Travelling is a time for making memories and having fun, not a time that you want to be falling ill. Travel can be stressful and tiring, sometimes putting us at risk of illness – it’s sensible to be prepared for these scenarios and take a few precautions ahead of the trip.
Get enough sleep
Whether you’re flying to a different time zone, physically travelling, or just carrying heavy suitcases – travelling can be exhausting and your body needs time to recover. Always pay attention to how your body is feeling and rest up before fatigue begins to eat into your trip, especially after exertion.
Prepare ahead of time
Taking precautions and planning for the unexpected when you pack could be the difference between a good trip and a bad trip. Always prepare for your trip by researching your destination, getting all the required vaccines, and finding out about common illnesses and how to prevent them. There’s no need for over-thinking or paranoia, but it is still helpful to familiarise yourself with symptoms.
Think before you eat and drink
Different countries have different bacteria and different hygiene routines, so it’s worth doinga little googling ahead of time. There’s no doubt about it, E. coli is a holiday-killer. Avoid a ruined trip by choosing restaurants wisely and avoiding pre-packaged food. Consider beginning your trip with plain meals that are easy to digest, then experiment with more spices and exotic ingredients as your stomach acclimatises. This doesn’t mean you should miss out on street food! Simply do as the locals do and try and choose the vendors that locals frequent.
Travel with medication
In the rare event that you do fall ill, it will be incredibly helpful to have a pre-packed first aid kit for the worst-case scenario. Pack over the counter medicines for stomach upset and common ailments, or speak to your doctor about more specific medications. In the case of needing emergency medication in another country, always choose legitimate pharmacies and look for the pharmaceutical brands you recognise. Check for damage to the packaging and under no circumstances buy medicine from markets and street vendors.
Research urgent care
When in need of medical care abroad, always go straight to the accident and emergency or urgent care department. Research international and local hospitals in the area – international hospitals are often a better (albeit more expensive) option due to the potential language barrier at local hospitals. If in doubt, reach out to local expats who speak your language and go to the hospital they recommend. Investing in insurance before your trip will give you peace of mind, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. No matter the country, be sure to choose a clean hospital that feels safe and secure.
Get the most out of your trip by staying in the know about local healthcare and taking the appropriate precautions to prevent illness. Falling ill on your holidays is rare, but always be prepared for the worst-case scenarios so you can relax and enjoy your break.
Leave a Reply