Here are some ‘Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling 

 

Nothing is worse than wasting precious Travel time in your hotel due to sickness.

Travelers are commonly affected by Traveler’s Diarrhea and other ailments.

Infact, 70% of Travelers report health problems during or after their trip. 

 

 

Careful with the Water 

 

 

We’re privileged to have safe drinking water in the United States. However, in some developing countries, the water is not drinkable as it hasn’t been treated for parasites and bacteria, so don’t drink tap water. The water may contain some bacteria and parasites that your system may not be able to handle and will give you Traveler’s Diarrhea, leaving you dehydrated and weak.

Make sure you only drink bottled water, colas, and fruit juice that have been pasteurized. 

Also, don’t use the sink water to rinse your toothbrush, use bottled water instead. Some hotels provide bottled water in the hotel room, so use that for brushing your teeth and drinking. 

 

Don’t eat Uncooked Fruits and Vegetables 

I know, I know. Those exotic fruits look delicious, but again, your stomach and gastrointestinal tract may not be able to handle it. Opt for cooked vegetables and fruits instead. There are plenty of new dishes that contain cooked fruits and vegetables. Eat those instead. 

 

Eat in Moderation 

We all want to dive in and start trying out all the delicious food, but slow down and only try a few new items at a time. Your body isn’t used to the new spices, flavors, ingredients, etc. and you don’t want a case of gastrointestinal upset which can ruin your plans. Slow down and eat in moderation. If you are in a country where its cuisine has a lot of spicy food, then ask the chef to tone down the spice.  

 

Avoid Stray and Wild Animals 

 

 

I always wanted a photo with a cute monkey side-by-side, but unbeknownst to most, a bite or scratch from a monkey is extremely dangerous and can be lethal. For example, I was planning on visiting a Monkey Sanctuary in Indonesia, but after my Travel Medicine Doctor informed me that should I get bitten, I would have to be transported back to the US immediately as one bite could be lethal. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Monkey bites can cause severe encephalitic infection if not treated properly and the fatality rate approaches 80% 

Before I traveled through Southeast Asia, my Travel Medicine Doctor advised me to get a series of rabies shots to protect me in case I got bitten by a stray dog or bat. I got my rabies shots and am sure glad I did!  My guide took me to some remote Buddhist caves in the woods of Thailand and bats were hanging from the ceiling everywhere! 

With simple planning and precautions, you can have a safe and healthy trip!  

 

 

Learn More About Travel Health and Safety

 

How to Pack a Medical Travel Kit

 

Checking Your Destination for Disease-Free Travel 

 

The Importance of Travel Medicine Doctors

 

Cute, but Dangerous -Staying Away from Stray Animals 

 

Malaria: A Travel’s Guide to Staying Safe 

 

My Thailand Emergency Room Experience