One of the most important things to do while traveling is to take the necessary precautions to make sure that you don’t get sick, or contract any life-threatening diseases. Going to another country may mean that you will be exposed to diseases and germs that you have not been previously exposed to. By the time I had spent four days on a trip to Austria, some of the people I was traveling with were experiencing bad allergies, and one girl lost her voice. So here are some precautionary tips you may or may not have considered before going to another country.
1. Get vaccinated.
I would make sure that you are aware of the diseases that are most common to the area before you go to another country. Many people who immigrate to America and then go back to their home country end up getting sick. So it is always better to be prepared. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers one of the best resources for travelers. On the CDC website, you enter the country or countries that you are visiting, and learn recommended vaccines and a wealth of information about staying healthy in that country.
2. Carry a supply of painkillers, allergy medicine and bandages.
Not all of us are accustomed to being on a boat, plane, or car for long periods of time, and traveling could give you a headache. New foods may give you heartburn. You also may come across a place where your allergies get really bad. You are also prone to twisting an ankle or scraping a knee on an adventure somewhere. You could get a blister from walking more than you are used to. Bringing a small medicine kit with painkillers, allergy medicine, blister bandages and any other medical supply you use regularly could be that lifesaver that you need to enjoy yourself again.
3. Be sure to get all the Vitamin C you can before, during, and after your trip.
Being on a cruise or plane means that you are going to be exposed to people who are going to carry germs and bacteria that you haven’t been exposed to. Taking Vitamin C will help maintain your immune system, and keep your nose from running in unwanted places.
4. Take antiseptic hand wipes.
There may not be a bathroom around for you to wash your hands in. But, carrying easy-to-access antiseptic hand wipes could ensure that you don’t contract any new viruses.
5. Wear insect repellent.
Many diseases are spread by insects that carry diseases like West Nile, Malaria, and Yellow Fever. Applying insect repellent could save you a trip to the doctor or from uncomfortable itching.
Not all of us have the easiest time traveling.
Some of us are more accident prone than others.
Some of us don’t have the strongest of immune systems.
It is always better to become overly prepared when traveling than not, especially when it comes to being sick. That just isn’t fun.
What other tips do you have on preventing illness while traveling? Have you gotten sick and provided yourself with a quick remedy so that you could enjoy your time again? Please share in comments below.
This post is written by Megan Bryde, a forever student of the world while also finishing up her bachelors in English at Truman State University this semester.
Involved in too many activities, she sings as loud as she can, writes, cooks, bakes, and drinks a lot of coffee.
Megan is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and aspires to be teaching English someday.
For more travel tips, check out these posts….
- 8 Tips to Healthier Eating While Traveling Overseas
- How Learning the Language of the Country You Are Visiting Can Give You a More Fulfilling Travel Experience
- Packing Advice for a 2-Week Land+Cruise Tour to Alaska
- Six Things You May Not Know About Ordering at a Restaurant in Germany
- 18 Tips for a First-Time Cruiser
- 6 Favorite Travel Planning Resources
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