When you go on vacation, you want to have fun, go out, explore, and spend quality time with loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is your health.
Unfortunately, sometimes there is no avoiding getting sick on vacation. Air travel brings you in contact with lots of germs, and some people react to differences in climate and cuisine.
With some extra care during your journey, and while at your holiday destination, you can stay healthy on your vacay. Here are eight tips which will allow you to enjoy yourself while traveling.
1. Stay Hydrated
Traveling in an airplane can dry out your skin and your sinuses. Keep drinking water and don’t overdo the alcoholic beverages while flying.
If you are going to be in a warm climate or at high altitudes, keep yourself stocked with plenty of bottled water. It’s good protection against the tap water in places with unpredictable cleanliness. It also will help you from getting overheated or dizzy.
2. Pack Your Medications
If you take prescription drugs regularly, don’t assume you can get your medications anywhere you travel. Save yourself the hassle of trying to find a pharmacy by packing your pills in your carry-on. That way you won’t miss a dose, even if your suitcase gets misplaced.
If you carry medications in case there’s a problem, like an asthma inhaler or an EpiPen, make sure those are in your carry-on as well. If you use needles for insulin for diabetes, it’s best to carry a doctor’s note when you go through security.
3. Wash Your Hands
In airports, shuttle buses and hotel lobbies, you may expose yourself to airborne viruses and germs you’ve never encountered before. Keep infections to a minimum by using lots of Purell, and washing your hands as often as possible.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
It’s easy to overdo everything on vacation! You may want to jet ski and scuba dive, hike and swim, and then go out on the town! But being in a warm weather climate does not protect you from colds and flu.
Make sure you get your sleep while you are on vacation. Getting tired lowers your immunity, and makes you more likely to catch a bug. Exhaustion makes you more prone to accidents like tripping and falling.
5. Watch Your Diet
It’s fun to try different dishes when you travel, but be aware if you have any special allergies or sensitivities.
Before you sit down to dine, take a look around the restaurant: does the silverware look clean? Are there visible insects around the food?
By taking care with what you put in your body, you can maintain your health in all kinds of environments.
6. Seek Medical Care if Necessary
If you do feel poorly, do not wait to seek medical care. There are many urgent care clinics in most holiday areas, and hotels often have doctors on call.
Don’t let an illness linge, and ruin your vacation. Address it immediately so you can return to having fun.
7. Don’t Overdo the Sun
If you have traveled south from a cold location, you may glory in the warmth of the sun on your skin. Be careful! You may be vulnerable to sunburn or even sun poisoning if you expose your body to those powerful rays for too long.
Slather on the sunscreen and limit your exposure.
8. Be Realistic
If you are in your sixties, you may not be able to water ski and bungee jump like you did when you were in your twenties. You may not be able to drink a whole bottle of rum either.
Be realistic about your health and abilities on vacation. Although it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of being away from home, use your best judgment to keep yourself from getting hurt.
Stay Healthy on Vacation: Make the Best of Your Time Off
By exercising common sense, it’s easy to stay healthy when you are traveling, if you follow a few simple guidelines.
If you do get sick or hurt while vacationing, get help immediately. If you are in Florida’s Destin, Panama City Beach, or Inlet Beach areas, check out our services at Emerald Coast Urgent Care.
