Tips For Staying Healthy On Holiday

Going on holiday provides a welcome break from our daily routine, and they are great for our mental health. However, they can also present challenges, especially for people with underlying health problems. While enjoying yourself and letting go is all part of the holiday experience, it helps to take a balanced approach and plan ahead. Here are some tips.

Make sure you have the correct travel vaccines

If you are travelling outside of the UK, check what proof of vaccinations you may need to enter the destination country. You should have your vaccines 8 weeks before your date of travel, to give them chance to become fully effective. Some NHS providers offer travel vaccines, as do some private clinics and pharmacies. 

Polio, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera vaccines are available on the NHS. Others, including rabies, yellow fever, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and tick-borne encephalitis, are not, but they are available from private providers. 

It is usually recommended for those travelling outside of Europe, the US, or Australia, to get up to date. This is especially important if you’re going to be camping, travelling through rural areas, backpacking, or making an extended stay outside of a typical package holiday.

Even if proof of vaccination is not a requirement to enter your destination country, certain people may be more at risk, and it would be advisable to have the vaccine as a precautionary measure. For example, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, or other long-term health problems. 

Enjoy the sun safely

If you are going to a hot country, always wear factor 50 sunscreen when outdoors, and protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Remember that babies and young children are especially at risk from sun damage, because their skin is more delicate.  Keep them in the shade as much as possible, and covered with light loose clothing. 

If you are in an area prone to mosquitos, pack an insect repellent and insect bite treatment. Take regular sips of water to stay hydrated, rather than wait until you get really thirsty to drink, but avoid drinking tap water. 

Have a balanced approach to food and drink

For many people, trying new food and having a break from their usual diet is all part of the holiday experience. However, it’s best to balance out treats with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, to keep your energy levels and digestive system in good order.

Be aware that alcohol may be served in larger portions than you are used to, and it can be easy to overindulge. This can lead to dehydration and hangovers which spoil your holiday, so try and alternate alcoholic beverages with a soft drink or water. 

Pack an emergency first aid kit

Put together an emergency first aid kit, inclusive of plasters, elastic bandages, antiseptic wipes, aloe vera gel, swabs, gauze, and medical tape at a minimum. Also remember to take enough prescription medication with you, and keep them in the original packaging, with the prescription, to make them easy to identify should you need an additional supply.

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