Staying healthy on the road isn’t always easy, especially when you’re in unfamiliar places with different foods, climates, and hygiene standards. We’ve had a few run-ins with travel sickness, so here’s how we try and stay healthy while travelling.
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1. Stay Hydrated
It sounds simple, but staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy while travelling. Airplane cabins, hot climates, changes in routine and simply being busy enjoying yourself can all lead to dehydration. We always carry a reusable water bottle, which helps us stay on top of our fluid intake. This is particularly important for young children and kids – who may not say if they’re feeling a bit dehydrated.
2. Be Careful with Street Food
Street food is one of the best things about travelling, but it can also be risky. To be clear, we love trying local food, and one of us (Elliot) would say the upside outweighs the potential risks.
That said, there are some cues you can use to make good judgements. If a stall is busy with locals, it’s a good sign the food’s fresh, but if it’s sitting out for too long or looks unhygienic, we’ll pass. Ask your hotel or locals for recommendations on safe food spots. Think about your own pallet and preferences – if you don’t eat a lot of spicy food at home, is the Ghost Chilli fritter a good decision abroad? How is your stomach likely to react to that?
It might still be something you want to try and that’s great – but go in to it considering the potential…consequences.
3. Pack Your Meds and / or a Small First Aid Kit
If we’re going somewhere more rural (e.g. camping or trekking in the UK) we typically have a basic first aid kit with us, just in case. Chuck it in the boot of the car and put it in your rucksack if you go out. It’s got painkillers, plasters, hand sanitiser, antiseptic wipes, and anything else we might need for minor injuries or illnesses. It’s handy to have when you’re in places where pharmacies might not be easily accessible.
One major thing to thing about of course, is any meds you need to take – e.g. anything for diabetes, any long-term conditions, or any fertility related stuff for instance. Same for your kids. Obviously, make sure you’ve got these – and have enough to cover your trip. Also consider splitting them across two bags incase one gets lost – this will buy you some time locally to try and re-supply.
4. Avoid Tap Water (Where It’s Not Safe)
In some parts of the world, tap water can be risky. We always check whether tap water is safe to drink before we go. If it’s not, we stick to bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Even brushing our teeth with tap water isn’t worth the risk, so we use bottled water for that too. If you’re stuck for bottled water, you can boil it (apart from in extreme circumstances) to make it drinkable.
In addition, Kirsty actually tends not to drink tap water full stop – outside of the UK. There is an argument that different mineral content in different (clean) tap water takes a few days to get used to and can upset your stomach. We’re also from the Peak District, near Buxton, where the water is so good it’s bottled and sold…so anywhere else has a lot to live up to!
5. Use Sunscreen and Protect Your Skin
Sunburn can ruin a holiday – even in cooler climates, as UV rays can be strong at high altitudes or near the equator. A good hat and sunglasses help too. Protecting your skin helps avoid sunburn, dehydration, and long-term damage.
Elliot learned from painful experience that the movement of a ship can also mask the heat, as he burned badly on a cruise around the Caribbean (on day 2 of 8!). So bear it in mind when you’re moving as well – the wind can be deceiving!
6. Get Travel Vaccinations
A fairly obvious one. If you’re travelling to countries where certain diseases are more common, make sure to check what vaccinations are recommended. Getting a couple of extra jabs before heading abroad can save a lot of hassle later on.
It’s also worth mentioning here that if you’re pregnant, it’s worth being aware of Zika virus. It’s present in a lot of countries so one to be aware of.
7. Take It Easy on Long Journeys
Long flights can bring on jet lag and even long train or bus rides can take a toll on your body. We always try to get up and stretch during long journeys to avoid stiffness and promote circulation. Compression socks are also a good idea for preventing swelling or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long-haul flights. Again, Kirsty also recommends the compression socks if you’re pregnant.
8. Practice Good Hygiene
Travelling exposes you to a lot of germs. Public transport, hotel rooms, and airports can be breeding grounds for germs, so staying on top of hygiene is key. Wash your hands.
Staying healthy while travelling doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits like staying hydrated, protecting your skin, and practicing good hygiene can make all the difference in keeping you well throughout your trip.
