It’s destined to be that week or two of utter relaxation, but as will some will testify, some holidays can quickly turn into disasters.
Sure, on the most part, they’ll be plain sailing, but some holiday types and countries prompt their own health issues, and this is what today’s post is going to talk about.
Bearing this in mind, let’s now look at some of the best ways you can stay fit and healthy when you next venture on a trip.
Drink plenty of fluids
With holidays often associated with warmer climates, this first point should be par for the course. In the heat of the moment (pardon the pun), it’s all too easy to sit back and forget to drink water. Or, as many of us do, replace water with alcoholic alternatives. Of course, these are not suitable options and are asking for trouble.
Dehydration can come out of nowhere, but it creeps up particularly quickly when visiting hot countries. It’s something that can hit you there and then, or the effects of heat exhaustion can come home with you – ready for a health insurance claim.
The moral of the story? Keep drinking water.
Beware of food poisoning
One of the perils of travelling to certain countries is that the food hygiene standards might not be up to scratch. This means that you’re more likely to suffer from food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning can include diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. It can also lead to fever, seizures, and even death in the worst cases.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll avoid food poisoning altogether, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include washing your hands regularly, avoiding raw or undercooked food, and steering clear of street food.
In an ideal world, you’d check out the Trip Advisor reviews of every restaurant you’ll be visiting. To ‘live local’, some travellers may want to head off the beaten track instead. It’s fine to do this, but try and be extra cautious.
Take care with the sun
At this point, we should highlight that we’re not trying to become party poopers, but the sun is something else you need to stay aware of. Some people can get carried away with holidaying and forget to factor in the UV levels.
If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, make sure you use sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), wear a hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids (see point one again!). Sunburn might seem like a minor issue, but it can quickly turn into something more serious, such as heatstroke.
Beware of mosquitoes
Another thing to keep in mind, particularly if you’re travelling to tropical countries, is the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. These include malaria, dengue fever and Zika virus.
There’s no way of guaranteeing you’ll avoid getting bitten by a mosquito, but there are some precautions you can take. These include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net.
In some countries, you’ll need a vaccination before travelling as well.
