Avoiding sickness on the road – it can be done
Deciding to head off, follow your dreams and discover all the wonderful sights, smells and tastes that another part of the world has to offer is incredibly exciting. With so much to decide upon, to pack, to arrange, to research; it can seem like you have a mountain to climb before you even book your first set of tickets!
There’s lots of advice out there for budding travelers, and one I would always recommend people research is how to avoid falling ill whilst you’re on the road and how you can stay healthy out there. The last thing you want is for your trip to be cut short due to illness… So, I’ve gathered 5 of the most basic and straightforward health and sickness prevention tips that all seasoned travelers swear by.
Sun protection
You’d be amazed at the number of travelers who forget the basic principals of staying safe whilst in the sun. It’s true that sunglasses are a brilliant accessory, but they also play an important role in protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You’ll find an incredible range of high-quality sunglasses on this website which will keep your eyes safe while you’re out there. Don’t forget a high factor sun cream, sun hat and of course a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Don’t leave home without them.
Wash your hands
You’re in a rush, you have a connecting flight to catch or a treacherous bus ride to the other side of a mountain – you don’t have time to wash your hands! Well, you should. It’s a known fact that most illnesses are passed via germs on our hands that could easily be eradicated if we simply washed our hands. So, don’t forget!
Sanitizing items
It’s common for many places on the road to not have sufficient hand washing facilities. If this is the case don’t worry. Just make sure you have a bottle of hand sanitizer and some hand wipes with you when you’re out and about during the day. If you’re handling money, about to eat, or you’ve used a public toilet you can quickly keep those germs at bay. It’s also recommended that you bring your own set of travel cutlery with you.
See your GP before you travel
It’s easy to get lost in the hubbub and excitement of planning your travels, but most recommend that you make the time to visit your GP before you jet off across the world. Make sure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations and speak to your GP about any health issues you’re worried about – an irritating cough or rash etc. It’s also a good opportunity to collect any prescriptions you might need, including contraceptives!
A first aid kit
It might sound a little over the top, but you’ll find that most seasoned travelers won’t leave home without one. Plasters, disinfectant for cuts and scrapes, gauze, painkillers, antihistamines, diarrhea tablets, insect bite relief, and travel sickness medication. All these things will come in useful at some point!
