One of the worst things that can happen when you’re traveling is getting sick. Even a pesky cold can really put a damper on your trip. After getting sick on way too many vacations I’ve learned a few tricks that has immensely helped me and will help you prevent any kind of sickness! Obviously sometimes it can’t be helped but if you do these few simple steps you can at least prevent what you can.
» Before your trip, load up on vitamins! «
About 5 days or so I start loading up on vitamins to boost my immune system. I personally like drinking the Emergen-C Raspberry flavor!
» Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer constantly in the airport! «
Do you know how many nasty germs are going around in airports?! Wayyy too many. It’s so important to wash your hands or use sanitizer a lot when you’re in the airport. If you’re like me I like to get snacks in the airport and before I even think about touching my food I wash my hands, and so should you.
» When you get on the airplane, take an antibacterial wipe and wipe EVERYTHING! «
I don’t care how stupid and germaphobic I look, the second I sit down in my seat I have out an antibacterial wipe and I’m wiping down everything. Literally. I wipe the tray in and out, the window if I’m sitting next to it, my arm rests, and my seat belt. I mean I really wipe those suckers down. I read a study on CNN.com once that made me sick about the bacteria all over planes. The tray table is basically a petri dish for all major illnesses. Would you like chicken, pasta, or poop particles? Yes, I’ll have the pasta please… hold the poop particles. Oh, and use hand sanitizer on the plane!
» When you’ve arrived to your destination, do not drink the tap water! «
This is very important, especially if you are going to Asia or South America for the first time. I’m not saying that the water is dirty, but there is bacteria in their water that our bodies are not used to and can’t handle. When you’re out at a restaurant, only drink the water if it is from a bottle. Oh, and no ice! If you get ice in your bottled water that completely defeats the purpose. Also, make sure to store up on extra bottle for your hotel room to brush your teeth with the bottled water. Like I said, the water isn’t ‘dirty’ our bodies are just not used to it and trust me, you don’t want to know what it’s like to get sick from the water. Sometimes it can have your stomach upset for weeks and it’s not fun. Easy illness to prevent!
» Don’t go too crazy trying new foods out that you’ve never had before! «
On vacation a lot of people get so excited about trying out the local cuisine, including me! However, if you’re not an adventurous eater at home you probably should not start internationally. If you don’t like spicy curry at home, you’re probably not going to like spicy curry in India! If you have a sensitive stomach, just be careful what you eat. Also, never eat raw vegetables or salads in South America or Asia. Most of the time IF they wash their vegetables, which they normally don’t, it is with their tap water. Raw vegetables and lettuce are the biggest causes of food poisoning. Stick to cooked foods like vegetables and meats.
There you have it! Just by doing a few simple steps you can really help yourself to prevent some common illnesses while on your trip. Now, of course if someone is next to you with a terrible cold and coughing the entire 8 hours chances are you might get sick. Just do what you can to not get sick and have fun!
