Stay Well! Tips to Avoid Sickness While Traveling by guest writer Maria Cannon
As much as we try to avoid it when traveling, there’s always the potential for illness. Whether it’s a cold or the flu, no one wants to be under the weather in a hotel room far from home. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize your chances of getting sick while traveling. Here are a few tips on how to stay healthy when you’re on the road, courtesy of A Walk in the Park with Colleen.
Be Prepared
Perhaps the best way to deal with getting sick while traveling is to not get sick in the first place. There are a few things you can do to prepare for the worst and keep yourself healthy while on the road. First and foremost, make sure you’re up-to-date on all your vaccinations. If you’re traveling internationally, this is especially important as some countries require proof of vaccination before entry.
Another thing you can do is pack a travel health kit. This should include items like over-the-counter medications, bandages, and antiseptic wipes. And if you have any chronic health conditions, make sure you pack enough of your medication to last the duration of your trip, plus a little extra, just in case
It’s also a good idea to digitize your medical information—including insurance cards and prescriptions—so you can easily access it if you need it while away from home. Consider making PDF files of any information that will come in handy. Instead of keeping track of a dozen files, use this free online to help you combine PDF files into one or two important travel files. For instance, you could have one merged file on medical records and one on important travel information. Keeping all of your important files as PDFs will make them much easier to access from your devices while traveling.
Best Practices
There are also some things you can do while traveling to keep yourself healthy. First and foremost, practice good hygiene. This means washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids — water is best — to stay hydrated. And although it may be tempting to indulge in all the local cuisine, try to eat healthy foods as much as possible and avoid anything that looks or smells questionable.
Staying active is also a great way to maintain your health. Take advantage of your hotel’s gym, or look for routes you can walk or run daily to get your heart rate up. Finally, make sure you’re getting enough rest. Travel can be hectic, but it’s important to take time for yourself and get seven to eight hours of sleep per night if possible.
When You’re Down
Despite your best efforts, there’s always a chance you could get sick while traveling. If this happens, there are a few things you should do to make yourself more comfortable and get better as quickly as possible.
First and foremost, get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids and try to eat healthy foods, even if all you can stomach is soup or crackers. If you have any over-the-counter medications with you, take them as directed but don’t self-medicate with anything stronger without first consulting a doctor, especially if your international travels have taken you somewhere where medical care may be difficult to access. Lastly, if your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a couple of days, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Stay Healthy and Recover Quickly
Despite your best efforts, sometimes you will get sick when traveling. However, there are steps that can be taken to ease your discomfort and promote healing, such as getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, eating healthy foods, and seeking immediate medical attention if needed.
Are you planning a magical trip to one of the Disney theme parks? Then let A Walk in the Park with Colleen help you make the most of your adventure!
