We’ve all experienced something we thought we would never experience in ages. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on everybody was significant. A lot of industries waned, some prospered. Millions lost their jobs, and people have struggled to find ways to make ends meet.
But if there’s one industry that has become devastatingly affected by the pandemic, it’s tourism. Countries closing their borders to international travelers has become the new norm to prevent the further spread of the disease. The good thing is tourism is slowly trying to bounce back while the world is slowly opening.
While you may be eager to step foot on your dream destination after more than two years of quarantine, it’s essential to take note of the health risks that come with traveling. Here are ways you can maintain your health while you are traveling:
1. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is one of the common health risks when traveling, especially if you’re going to a hot and humid destination. This is true if you’re going to a tropical country, any destination where the climate is usually warmer than where you came from. You don’t want to get your body shocked when you realize how hot the location is. To prevent this, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Buy a water bottle that you can bring anywhere you go.
2. Pack the health essentials
Do you have any maintenance medicines you need to take constantly? How about the insulin and syringes you need for your diabetes? Are you bringing enough for the whole trip? These things are your lifeline. You need to make sure that you’re traveling with these health essentials.
It would help if you listed these essentials so you won’t forget any of them. Things like your respirator if you have asthma, a portable massager if you have back pain, oral medicines that you must take every day should be on a checklist before packing them. This way, you won’t forget any of them.
3. Get travel insurance
This is one of the most important things you need to do before your trip. Travel insurance will protect you from any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your travel. Get a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
4. Eat healthy
It’s easy to get caught up with all the delicious food you’ll be encountering during your trip. However, it would be best to be mindful of what you’re eating. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose lean meat over fatty ones. And if you’re planning on indulging in some local delicacies, make sure to do it in moderation. If you’re going to satisfy yourself with local street foods, observe first if it’s clean. Or at least make sure that they’re hot when you’re eating them. If you’re craving fresh fruits, go straight ahead to the market. It’s better to eat fruits that you peel yourself because it poses fewer health risks.
5. Get vaccinated
Diseases are everywhere. If you’re traveling, you should be careful not to be infected by any bacteria or viruses prevalent in your destination. That’s why it’s essential to get vaccinated. You may refer to lists online that show which type of vaccines you should strongly consider getting if you’re traveling to a specific region of the world.
Aside from getting a flu vaccine each year, you may want to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t yet. Some countries have endemic diseases that are still dangerous if you get infected. These include rabies, meningococcal disease, and yellow fever. Check if the country you’re visiting requires a vaccine before going.
6. Get enough sleep
This is one of the most important things you need to do to maintain your health while you’re traveling. When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more susceptible to getting sick. Make sure to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you can’t get enough sleep because you’re jet-lagged, take a nap during the day. Do this until your body adjusts to the local timezone.
Getting enough sleep while traveling also helps you conserve energy when you need it. Remember, you’re going to do a lot of exploration in the city. You better have a lot of energy to do it, or you won’t enjoy your travel.
People may think a lot about other things when they travel. But it would help if you always put your health first. Give yourself enough time to prepare for anything that concerns your health before traveling. It is essential to know the risks of the place you’re visiting and how to protect yourself from them. By following the tips given, you can make sure you have a healthy and enjoyable trip.
