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Traveling is an amazing experience that everyone should enjoy. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t avoid getting sick. Whether it’s a stomach bug from the new food or a cold from the change in climate, getting sick while traveling is never fun. But don’t worry! With a little preparation, you can minimize your risk of getting sick and be prepared for anything. Today, Navigation Junkie shares some tips on how to stay healthy and what to do if you do get sick while traveling.

How to Pack with Wellness in Mind

No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone, there are some essential items you should always pack to keep yourself healthy while traveling. Make sure to pack:

• Hand sanitizer: This will help you avoid getting sick by keeping your hands clean, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of sightseeing and touching different surfaces.
• Disinfecting wipes: These are great for quickly cleaning surfaces like airplane tray tables or hotel room desks.
• Tissues: Always have tissues on hand for when you need to sneeze or blow your nose.
• Pain relievers: These will come in handy if you do end up getting sick and need some relief from headaches or other pains.
• A thermometer: A thermometer will help you keep track of your temperature if you start feeling ill.
• Imodium: If you’re worried about getting traveler’s diarrhea, Imodium can help relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration.
• Cough drops: Cough drops can help soothe a sore throat and ease coughing.

 Keep Digital Medical Records On-Hand

In case you do get sick while traveling, it’s always a good idea to have your medical information easily accessible. One way to do this is by digitizing it into a PDF document that you can easily access on your phone or computer. Also, you can edit them using this free tool, as needed. However, be sure to include:

• Your insurance information
• A list of allergies
• Your doctor’s contact information
• Any chronic illnesses or conditions you have

Strategies for Avoiding Illnesses While Traveling

Of course, the best way to deal with getting sick while traveling is to avoid getting sick in the first place! Here are some tips on how to stay healthy while on the go:

• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding sugary drinks.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid street food from vendors who might not have proper sanitation practices.
• Exercise regularly to boost your immune system.
• Get plenty of rest so your body can fight off illness more easily.

Preparing for the Worst                                                                                 

Even if you do everything right, there’s always a chance you’ll get sick while traveling. It’s important to be prepared for this possibility by doing things like packing extra medication, bringing along cash in case you need to see a doctor outside of your insurance network, and making copies of important documents like your passport in case they’re lost or stolen. By being prepared for the worst, you can relax and enjoy your trip even if you do end up getting sick. 

How to Care for Yourself if You Do Get Sick

No one wants to get sick on their vacation, but sometimes it just happens. If you do find yourself feeling under the weather while traveling, here’s what you should do:

• Rest as much as possible and drink lots of fluids.
• If your symptoms are mild, try treating yourself with over-the-counter medication like pain relievers or cough drops.
• If your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few days, see a doctor as soon as possible so they can properly diagnose and treat whatever illness you may have contracted.

Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid getting sick while traveling! But even if you do end up getting sick, don’t let it ruin your trip. Instead, just take some time to rest and see a doctor if necessary (which is why it’s a good idea to keep copies of your medical files as PDFs), and soon enough, you’ll be back on your feet and enjoying everything your destination has to offer.

Navigation Junkie offers free tips and resources to fellow world travelers. If you have any questions, please let us know!

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Published by Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa