Five ways to avoid getting sick on holiday

There’s nothing worse than waiting for a trip of a lifetime and then falling ill before you even get a chance to take a peek at the hotel minibar. Getting sick can really burst a bubble on your travel plans, but not to worry because there are steps we can all take to avoid getting sick on holiday, here are just a few of them.

1. Keep up your health before you go

Depending on your style of travel, a holiday can often become a way to rest and destress from everyday life. But what often happens is that once our bodies are given the opportunity to relax, our immune systems see it as the perfect time to become susceptible to illness. To avoid getting the sniffles, think about ways you can take care of your health and destress in the lead up to your trip. This might mean eating healthily and catching up on sleep before you go.

2. Be careful of the drinking water

One of the easiest ways to get sick while on holiday is drinking contaminated water. There’s nothing worse than having to run to the bathroom because you drank a glass of tap water with dinner. If you’re worried or unsure if the water is safe to drink in the city or town you’re visiting, buy bottled water instead and make sure the seal is still intact just to make sure.

3. Be mindful of what you eat

Going on holiday is the perfect excuse to pig out and eat all different types of food in larger portions than you normally would back home. But be careful of this because the different ingredients could actually lead to an upset stomach. Discovering and devouring local dishes is one of the best parts of travelling, but just remember to stick to some familiar foods wherever possible, too. Spicy, fatty or creamy foods in particular could lead to stomach problems and could put a dent in your travel schedule.

4. Be careful of personal hygiene

It comes as second nature for many of us, but you might be surprised to find out how many people forget to wash their hands throughout the day. For this very reasons it’s incredibly important to wash your hands whenever you get the chance, or at least use some hand sanitiser, and be sure to give them a good scrub before eating, too. This will stop the spread of infection and help you avoid getting sick on holiday.

5. Stay active while you’re away

One of the best ways to feel good while on holiday is to stay active. Now, that could be as simple as taking some light hiking trips throughout the day, or deciding to take the train instead of calling for a taxi back to the hotel. Just make sure you have a comfy pair of shoes and your camera with you, because on all those walking trip you’re likely to see some great locations worth remembering.

What are some of your tips for how to avoid getting sick on holiday? Let us know in the comments section below.