On my last overseas trip, I experienced tummy troubles (don't worry, I won't go into detail) and developed a dreadful cough that plagued me for six weeks. It seems I'm not alone, with many people experiencing sickness when travelling. So how can you bolster your body and ensure you stay healthy on your holiday? Just read these 6 top tips.
See a Doctor Before You Go
Yellow fever in Thailand, malaria in Bali, food-and-mouth disease in Egypt...it seems that wherever you travel, there are new bugs and ailments to avoid. That's why it's a good idea to visit your local GP or travel health clinic to find out about precautions for the countries you'll be visiting. Some countries won't let you in without proof of vaccination, while others may ban medication or natural health remedies that you take at home. So it's always a good idea to check before you travel and leave plenty of time to get vaccinated or stock up on remedies.
Boil or Purify Your Water
Keeping hydrated is key to having a healthier holiday, but not all water is safe to drink. Whether you're trekking through the Himalaya or hitting the beach in Koh Samui, boiling or purifying water is an easy and effective way to rid it of any nasties. Pick up a pack of purifying tablets before you go, or buy a portable boiling device. And if you're in an area where bottled water is readily available, you still might like to consider purifying the tap water yourself. It's all part of being a responsible traveller and reducing your impact on the environment.
BYO Cutlery
When you're on the road, you won't always know whether (or how) an eatery's cutlery has been washed. Packing a small stash of cutlery, useful utensils or chopsticks can give you peace of mind when you eat. Simply wipe or wash the cutlery in fresh water after each meal.
When in Doubt, Sanitise
I went through four bottles of hand sanitiser on my recent trip to India. Washing my hands in clean water wasn't always possible, not to mention the sweat and grime that constantly collected on my palms. Choose an anti-bacterial sanitiser and use it before and after you eat, or when you simply feel a bit sticky or dirty.
Stock Up on Your Vitamins
Chances are you'll be sampling a new cuisine on your travels and may not have easy access to fresh fruit and vegetables every day. To ensure you get your daily dose of nutrients, consider taking a multivitamin, greens powder or other natural remedy. Your nutritionist, naturopath or health doctor can advise you on the best combination for you.
Rest and Relax
I was in the middle of an overwhelmingly crowded Varanasi street when I threw down my backpack, wiped the sweat from my brow and declared to my travel buddies that I couldn't take another step. Blocked up, overheated and exhausted, I knew I needed to find the nearest hotel room and retire from the world. While it meant I missed a day of sightseeing, it allowed me to help my body heal and reenergise for the rest of the trip.
Always trust your body and if it needs rest, food, water or whatever else, then listen and look after it.
