It’s always exciting to plan a trip abroad, whether it’s for business or pleasure. But along with all the excitement, there’s also a lot to think about in terms of staying healthy while you’re away from home. Whether you’re traveling to a developed or emerging country, there are certain health risks to be aware of and steps you can take to avoid getting sick during your travels.
The best way to avoid getting sick while traveling is to be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy on your next trip:
Get vaccinated
When planning a trip abroad, one of the most important things to do is to ensure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations. Some diseases are more common in certain parts of the world, and getting vaccinated will help protect you from them. There are also some vaccines that are required for entry into certain countries.
For example, if you’re traveling to Africa or South America, you’ll need to get a yellow fever vaccine. So before you book your plane ticket, make an appointment with your doctor or a travel clinic to get the vaccinations you need. It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of your vaccination record in case you need it while traveling.
Pack a travel health kit
There’s nothing like a change of scenery to rejuvenate the mind and body. But if you’re not careful, travel can also be a recipe for illness. Be sure to pack a travel health kit to stay healthy on your next trip. This should include items like hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, pain relievers, and diarrhea medication. You may also want to pack prescription medications if you have any. And don’t forget to pack any special medical supplies you might need, such as an inhaler or EpiPen.
Visit your doctor first
When you’re getting ready to travel abroad, one of the most important things you can do is visit your doctor for a check-up. This is especially important if you’re going to be traveling to a country with a different climate than what you’re used to. Your doctor can ensure you’re up-to-date on all of your vaccinations and that you don’t have any underlying health conditions that the change in the climate could exacerbate. They can also prescribe any medications you might need while away. In addition, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist before you go. Be sure to get a cleaning and check-up so that you don’t have any problems with your teeth while you’re away.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods
If you want to stay healthy while traveling abroad, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially if you’re going to be spending time in the sun or engaging in strenuous activity. And it’s also a good idea to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your energy levels up and your immune system strong. Of course, it’s also important to take basic precautions like washing your hands often and avoiding contact with sick people.
Practice good hand hygiene
To avoid getting sick, make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. You should also avoid touching your face and stay away from people who are already sick. If you are sick, it’s important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you sneeze or cough and to wash your hands afterward. When traveling in developing countries, it’s also a good idea to drink only bottled or boiled water and to avoid ice cubes, fruits and vegetables that have been peeled or cut, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw meat or fish.
Be mindful of your surroundings
One of the best tips for staying healthy while traveling abroad is to be mindful of your surroundings. That means being aware of the things around you that could potentially make you sick and taking steps to avoid them. For example, if you’re staying in a place with questionable water quality, be sure to only drink bottled or boiled water. Avoiding ice cubes and raw fruits and vegetables is also a good idea. And if you’re in an area where there’s a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, make sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.
The bottom line
Following these tips should help reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling abroad but no method is 100% foolproof so it’s always important to have travel insurance in case you do need medical assistance while away from home. The most important thing is to enjoy your trip.
