Being on holiday with the sand between your toes and the sun on your skin is what we spend our days dreaming about. Sitting on the beach sipping cocktails, watching jaw-dropping sunsets, and taking trips into the surrounding countryside; the days start to roll into one as we sink into holiday bliss. However, at any moment sickness can strike and your holiday can be ruined as you spend the rest of your trip wrapped up in a blanket looking out at the beach helplessly.
While illness sometimes strikes and there’s nothing we can do about it, with the right precautions, you can prevent illness while travelling. Staying healthy throughout your holiday will allow you to enjoy where you are, be active, and have fun. The last thing you need is to be feeling miserable when you should be out enjoying your well-deserved time off. Take the time to prepare properly and avoid becoming the victim of illness on your next trip.
Continue reading to learn how you can avoid getting ill when you are on holiday and get ensure you get the most from your travels.
Know Hazards
Before travelling, take a few minutes to research the area you are visiting and some of the common issues tourists might have while staying in the country. One important issue to pay attention to is food consumption and habits. Most travel sites will tell you where to eat and what to avoid, in addition to providing other information in relation to ingredients used, how to approach different dietary needs, and anything you should keep an eye out for with food preparation. These sites can tell you about how you can prepare for stay, and if necessary, what medical supplies you should bring to ward off illness.
Don’t Drink The Water
If it is common knowledge that you shouldn’t drink the water, do not drink the water. Other countries clean their water with different cleansers and this can have an effect on people who come from countries where the water supply is cleaned in another way. Many places will provide bottled water at restaurants and other eating establishments, so just ask, as opposed to drinking tap water. Also, be sure to ask for drinks and water that have been cooled, as opposed to asking for beverages with ice cubes, which might also come from tap water.
But Stay Hydrated
Another way to ward off illness is to stay hydrated, especially in warm, tropical climates. Humidity and heat can make a person lose a lot of water in perspiration, and to avoid the effects of dehydration, it’s important to take in fluids throughout the course of the day. If you are someone who doesn’t like drinking water, consider mixing your water with fruit juice to give it flavour while providing your body with the hydration it needs.
Eat Yoghurt
Another way to support great digestion while travelling is by eating yoghurt. Eating low sugar, Greek-style or plain yoghurt without added sugar, either with meals or as a standalone snack, can aid in preventing illness while on holiday. If you do not like the sometimes-bland taste of plain yoghurt, consider mixing it with fruit or pouring plain yoghurt over muesli, granola or cereal.
Eat Hot Food
If you are not sure of what to eat, keep it simple by making sure the food you eat is hot. Avoid raw foods of any type, especially if you are not familiar with the area or the culture. Furthermore, if you have not travelled to the country before, avoid street food, which might be regulated by very different standards. If you do eat street food, make sure they are served hot and are from a vendor who is busy with locals.
Adventure Without Risk
Dining out and getting a taste of the local culture’s cuisine is one of the best parts of travelling. However, travellers can really derail their good time with foodborne illnesses. To help avoid any food fallouts, stick to trusted food establishments and give street food (and alcohol) a miss!