“Before leaving, strengthen your immune
system by getting plenty of rest and eating right.”
Planning your next holiday? Try these helpful, healthy
tips
No matter where you’re heading on your next holiday—to the other side of the
country or the other side of the planet—remember that your health comes first. With a
little planning, careful packing, and conscientious travelling, you and your family can steer
clear of unwelcome surprises and arrive home healthy, happy, and revitalised. Before you hit
the road, take a look at these tried and true travel tips.
Do your homework
Preparing for a safe and healthy holiday should include gathering as
much information as possible about where you’re going and what you expect to do. Ask
yourself a couple of key questions:
- Am I travelling to a place that may pose health risks? If you’re going
abroad, ask your doctor at least six weeks in advance what innoculations or medications you
and your family may need to protect yourself against common travel diseases, such as diarrhoea and hepatitis.
- Am I healthy right now? Start focusing on health and fitness prior to departure.
Strengthen your immune system by getting plenty of rest and eating right. Get that heart pumping and build up your
endurance through exercise, especially if your holiday involves strenuous activities, like
walking or biking.
Pack like an expert
Holidays are never completely predictable, even when you’ve spent weeks planning. So
it’s good to be prepared for just about anything. To make packing less of a chore, check
off these four items first:
- The right clothing—Know your destination’s weather conditions and
terrain and pack accordingly. Include sturdy shoes and clothing that protects you from sunburn
and insect bites and stings.
- Travel-friendly first aid—A basic travel first aid kit should include fever
relief, an antiseptic, bandages, antidiarrhoeals, antacids, and insect repellent. Planning to
jump aboard a boat or venture down bumpy back roads? Consider adding motion sickness remedies.
Packing prescription medicines? Be sure to bring along a copy of the prescription.
- Vital vitamins—Visiting new places can mean major modifications to your
diet. Vitamin supplementation can replenish
the nutrients that may be missing from your holiday meals.
- Super-sized sunscreen—Many holidays involve spending lots of time in the
warm, welcoming sun. But remember—the sun’s rays may be more intense than what
you’re used to at home. Don’t let
sunburn spoil the fun.
Let good sense be your guide
Once you’ve arrived to your holiday spot, take steps to reduce risks and guard your
good health. Follow these guidelines to avoid common travelers’ troubles:
- Rest easy—Jet lag leaves
you listless, and is often triggered by travelling across time zones. If your holiday includes
an extended journey, take a day to rest once you arrive and let your body adjust. Then
gradually add some activity as your energy level improves.
- Watch what you eat (and drink)—You’ll want to sample the local fare,
but beware: traveller’s diarrhoea
is one of the most common health problems people encounter while on holiday. The culprit:
usually microorganisms found in food or water. If the drinking water is questionable, buy
bottled. Stay away from raw or undercooked meats and seafood. Choose clean and well-attended
restaurants.
- Feed your thirst—Stay hydrated. Dehydration can sometimes go unnoticed
until it’s bad enough to require medical attention. Carry a water bottle with you and
take frequent sips, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Tamara Seymour writes from rainy Portland, OR, where she is
currently researching her next travel destination—somewhere warm and sunny!
(She’ll be packing plenty of sunscreen.)
View Basket
