Six Tips for Staying Healthy While on Vacation

Summer is always that time of year when it’s almost obligatory to go on a vacation. However, this can quickly go from being a very pleasant situation to a bad time if some preventive measures are not taken. Just imagine that you’re in that place that you dreamed of visiting so much. You sweated and worked very hard to achieve this goal, and you finally managed to get everything you need to make this the perfect trip. But out of nowhere, something affects your health and wellbeing and keeps you sick in bed, leaving you unable to enjoy what you wanted so much.

According to some statistics, it’s estimated that between 22% and 64% of travelers and tourists present some type of self-limited illness or also potentially unpleasant health conditions during their vacations. Planning your vacation without scheduling a prior medical appointment could be the same or more serious as forgetting about your flight ticket. That’s why we’ll present you with some tips that will help you prevent these inconveniences from arising on your next trip.

Visit Your Doctor Beforehand

A medical check-up visit at around 4 or 6 weeks before leaving for your vacation can help detect health concerns that could be affected by your trip, or even completely prevented, depending on the destination. Your healthcare provider will give you the guidelines to act appropriately in this situation. Lately, different platforms have been enabled with online consultations, too, which can facilitate this process.

Take Out Travel Insurance

It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when going on vacation. Even if they’re somewhat shorter trips, accidents can present a distressing situation and directly affect your health and finances. Insurance companies offer international numbers to guide you in the different situations that may arise.

Have Your Information Always With You

In the event of an accident while in an unfamiliar place and far from home, it’s important to have your personal information with you at all times. Things such as contact information for your friends and family members, as well as your doctor, are essential. You’ll also want to keep your travel insurance information on hand, as well as any documentation of chronic illnesses, allergies, and current medications. All this can help you get the proper medical treatment should an issue arise.

Follow Local Health Guidelines

If you’re going to travel to a new and unknown place, you must educate yourself about the different situations of the place, especially in the scope of public health. Be sure to check any epidemiological reports of the area you’re traveling to, as it may give key health and safety information. It’s always essential to stay informed and follow the recommendations that they offer.

Consultation After the Trip

When you arrive back home from your trip, it’s a good idea to get a medical check-up, even if you believe you feel fine. For instance, it’s important to monitor any chronic diseases to make sure they weren’t worsened by your travel. It’s also important to follow up on health issues that can be treated on the spot, such as sunburn or possible parasitic or other types of infections.

One tip for women is to avoid as much stress as possible during your vacation. However, during your trip, it’s not uncommon to experience hormonal imbalances, as they can easily arise due to the stress of travel. If you suspect that you may have developed an imbalance, it’s not a bad idea to undergo hormone testing to rule them out or start treatment for them. 

 Tips to Take Care of Your Health When You’re On Vacation

Here are some other key tips to stay healthy on a trip:

• Whenever you feel like coughing or sneezing, try as much as possible to cover your nose and mouth. Do this with a tissue, tissue, or your lower arm. Never do it with your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. You can also apply a hand sanitizer, as long as it’s at least 60% alcohol.
• Consume only treated or bottled water.
• Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
• Use repellants or mosquito nets to minimize the risk of insect bites.
• If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with plenty of soap and water. If you don’t have knowledge about the animal’s vaccination status or it’s a wild animal, you must go to medical service as soon as possible.
• Avoid buying food and alcoholic beverages from untrusted vendors.
• Avoid ingesting raw seafood.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who have recently had respiratory conditions or the flu.
• If you’re going to travel, you must have medical insurance for care if necessary. Also, make sure you comply with the vaccination schedule established by the country you went to visit.

A trip should be an enjoyable experience, but getting sick while traveling can quickly derail it. By planning ahead and taking measures to avoid any mishaps, and by having a contingency plan in place should something arise, you can help ensure you make the most of your next getaway – no matter where your travels may take you!