Getting sick while traveling is awful, especially if it’s a vacation. You’ve planned time away to relax and get away from work, and end up missing out. There are lots of reasons why people tend to get sick while traveling. These are just a few of the factors you deal with when you travel:
- You’re in a new climate
- Your sleep is disrupted due to flight schedules and time zones
- You may be eating unfamiliar foods
- The drinking water may not be safe
- Traveling is stressful and can weaken your immune system
Fortunately there precautions you can take that will make you less susceptible to getting sick, so you can truly enjoy your travel experience.
Prevent getting sick before you start to travel
Even before you leave, there are preventative measures you can do.
- Are you going to a foreign country? Ask your pharmacy if you need any travel vaccinations. For example, you’ll want a hepatitis vaccine if you’re en route to Cuba.
- Check with the Centers for Disease Control for travel health notices about your destination.
- Ensure you’re up to date with your COVID vaccinations; some countries still have requirements in place.
- Prep a first aid kit with antibiotic ointments, antacids and anti-diarrheals for tummy troubles, bandages, and other supplies.
9 ways to stay healthy while you travel
Once you’ve reached your destination, follow these tips to avoid getting sick.
- Get some exercise. Even a short walk can help you stay fit and energized.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Depending on your location, you might want to choose bottled water and no ice cubes. Also limit your intake of sugary drinks.
- Eat healthy food: vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and fruit. Try to stay away from heavy meals and processed food.
- Get lots of sleep. Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re out late enjoying the nightlife, don’t underestimate a good nap (but don’t fall asleep in the sun!)
- Take medications. Be sure to bring your daily vitamins and prescriptions with you when you travel.
- Wash your hands often and with soap and water. Bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and some sanitizing wipes to help deal with germs and viruses.
- Don’t share food, drinks or other personal items with others; you can’t always tell if someone else is ill.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Don’t overschedule your days with activities. Have fun but also relax.
If you get sick when traveling
Unfortunately there are no foolproof measures. Sometimes you’ll still get sick while you’re traveling.
If you’re a in another country when you fall ill, as a Canadian you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Depending on where you’re traveling and for how long, you may need to contact a Canadian consulate or embassy for assistance. Learn more about what to do if you get sick while traveling outside of Canada.
Pack some travel medical insurance
In addition to bringing a first aid kit, it’s a good idea to pack travel medical insurance. Too much sun, stomach bugs, or other foreign germs sometimes require medical attention. And accidents also happen. Travel insurance is there to cover any unexpected medical costs like hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medication, and ambulance services. It can also cover travel related costs such as lost or stolen items, trip interruption or cancellation, or extended stays due to a medical emergency.
There are lots of travel insurance options, and it’s important to understand the coverage, any exclusions, and the fine print. If you would like to talk with one of our travel advisors about your upcoming trip, we’d love to help find the right coverage for your needs. You’ll get peace of mind while being protected against significant emergency medical costs.
Our travel advisors aren’t connected to a specific insurance company. They work for you and their advice and services are free. As well, they’re all certified by TRIP- a governing body for travel insurance professionals.