H Is For Holiday Health

Staying in good health while on holiday should be at the top of your to-do list, as well as having fun, of course. We are more prone to accidents, injuries, and illness when away from our usual surroundings, experiencing different things in places we’re not familiar with. Don’t let that discourage you, however, as there are simple ways to stay healthy on the road.

Consider this your healthy holiday checklist.

1. Cut Out Pre-Trip Stress

Stress puts us in a fight or flight mode, which can lead to high blood pressure, headaches and other health problems. Don’t let stress ruin the start of your trip, or even the build-up.

A good way to remain calm and grounded is to get enough sleep in the days leading up to your departure. We know travel is tiring, so if you’re starting on a good foundation, then you have a better chance of success. A good way to cut out the tiring element of early flights or long-haul travel is to book a night in an airport hotel prior to your departure. You will find these all over the world.

2. Pack Your Regular Medications

If you have regular prescription medications, ensure you have enough to last the duration of your trip, and a few spare just in case of a delay of any sort. Store these in labeled boxes in your hand luggage in case the TSA has any questions.

3. Check If You Need Immunizations

Do you need additional immunizations for your destination, or anti-malaria medication? Check with your doctor well ahead of time.

4. Double Check About Drinking Tap Water

While you may drink your local tap water at home, double check if the destination you’re in has potable drinking water from the sink, or if you need to buy bottles. Another idea to help you save money: water filtration pens and products.

5. Be Sun Savvy

Yes, the sun is a beautiful thing, but it can be harmful if you don’t take precautions. Stay in the shade during peak hours, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and slap on that high factor sun-cream (SPF 30 of higher). If you’re at the beach or on a boat trip you will need to up your protection, as the sun is more intense on open water. Re-apply after you’ve been in the sea or swimming pool.

6. Watch Your Alcohol Intake

We’re not suggesting you abstain from alcohol completely — a glass of wine or beer is actually healthy; however, be aware of how much you’re consuming. Measures overseas can often be higher or stronger than what you’re used to back home. Try and keep one person in your party sober if at all possible, to keep an eye on everyone.

Tick these off your holiday health list and you should remember your jaunt for all the right reasons.

How do you stay healthy while traveling? Please share in the comments below.

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Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you don’t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.