Traveling is fun, especially when you are going to explore the world with your loved ones. In fact, solo traveling can also be an unforgettable experience. But it comes with uninvited germs and virals. Do you know how? It usually happens when you touch things or share restrooms. Moreover, it’s suggested by healthcare providers to follow some SOPs during travel. The latest report by CDC stated that “as many as 43%–79% of travelers to low- and middle-income countries become ill with a travel-associated health problem”.
Top Effective Tips to Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel
Learn how to ensure a healthy vacation without getting sick while traveling. Discover effective tips in our blog to stay well and enjoy your holidays without getting sick.
1. Wash Your Hands Often
As we know, vacation sickness is also called leisure sickness. However, keeping your hands clean while traveling is essential for staying healthy. Whether you’re on a plane, train, bus, or any other way of getting around, it’s a good idea to wash your hands before and after touching things like handrails, seats, and doorknobs. Airports, stations, and restrooms have places to wash your hands. When you wash your hands, use soap and water for about 20 seconds to clean all parts of your hands.
If you can’t find soap and water, carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This kills many germs and works well when you can’t use water. But remember, it’s best to wash your hands when you can.
Make sure your hands are clean before you eat or touch your face. It’s easy to spread germs from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes without realizing it. By keeping your hands clean, you lower the possibility for you to get sick while traveling.
2. Stay Hydrated
Traveling, especially by air or in unfamiliar environments, can lead to dehydration due to factors like dry cabin air, increased physical activity, and exposure to different climates.
Proper hydration supports various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. It also helps prevent fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. To ensure a constant water supply, keep a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up frequently. Opt for water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
Always remember to modify your water intake to the environment and track of activity where you are traveling. Whether exploring a new city or embarking on an adventure, prioritize drinking water to stay energized and healthy throughout your travels.
How To Stay Hydrated While Traveling In Mountain Area
Staying hydrated while traveling in mountainous areas is crucial to ensure your health and well-being. The higher altitudes, cooler temperatures, and increased physical activity can lead to dehydration more rapidly than in lower elevations. Here are some tips to stay hydrated during your mountain journey:
Drink Water Regularly: If you don’t want to feel sick while traveling, consume water at regular intervals, even if you don’t feel thirsty. The thin air in the mountain can lead to increased water loss through respiration.
Use Electrolyte Supplements: Consider carrying electrolyte supplements to replenish minerals lost through sweating.
Protect Your Skin: Sunburn increases fluid loss. Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn and minimize water loss through the skin.
Monitor Urine Color: It is necessary to check your urine color when you get sick on vacation light yellow indicates proper hydration.
Rest and Acclimatize: Allow your body time to acclimate to the altitude. Resting and gradual activity can help prevent overexertion and excessive fluid loss.
Stay Warm: Cooler mountain temperatures can lead to decreased awareness of thirst. Consciously remind yourself to drink.
Know the Signs of Dehydration: Be aware of symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, and dark urine, and take immediate action if you notice them.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Vacation sickness is real. When you travel, your body might face disruptions due to changing time zones and unfamiliar environments. Adequate sleep helps your body adapt and reduces the risk of falling ill.
To make sure you get enough rest while traveling, create a regular sleep pattern that’s compatible with the time zone of your destination. Create a comfortable sleep environment using noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, or earplugs. Before going to bed, relax by reading or taking deep breaths. Additionally, if you keep feeling sick after vacation it’s suggested by healthcare providers to take some rest and to avoid any physical activity.
By prioritizing sleep, you allow your body to recharge and bolster its defenses against illnesses. Whether on a short or long journey, ample sleep contributes significantly to a healthier and more enjoyable travel experience.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
When you’re on the go, exposure to new environments and cuisines can sometimes pose risks to your digestive system. Prioritizing nutrient-rich foods helps support your immune system and overall health, reducing the chances of sick while traveling.
Plan by packing nutritious snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars to avoid relying solely on convenience foods. While indulging in local delicacies is part of the travel experience, balance is key. Prioritize foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals to fortify your immune system and keep you feeling your best throughout your journey
5. Avoid Contact with Sick People
When you’re on the move, you encounter diverse people, and some may carry contagious illnesses. To reduce your risk of falling ill, be attentive to those exhibiting symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or fever. Maintain a safe distance from them, especially in crowded spaces like airports or public transport.
Prioritize good hygiene by covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and disposing of used tissues properly. If you feel sick on vacation during your trip, consider postponing your plans to prevent spreading illness to others. Regularly washing your hands and refraining from touching your face can shield you from potential infections. Being cautious and vigilant about contact with sick individuals contributes to a healthier travel experience for yourself and those around you.
6. Avoid Contact with Animals
Animals can be fascinating, but they also carry potential health risks. Unfamiliar animals might harbor diseases or behave unpredictably, harming your safety and health.
Avoid touching or feeding stray animals, especially in regions with prevalent rabies or other zoonotic diseases. Even seemingly harmless interactions can lead to bites or scratches that could transmit infections. When encountering wildlife, maintain a safe distance and never attempt to handle or provoke them.
Take preventive measures if you visit areas known for specific animal-related risks, such as insect-borne diseases. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets when necessary.
While appreciating animals from afar is safe and enjoyable, direct contact should be avoided to minimize potential health hazards. Prioritizing your safety through responsible animal interaction practices enhances your travel experience and protects your health.
Steps to Recovery: When You Get Sick After Traveling
Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms and their severity when you feel sick on vacation. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking medical advice, especially if you experience high fever, severe vomiting, or persistent diarrhea.
Medications: Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or antacids can relieve specific symptoms, but consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Therapeutic Activities: Engage in gentle activities like walking or stretching to improve circulation and boost mood. However, avoid strenuous exercises until you’ve fully recovered.
Seek Medical Attention: If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by worrisome signs, consult a medical expert for an accurate diagnosis and treatment strategy.
| Note: Telemedicine in Texas has become increasingly popular as more healthcare providers offer remote consultations and virtual care. Now you can get a consultation from the comfort of your home. |
Final Words
Staying healthy while traveling is a tough challenge that requires proactive measures and thoughtful choices. By incorporating the above-mentioned strategies, such as maintaining good hand hygiene, staying hydrated, eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and avoiding contact with sick individuals or animals, you significantly enhance your chances of enjoying a sickness-free journey.
Travel opens doors to new experiences, cultures, and adventures, and staying well throughout your exploration adds to the joy of the experience. The excitement of discovering new places and connecting with diverse people can be truly rewarding when accompanied by good health. Remember that these precautions safeguard your well-being and contribute to the well-being of others around you. Moreover, you can visit doctors online to get convenient access to medical expertise, reduced travel time, flexible appointments, minimal waiting room exposure, and remote prescriptions.
Stay well, stay vibrant, and may your travels be a source of joy and inspiration!