If you’re anything like the Teletext Holidays team, you may find you have a constant case of wanderlust (a strong desire to travel) and whilst this isn’t a medical condition, it certainly comes with symptoms that can cause daydreaming of idyllic islands and exotic escapes, not to mention a serious vitamin D craving! Sound familiar? You’ll likely also look forward to your holidays all year too and whether you’re jetting off for some family fun in the sun or heading off for a romantic city break, the last thing you want is to end up getting ill on holiday. To ensure you stay healthy, we’ve rounded up 6 simple tips to help avoid holiday sickness and other illnesses so prepare to take note!

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Like most things in life, a little research can make a big difference and this is especially true when it comes to travelling. When we leave the country, our immune systems may be compromised, especially if your destination is somewhere far-flung like Thailand or Cuba. The chances are, you’ll need some vaccinations before you go and most of these have to be done a couple of months before you travel. To see the jabs you may need, visit a trusted website like Fit For Travel and search for your destination to discover the latest health information.

2. THE H20 LOWDOWN

When it comes to the wet stuff, there are a few things to consider when you travel. First up, if you’re holidaying somewhere hot and sunny, then water is without a doubt the best thing to drink to ensure you stay hydrated and avoid fainting or heat stroke. That said, it’s important to remember that the local water isn’t always safe to drink or brush your teeth with. Whilst the local water may be okay for the locals to drink, that’s because their immune systems can handle the H20. If you’re in a part of the world where the water is harmful or you’re unsure, then stick to bottled water and only buy from a reputable shop. Remember, if the water is unsafe to drink, then fresh fruits and salads washed with tap water should be avoided too.

3. ICE, ICE, BABY

If you’re relaxing in a hot country, a refreshing ice cold drink is likely the first thing you’ll reach for to cool down from the sun, but, ice is in fact something you should try and avoid if you’re staying in a part of the world where the water isn’t safe to drink like Egypt or Mexico. Conditions like travellers diarrhoea catch millions of holidaymakers off guard every year, so whilst it may be tempting to sip an ice cold beverage, think twice when you order your drink and make sure you state no ice to avoid any unwanted bugs spoiling your holiday. 

Or, just order an ice cream instead!

4. SOME LIKE IT HOT...

While it may be tempting to lounge about from sunrise to sunset, staying out in full sun all day really isn’t a good idea - especially between the hours when UV rays are at their most powerful. Not only can it cause long-term sun damage to your skin, when you’re away, you may also find yourself with an unwanted case of sunstroke. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea and headaches, not to mention raising your body temperature to over 40.0°C! To avoid spending your days inside recovering, stay hydrated and keep in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

5. CLEAN UP

According to an article by Biotherma, we touch our faces on average 2,000 – 3,000 times a day! Although it’s common practice to regularly wash our hands with warm water and soap, when you’re travelling around (touching door handles, pushing buttons, texting and so on) and you don’t have easy access to a sink, bacteria soon starts to build up, meaning it will transfer onto your face, all those time you have an itch, rest your head on your hand - you get the picture. To stop those lingering germs transferring to your face, pack a bottle of antibacterial hand gel for clean hands on the go and use wipes to clean any surfaces like tray tables on the plane or armrests that are likely covered in microbes.

6. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We all tend to over-indulge when we go away, with tasty new cuisines calling our name. Before you go all out though, remember a sudden change in diet, whether that’s an increase in what you’re eating or a concoction of foreign flavours may cause an upset stomach and you don’t want to spend your holiday in the bathroom! Similarly, if you’re visiting less developed parts of the world where street food is cheap and available in abundance, consider how this food has been prepared and how long it has been there for. Food hygiene standards vary from country to country so although you may be tempted to try what’s on offer, be aware before you tuck in.

ONE LAST THING...

Hopefully, if you follow our tips you’ll stay fit as a fiddle on your holiday and feeling ill will be the last thing on your mind, however, in the unfortunate event you do become unwell on holiday, make sure you pack a first aid kit with you so you have all the necessities you need to hand. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where you’re miles from a chemist or to ill to travel to one, so, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry!