Travelling to foreign places doesn’t only provide you with wonderful memories to last a lifetime; it can actually leave you in much better health – both mentally and physically.
Instead of thinking of travel as a luxury, the vast benefits suggest we should make it a much bigger priority for our wellbeing. Make sure you get the most out of your holiday with these travel health tips.
Make sure you’re covered with travel insurance
Anytime you travel, you want to stay healthy and return home in one piece. Well before your trip begins, make sure you are covered with travel insurance so you can embark on your big adventure worry-free.
Don’t forget medications and first aid
Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications or products you need, such as asthma inhalers, EpiPens or insulin.
Depending on your itinerary, consider putting together a small first aid kit of things like plasters, painkillers and insect repellent. For motion sickness or concerns about traveller’s diarrhoea, a quick visit to the pharmacy will supply everything you need.
Make sure you’re up-to-date with vaccinations
No one wants their holiday ruined by illness, so consult your GP or travel doctor in advance to find out what the recommended vaccinations are for every leg of your journey, as some require a series of shots over several days or weeks.
It’s also a good idea to check if proof of vaccination is required upon arrival.
Don’t rely on the facilities
Travelling may strengthen your immune system, but there’s no point taking unnecessary risks.
Along with vaccinations, keep a hand sanitizer on you that you can use before eating, after using the bathroom, or if your hands get grubby. Sometimes, there just aren’t adequate facilities when you need them most!
Forget the diet
Trying a foreign cuisine is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one of the things we look forward to the most about a holiday.
Unless you have allergies or are vegan, don’t get too hung up about ingredients or calories, just do your best to eat some fruit and veges each day – you’ll feel much better for it.
If you are in a country where the water isn’t safe to drink, steer clear of fresh fruit and salads which might have been washed with contaminated water and just stick to ordering cooked vegetable dishes instead.
Take extra care to stay hydrated
It can be easy to get dehydrated, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking on your trip, and the last thing you want is a headache, dizziness or stomach ache from constipation.
Make water your drink of choice, always ensure you are drinking clean water, and consider packing some electrolyte sachets.
Be prepared for lots of physical activity
During the day, walk or bike as much as you can to keep your body moving, and make sure you have the required level of fitness if you have any physically demanding activities planned.
Travelling can involve some big days on your feet, so doing regular walks prior to your trip is good preparation.
Make sure you pack appropriate clothing
Know what climate you are heading into, with the correct clothes and footwear packed to protect yourself from the elements.
Even if you don’t need hiking boots, bring comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day without blisters.
Stick to the dress code
Before you pack your suitcase, double check if there are any dress codes or cultural customs you need to be aware of in the country and at any specific tourist spots you plan on visiting.
Dressing appropriately will ensure you don’t cause any offence to locals, but will also increase your level of safety by helping you to blend in.
Keep your valuables with you
Keep all important travel documents and money with you – not in your suitcase – and consider buying a hidden money belt.
Lock away valuables and consider leaving items that are irreplaceable or sentimental at home, in case they get lost or stolen.
