It wasn’t long ago that going on vacation also meant getting
some kind of hideous sickness. I would either get the flu or a sinus infection,
which is no way to have a fun time on a trip. Nobody wants something inconvenient
to interrupt their travel goodness, especially something that can be prevented.
So, how can you make sure you don’t end up all bedridden and stuffy?
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| Healthy travelers are happy travelers |
Antibacterial
wipes – These are the best. They don’t take up space in your
3-1-1 bag like hand sanitizer and they can be used on hands faces, seats, tray
tables and more! Anything that you think might be coated in germs, you can wipe
down with them. These are even more
useful if you travel with children, since they also seem to have sticky hands
or a dirty face.
Emergen-C
and Airborne – Both of these pack a wallop of vitamin C and
can prevent you from getting sick or can help you get over your sickness so
much faster. I tend to go with Emergen-C, because they come in a lot more
flavors, you can carry many packets in less space and they easily dissolve in a
bottle of water (which you probably have with you anyway). Make sure you take a
sip of water from it first, otherwise you will end up with it all over your
pants when the powder starts to bubble up in the water. Believe me, that it is not cool. Airborne is easier used when
you have a glass available, unless you want to crush it up to put in your
bottle, which can be almost impossible.
Charcoal
tablets – Keep from getting food poisoning or other food-related
nasties with these. Charcoal helps to neutralize bacteria that your body can’t
handle from new foods. These are really helpful when going out of the country
and eating ethnic foods you aren’t used to or when dining at food carts in
foreign countries. While they may be perfectly safe – and usually are – but your
body may not be accustomed to some of the ingredients or products used to cook
them.
Wash
your hands – This is such a given, but people probably don’t do it
enough when they travel. If you must touch your face, it’s much better to do it
with clean hands than dirty hands. If you aren’t near a place where you can wash
them, employ those antibacterial wipes you packed.
Olive
leaf
– I started taking olive leaf capsules years ago and get sick very
infrequently. It boosts your immune system naturally. Unfortunately, they can
be difficult to find. Your local GMC store or natural food store probably has
them. You can also purchase them online. If you can’t find them, Acai works,
too. It’s a super antioxidant. These are both great to take every day, not just
while on vacation.
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| Even puppies need to catch up on their sleep |
Get
enough sleep – A lot of people tend to forget that vacation
is also a time to get in some relaxation. Sure, you may be like me and want to
pack as much stuff into your time away, but make sure you make time to do
nothing and recharge. If you travel in the fall and winter it’s so much easier
to do, because hours for shops and attractions are often shorter and force you
to take some downtime. If you are traveling the summer and times when stuff is
open longer, make sure to build some ‘do nothing’ time into your schedule.
Papaya
enzyme – These chewable tablets are a must in my travel bag. If
you find that something you ate doesn’t sit well with you or you have a habit
of overindulging in the local cuisine, papaya aids digestion, so you won’t feel
like you have a rock in your stomach and it also helps to stave off heartburn
if you’re prone to it. You can find papaya in pretty much any drugstore with
vitamins. Of course, eating fresh fruits and veggies is also a good choice, and trying not to stuff yourself at each meal.
Ibuprofen
or other pain reliever – Walking around all day can be stressful
on your feet and back. Keep a stash of pain relievers with you, just in case. If
nothing else, they can also be used to shoo away a headache.
Drink
water – Water is good for flushing out toxins and keeping you
hydrated. Drink as much as possible to keep healthy, just like you would at
home. Bring along a reusable water bottle to make sure you have some with you
everywhere you go. Getting sick from dehydration can land you in the hospital,
so don’t forget your liquids.
Don’t
be a drunk – As fun as it can be to hit the bars and try some new
brews and exotic cocktails, drinking too much can also take a toll on your
body. Try to limit yourself to just a few drinks and not every day. You’ll
definitely feel the difference in how much better you feel when you aren’t hungover.
Staying sober has gotten less people in trouble on vacation than getting
rip-roaring drunk, too. Being arrested in a foreign country is scary…and having
a cap on how much you can drink can save you money, too. It’s a lot easier to
stick to a budget when you can still remember your name and count.
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| Stay healthy, so you can keep having fun like this! |
Many a vacation has been ruined by illness that could have
been prevented. I have had more than my fair share, too. Hopefully this will
help you travel healthier and keep you prepared for whatever may happen. Do you
have tips that have helped you travel without sickness? Share!
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