Post Last Modified – February 16, 2021
A Few Tips & Some Advice For Staying Healthy On Your Holiday
I am always happy to receive other writers suggestions on Travel Health. Taking a few extra simple steps along the way can certainly make a huge difference in keeping you and your family happy and healthy when traveling away from home.
Over the years, my family and I have traveled on a number of occasions, to foreign countries as well. Thankfully, we have all stayed healthy by taking a few extra precautions. A few of these you will see listed below, that can make a really big difference!
Robert
Tips For Healthy Holiday Travel
The last thing you want on your holiday is to become ill or injured. Trust me I would know, I spent 2 of my 3 days in Athens bed-ridden with the worst case of stomach upsets.
What was the cause? Who knows!
The long plane ride over could have been the cause, or maybe even the sudden change in temperature. There could be a hundred reasons to blame for becoming ill. Its only natural that we all talk about the great things about our holiday, but sickness is rarely discussed.
Staying Healthy During Holiday Travel
Below, are a few simple things you can do to help stay happy and healthy for your entire vacation. Traveling is wonderful and the experience visiting other countries around the world is truly amazing.
In fact, science has proven that there are many health benefits associated with travel. Check out Robert’s recent post here on the Health Benefits of Traveling.
Some Great Reasons to Get Out There And See The World!
Air Travel Tips – Stay Healthy In The Air
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #1
So, you read about my nightmare experience in Athens above. Please, take my word of advice and drink plenty of fluids during those long haul flights. I don’t mean fluids as in alcohol, drink lots of water!
As well, be sure to get up every now and again to exercise your muscles and get the blood flowing. This will help to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can become very serious.
Its best to see your doctor before your trip to discuss anything you may be worried about. For example; motion sickness, pre-existing medical conditions, vaccinations and so on.
You want to leave home prepared and worry free!
Weather Conditions
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #2
Regardless of whether you are going to a warmer or cooler climate, your body will need time to adjust to the sudden change in environment. Should you be heading to a location where it’s winter time, you could be at risk of catching influenza (the flu) in that region.
It may be advisable to visit your doctor to for a flu vaccination before leaving, as well as any other shots that may be needed. Robert has another post here on Vaccinations Before Traveling Abroad , that’s definitely worth a look at.
Adjust Your Daily Schedule Before Traveling
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #3
If you are used to a standard desk job where you sit most of the day, and you plan to be doing a lot more physical activity on your holiday, its wise to build up your fitness before you depart. Whether that means going to the gym or exercising at home, it will make for much less of a shock to your system once your holiday begins.
Start even by going for daily walks and increasing the distance you go each day. Increasing your level of fitness is especially helpful if you are heading on an adventure type vacation.
Pack Your Travel Necessities
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #4
In certain countries, you wont be able to find the products that are readily available to you at home. For any necessities that you just cant live without, be sure to add them to your packing list before departure.
Pack Important Prescription Medications
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #5
If you do require regular medications, you need to prepare yourself before leaving. Heres a handy checklist of things to consider:
Do I have enough medication to last me through the trip?
Is my medication allowed in the country I am going to? Keep in mind, your medicine may be classed as being illegal in the area you are visiting.
Do I have a letter from the doctor setting out what the medication is, how much I will require and stating that it is for my personal use only.
Handy tip:
Even though its packaging may be bulky, do not take your prescription medication out of its original container. The label (with your name and dosage instructions) is essential in providing authorities with information they may deem necessary.
Food & Water At Your Destination
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #6
Before heading off on your dream trip, check whether the quality of food and water wherever you are going is poor. Eating or drinking anything dodgy could see you struck down with infections such as;
Gastroenteritis;
Typhoid;
Cholera;
Hepatitis A and B.
Handy tip:
Never drink tap water when traveling abroad. Use bottled water to drink and brush your teeth with. Be wary of the ice going into your drinks as well. Just the slightest introduction to foreign bacteria in your system can be very disruptive!
Avoid any uncooked food and any fruit that you cant peel as well.
Getting Sick While Traveling Overseas
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips Advice #7
Should things not go according to plan and you do become ill, its not the end of the world. Firstly, be aware that private or government funded health insurance you have coverage with, will not cover you for overseas travel.
Note: For Australia Residents Only
The Australian government has a reciprocal health care agreement with the following countries:
New Zealand UK
Republic of Ireland Sweden
Netherlands Finland
Italy Belgium Malta Slovenia
Norway
If you’re in any of these countries and require care, you will be able to access basic medical treatments just as you would here in Australia. Essential treatments will either be covered, or you will receive a portion of out-of-pocket expenses back as a rebate.
Should you need medical treatment in any other country, you will need to find alternative ways to cover your health care expenses. A number of private health insurance funds allow their customers to suspend their insurance while they are traveling.
With this in mind, certain funds have a minimum amount of time that you need to have been with the fund for before you are eligible to take advantage of this. This varies from one day to one year.
Knowing that travel is definitely ahead of you, it benefits you to opt into one of these health insurance provider. Because while you are away, you wont have to pay what you usually would for your policy. Once you return from holiday, your coverage will resume as per normal.
You will also find that certain private health insurance providers offer discount travel insurance rates to their members.
Planning ahead for whatever life may throw at you while you holiday, allows you to focus on the important things. If you live outside of Australia, you will need to investigate the policies that govern your country.
Contributing Author Sarah:
Sarah works as Communications Manager for HelpMeChoose.com.au, one of Australias leading insurance and home loan comparison services.
I am happy to present this collaborative post on Healthy Holiday Travel Tips & Advice, in the hopes of offering some helpful travel inspiration and important information on to you.
I’ve always said for many years now …
Below, I’ve also included the link to the Government of Canada Official website page on Travel Health and Safety. I great resource offering loads of information for safe travel. Not just for Canadians, but for all travelers.
Government of Canada – Traveling
Safe and Healthy Travels!
✨ Did You Know
“Honolulu On The Island Of Oahu Hawaii Is The Only Place In The United States With A Royal Palace.”
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