Staying Healthy On Holiday: 10 Smart Strategies

Holidays are an extraordinary time, and something we tend to work hard for all year. They are when we get to kick back and relax, and that means most folks don’t tend to think too much about their health while they are away. Sadly, ignoring our wellbeing when on vacation can be disastrous. Both in the short and the long term, either ruining the break you are on and causing discomfort, or causing a loss of revenue when you return home as well.  Happily, there are some reasonably simple things we can do to safeguard our health while on holiday. Just read on to find out what they are. 

Before you go 

Immunisations. 

One of the most critical tactics for staying healthy on holiday is to make sure you get the right types of immunisations before you go.

In fact, if you are going to be travelling to a more far-flung locations such as China, you will need to get a whole heap of vaccinations before you go. Some of which include yellow fever, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, and Polio vaccinations. In fact, some travellers will also need other vaccinations such as Hep B, TB, and rabies as well. Something that it is well worth contacting your doctor ahead of time to work out. 

Medications. 

Next, to stay as healthy as possible on holiday, you will also need to make sure you take any medication with you that you have been prescribed. Sadly, many travellers forget this and can struggle to get their prescription filled to the required amount right for they are due to leave. 

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Luckily, if you do find yourself in this situation using an online pharmacy with express delivery like the one you can find here can help. The reason being that they can provide both an assessment and dispensing services online, for things like malaria tablets, contraception, and period delay medication. All without having to see your doctor. 

Insurance. 

Last of all, before you go, you do need to make sure that you have the right insurance cover. Then, if you do get sick or injured, you know you will be able to cover any emergency treatment you will need. This being essential if you want to give yourself the best chance of a speedy recovery. 

During your flight 

Hydrate and move.

There are some tactics you can use to stay healthy during your flight too. One of these is to stay as hydrated as possible. Something that means asking for water instead of alcohol from your steward on the plane.

Additionally, even for short flights moving about regularly wearing compression socks are the best idea. The chief reason for this being that they help to keep the blood flow in your lower legs moving. Something that can help to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which can be a hazardous condition. 

Anti-bacterial gel. 

Lastly, many people find themselves falling ill after a flight. The main culprit of this being the fact that there are so many people jammed together in a small space and breathing the same recycled air.

Of course, you can’t purify the air in the cabin. However, you can minimise the risk of any bacterial transmission while you are flying by using hand gel before and after you touch anything. Especially if you are about to eat something with your hands. 

Once you arrive 

Don’t ditch the exercise. 

You may think that you are home free once you have arrived at your holiday destination safely, but that isn’t actually the case. In fact, there are lots of things you can do to ensure you stay as healthy as possible for the duration of your holiday as well.

The first of these is that it is important to continue exercising, even while on holiday. Yes, I know it can be very tempting to spend most of your time lying on sun loungers on the beach or by the pool. However, it’s a good idea, every so often to take a swim for 15 minutes or so to keep your body moaning. 

Additionally, many people use their vacation time to explore locations that they have never been to before, and this provides a fantastic opportunity for walking for fitness. Although, you must pack some sensible and comfortable shoes for this if you wish to avoid injury! 

Slow down on the alcohol.

Sometimes when they are lying around the pool, those on vacation also like to treat themselves to a few alcoholic drinks. After all, there is nothing quite as refreshing as an ice-cold beer on a sunny day.

However, an increase in day drinking and drinking in general while on holiday may not always be the healthiest move. After all, it’s bad for the body, and can quickly dehydrate you in the hot sun. It is also something that can increase your chances of slipping and falling as well, which is certainly not something you’ll want to deal with when on vacation. 

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To that end, be sure to limit day drinking. Also, only consuming alcohol every other night can be a healthier approach. 

Have any essential medical documentation on you. 

In many of the places where people vacation, the residents don’t speak the same language as those visiting. Unfortunately, this can create a communication problem that is far more serious than not being able to find the best route to the beach.

In fact, those with acute or chronic conditions can be especially vulnerable to problems and complications while they are abroad. The reason being that if their condition worsens or they have an accident, it may not always be possible to convey vital health information to those treating them. 

To that end, making sure that you have medical jewellery that makes your condition known is vital. It can also be beneficial to write down the translation of your condition and symptoms, as well as anything medical professionals need to be aware of when treating you. Then keep a copy of this in your wallet in case of emergencies.

Watch out for water. 

Don’t drink the water may seem like silly advice, for your holiday, but it is absolutely grounded in fact. In fact, there are many popular travel destinations such as Greece, India, and Egypt, among others where drinking the water is a terrible idea. The reason being that visitors can experience an extreme reaction to either bacteria, viruses, and even the mineral content of water.  A situation that at best can ruin a few precious vacation days, and at worst put their lives at risk.

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With that in mind, do check the status of the water in the area you are visiting. If any doubt always go for bottled. Additionally, do not forget that ant food washed in water that has not been boiled will also have the same effect. Therefore do be wary of salads, raw vegetables, and fruit on your travel as well. 

Watch out for allergens.

Lastly, when travelling, do remember that not everything containing a potential allergen is likely to be labelled as so. In fact, allergen labels vary wildly from place to place. Something that means doing a little research into what goes into your food before you buy is a smart idea.

Also, if you suffer from allergies, it is essential to take enough epi-pens with you, as well as have one on your person at all times. If you want to do your best to stay as safe and healthy on holiday as possible, that is.

Cover Image Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

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