So, you spent (mumble) amount of money on your plane ticket, train ticket or gas for the car. You sent out countless emails to make sure everything would run smoothly while you were away from work. You DIDN'T buy that plasma TV because it was that or this trip. And now, you're sick. Falling ill while traveling is one of the most frustrating, "why universe, WHY??!" things that can happen. Try these tips so that it doesn't happen to you and so that you can explore a little more than your hotel room bathroom.
1) Sleep. I know. It is SO tempting to stay up until all hours in a new place to experience the night life and to wake up at the crack of dawn (maybe you haven't even gone to bed yet) to experience that great breakfast spot the locals buzz about. But you won't be experiencing any of that if your lack of sleep tares down your immune system and suddenly, you're sick. Be reasonable about when you go to sleep. Let yourself sleep in a little--it's vacation, after all. And take naps when appropriate! Hey, you've made it to this beautiful beach or lakeside, you've seen the view. Now doze off a little.
2) Watch what you eat. You want to try the local fare, of course. But you don't need to become a local over night. Try maybe one or two new items a day and in small portions so that if you do catch a bug, it's not too bad. Try to avoid street foods, salad bars and raw fruits and veggies unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
3) Stay hydrated..the right way. Research ahead of time whether or not it is safe to drink the water at your destination. If not, be sure that buying water bottles is one of the FIRST things you do when you arrive, so you don't get desperate and sip out of the faucet. Better yet, pack water bottles.
4) Take a daily time out. Vacations can perpetuate stress--the opposite of what they're meant to do--if you over do it. Make sure that somewhere in your jam-packed schedule of hikes, tours, local markets, shopping and dining that you set aside some time to just sit at a park or in a local promenade, watching the world go by and not partaking, just for fifteen to thirty minutes.
5) Bring your pharmacy. Almost. Before you pack your cute sun dress or that white linen suit you finally get to wear, pack your prescriptions as well as the actual prescription in case you need a refill. Check the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see which shots you need before traveling to your destination. Also, bring a medical kit filled with: bandaids, hand sanitizer, antibiotic cream, pain killers, sunscreen, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, cold medicine and a thermometer. GET travel health insurance. Do it. If anything goes wrong, it's worth much more than you pay for it.
6) Don't pet anything. You know your neighbor's dog and your boss' ferret back at home. But you don't know what that seemingly harmless looking creature in a new place could be carrying. If you are bitten or scratched by anything, immediately wash the cut out with soap and hot water and go to a medical facility to have the cut examined.
7) Work out! It's easy to forget to do this on vacation (for many, exercise is the antithesis of vacation) but it keeps you healthy at home and on vacation. Do it in fun ways by hiking up to a great view, joining in on a frisbee game in a park or volleyball game on the beach.
8) Wash your hands. Especially on vacation when you might be having a few too many cocktails and forget to wash before leaving the bathroom.
9) Research health professionals in the area. Don't fall mercy to whatever clinic happens to be next to your hotel if something goes wrong. Research ahead of time or even ask the locals while you are still healthy who the best health care provider is in the area.
10) Try the local remedies. Not only for treatment, but for prevention. A lot of homeopathic remedies are very enjoyable. Find out what sort of massage the area is known for, or if there is a high quality spa or a shop known for great homeopathic remedies and products. If anything, it's an experience.
It's a lot of preparation, but so worth it.
Read More About Preparing For Travel
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7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Prepare Your Home for Travel
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