Nothing's worse on vacation than finding out you or someone in your party is getting sick. Besides the loss of fun and worry about medical bills in a strange place, there is the possible loss of money from pre-booked excursions, flights and more. How do you minimize your chances of feeling under the weather while you're traveling?
Here are a few tips on staying healthy while traveling. First though, if you are feeling ill, seek medical advice if you do feel ill and get attention from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Pack a small first aid kit in your bag. Follow the aviation guidelines, or purchase from the airport stores so you don't get items confiscated when going through security or pack it into your rental car before you leave. Choose items like over-the-counter pain relievers, bandages, tissues, immune-boosting products and throat lozenges. Another important item is a good lip balm, as lips tend to get dry while flying or during some outdoor activities.
Wash your hands a lot and carry hand sanitizer. Avoid door handles and other high-traffic objects during times of illness. Get adequate rest, both before you travel and during. Sometimes a good nap is exactly what you need, and isn't that what vacation is for, anyway? Indulging in what your body needs to stay healthy is a big part of a relaxing trip.
Experimenting with new foods is something we frequently do when we're taking a trip, but if you're unsure if something's safe to eat or that it is something your body cannot tolerate, just say no.
Wear life jackets when out on the water, and seat belts when in a vehicle! Also, do not drink and drive or operate any motor vehicle..
Stay hydrated. We often get so excited or busy that we forget to drink enough water, but lack of water can cause a lot of physical problems. It's an easy enough thing to remedy, by either refilling a reusable water bottle or purchasing water along the way. You'll also want to keep it on hand should you over-indulge in sun, food, beverages or physical activity and you need to take a pain reliever.
Keep your prescription medications with you as necessary, and take along a copy of your prescription just in case something happens. Staple it to your doctor's contact information in the event of an emergency. (This is a good place to keep your insurance information handy, too!) We tend to be out in the sun a lot when traveling, so protect your skin and eyes. Sunburns can be debilitating and if they are worse than first degree, you may need to seek the care of a physician.
Experimenting with new foods is something we frequently do when we're taking a trip, but if you're unsure if something's safe to eat or that it is something your body cannot tolerate, just say no.
Wear life jackets when out on the water, and seat belts when in a vehicle! Also, do not drink and drive or operate any motor vehicle.
If you're concerned about any type of motion sickness, consider bringing along an anti-emetic or anti-nausea medication, either over-the-counter or prescription from your doctor. Sea bands are also available, a light elastic bracelet you wear on your wrists to help prevent nausea. They make several kinds that are non-drowsy so they are worth looking into if you have any fear of getting carsick or seasick.
Take care when traveling, and if you feel you're getting sick, you can purchase a facial mask at most airports. This helps keep those around you healthy as well. Travel safe and make good memories, and if you're looking to rent a car, Fox offers low rates on car rental in over 100 locations worldwide!