Traveling has become more than just a routine getaway or a planned holiday with your loved ones. These days, it has become a dream, a passion that many of us share, regardless of age or gender. Terms like Wanderlust, Globetrotter, Vagabond, etc., have gained more relevance than the conventional Trip or Vacation.
But in this growing thrill of exploring new places and adventures, we must not forget the most important thing of all – our health. Compromising on health should never be an option, whether you’re trekking high up the mountains or enjoying a beautiful sunset at the beach. Make sure you include health precautions as well to fully cherish the adventure of your dreams.
Health Precaution Tips
Here are some general tips to ensure you stay safe and healthy wherever you go:
Research & Prepare
The first and foremost step is to thoroughly research any health concerns associated with the place you plan to travel to. Check government websites or travel health advisories which could be some reliable sources to gain trustworthy information. Be a well-informed traveler because this way, you’ll not be caught off-guard in a foreign land. Also, get yourself vaccinated for common diseases before you leave.
Pack Wisely
Always pack light and smart for every trip. This means including clothes that are appropriate as per the climate and activities you plan. Apart from clothes, pack necessary medications and hygiene essentials like sanitizers, wet wipes, masks, etc., and keep a basic first-aid kit that has some common medicines (that you might need) for emergencies.
Watch What You Eat & Drink
It is an obvious excitement to try the local cuisine wherever you go, but it is equally important to be cautious of unfamiliar food and drinks. At all costs, avoid street food or food prepared in unhygienic conditions. You should also stay wary of uncooked items or even seafood, focusing more on fruits, vegetables, and properly cooked meals. When it comes to water, try to drink only bottled water if you can find it to avoid getting infected by water-borne diseases that can cause digestive issues.
Watch Out for Insects
Insect bites can be extremely dangerous, causing a multitude of health problems like malaria, dengue, etc., and these can be found almost everywhere you go. So, protect yourself from these pesky pests by wearing long-sleeved clothes and using insect-repellent ointments or any other natural remedy you might know, but make sure it works. Also, try to sleep under mosquito nets to stay protected during the night as well.
Avoid Using Public Toilets
It is especially important for women to avoid using public toilets whenever possible. Maintaining hygiene is highly crucial when you travel, particularly while using washrooms. If unavoidable, at least follow proper hygiene routine before and after using a public toilet.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can be a real subtle enemy in your adventures, so your water intake must be adequate at all times. Carry a refillable water bottle and make it a routine or habit to drink water at regular intervals to stay hydrated. Also, make sure you drink safe and clean water. If the tap water in that specific area is not clean, you must opt for bottled water.
Don’t Compromise on Sleep
Exploring new places can be exciting, but we often end up disturbing our sleep cycle. Inadequate sleep can affect your health and immunity, making you prone to infections. Try to get enough rest to reenergize efficiently for making the most of your journey.
Wrapping Up
Traveling is like food for the soul. But it can also turn into a nightmare if you don‘t take proper health precautions. Along with following the above tips, you should also adopt healthy lifestyle throughout your travel. Your body must be fit enough to be able to endure the physical and mental demands of travel, for which it is important to follow proper hygiene and health habits wherever you go.
But it is also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you feel tired, take a break; if you’re unwell, look for medical attention immediately. Remember that your health comes first, and it’s better to take it easy than to risk serious illness or injury. After all, nothing should stop you from living each and every moment of your dream adventure to its fullest without affecting your health.
