Here are several ways to help you avoid being sick so you can get back to enjoying your vacation.
A vacation is a time for enjoyment and well-needed rest. But falling ill or feeling bad during this time can defeat the purpose of this time away from the daily bustle. Between the stress of planning, packing, being crammed in small places with dozens of people and touching some far-from-sterile environments, traveling can make anyone sickly. Here are several ways to help you avoid being sick so you can get back to enjoying your vacation:
1. Prevention is key!
Don’t wait to start taking vitamins until the day of travel. If vitamins are not already part of your daily regime, then you will want to start a few days prior to traveling. This gives time for the vitamins to work into your system. Vitamin C and B-Complex vitamins are well-known for boosting the immune system.
2. Proper diet
Vacation often translates to overindulging. Meaning splurging on salty, sugary and fatty foods. To avoid spending lots of your vacation in the bathroom, be sure to include at least one healthy meal per day. For example, a quick quinoa breakfast can help keep your stomach fuller during the day and is easier to digest than some more sugary alternatives.
3. Pack the essentials!
When packing for your vacation, be sure to keep a little “Go-To” kit in your purse or pocket. This kit should include the following:
- Hand sanitizer for when you can’t wash your hands.
- Sanitizing wipes for cleaning surfaces.
- Over-the-counter medication such as Dramamine for travel sickness.
4. Guilt on the mind
It is not uncommon for travelers to feel guilt. This could be from taking time off work and leaving coworkers with extra duties or spending money that could be better used in another area of your life. It’s important to remember a vacation is necessary to be a happy person and a productive worker. With that said, consider trying to ease the guilt by giving something back. For example, dog lovers could participate in Pet Conscious animal rescue fundraisers before booking a trip to the Bahamas. Someone with afternoons off can spend time volunteering in a soup kitchen prior to their departure to Tahiti. While a few good deeds are not enough to turn you into a saint, they can mean the world to others, which makes them worth doing.
5. Avoiding jet lag
If you are traveling to a new time zone, try to sleep when you would be sleeping at home or stay awake otherwise. If possible, try to schedule your arrival in the evening so you can go right to bed after arriving. The extra rest will help you recover and you’ll wake up in sync with your environment.
6. Hydration
Most travelers suffer from dehydration. If you are having an active day, be sure to increase your water intake while traveling. Should you find yourself feeling dizzy, queasy or unfocused, drink some water.
7. Rest as needed
If you do find yourself feeling unwell, slow down! When vacation hits, it’s too easy to want to do everything and anything in the limited time you have. But doing so can put a drain on your body. If you fall ill and start feeling better on vacation, don’t rush back to the activities! Rushing back too soon can make things worse.
For many, a vacation can be a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy something new and exciting. Keeping yourself clean, eating balanced meals and including rest in your vacation schedule can help you stay on your feet for all the fun! Always remember that a vacation doesn’t mean forgetting to take care of your physical and emotional needs.
