Staying Healthy When Travelling Abroad

Travelling abroad can be a wonderful adventure full of new sights, smells and eclectic cuisines. Holidays are designed with one thing in mind - enjoyment. When you're planning a holiday, take a few moments to find out how you can stay healthy. The last thing you want is to get sick and spoil your holiday.

When you travel overseas, you may need to take extra precautions to stay healthy, as many countries are more prone to diseases than the UK. Getting sick can spoil a holiday, but if you make the necessary preparations, you can minimise the risk. And if you are less likely to get sick, there is a greater chance of enjoying your holiday to the full.

So what is the secret to staying healthy abroad?

  • Find out from your GP if you need vaccinations for the country you are travelling to. Immunisation can prevent you catching potentially life threatening diseases
  • Take antimalarials in countries where malaria is prevalent. There are many different types of antimalarials, so ask your doctor or travel clinic for details
  • Get travel insurance to cover the cost of potentially high medical bills should you get sick - goodtogoinsurance.com offers policies for people of any age, even those with pre existing medical conditions
  • Pack a small first aid kit for minor injuries. Include painkillers and diarrhoea tablets
  • Drink lots of water in hot climates to prevent dehydration
  • Drink bottled water to avoid water-borne diseases - ensure the lid of the bottle is well sealed before you buy it
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol on flights and in hot climates - altitude and heat don't mix well with drinks
  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat in the sun to avoid sunstroke
  • Stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, between 11am and 3pm
  • Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading germs
  • During long journeys, move around as often as you can to avoid circulatory problems
  • If you have a pre existing medical condition, consult your doctor about any concerns before you travel
  • Take enough prescription medicine with you to cover you for the whole trip and any spares in the event of flight delays
  • Make a note of local emergency telephone numbers and the location of the nearest hospital

Even though travelling abroad can present health issues, taking these simple steps to avoid getting sick can put you on the right track to having a fabulous time.

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