Being on vacation is all about letting go and relaxing from your daily routine and everyday stresses. One of the best things about being on vacation is being able to indulge more—whether that be splurging on dinners or sleeping in.
While it’s important to have lots of fun during your vacation, remember to keep everything in moderation. After all, we want to come back from vacation feeling happy, healthy, and well-rested.
Follow these tips to stay healthy (while still having fun!) on your next vacation!
Before you travel
Get vaccinated
Make sure to pay a visit to your health care provider to see if there are any vaccines you might need to get before you travel. In many parts of the world, there are diseases our bodies aren’t immune to, so it’s worth checking with your doctor first. It’s also a good idea to be on top of your booster shots like tetanus.
Check official country-specific travel advice given by the government so that you are aware of any public-health precautions in place.
Visit your provider well in advance before your travel dates, as some vaccines are necessary to have a few weeks or even months prior to travel dates.
Be prepared with snacks
Airports, long travel days, and different routines can wreak havoc on our diets. Let’s face it—the airport is full of temptation and flights are a perfect time for overeating due to boredom.
While you might want to go for the easy fast food options at the airport, try not to give in too easily. Bringing healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sandwiches can help you stave off those unhealthy cravings. Eating regularly and eating well will help keep you well-fueled and prevent jet lag.
During your vacation
Drink safe water
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, ensure that the tap water is safe to drink before consumption. If you’re unsure about whether it’s clean enough to drink, it’s always best to consume and brush your teeth with only sealed, bottled water. If you will be in a remote area or not easily able to buy water at a store, pack some water purifying tablets in your luggage.
Remember that if the water is dirty, you should also avoid ice and raw vegetables that could have been washed in contaminated water.
Eat a balanced diet
While trying new foods is always an exciting part of any vacation to a foreign country, try to eat balanced meals of suitable portions.
New, rich foods can be overwhelming for your digestive system, so it’s always a good idea to ease yourself into the new cuisine by introducing new foods gradually without going overboard.
As tempting as it is to pile up your plate high with pastries, eggs, bacon, and other treats at your hotel breakfast buffet, try and balance out your choices during the week. Pick a morning for each treat and try to balance it with some healthier options like whole grains and fresh fruit.
When you’re eating out at new places, always try to make sure that the food you’re eating has been cooked properly and prepared hygienically. Contaminated food causes many stomach-related illnesses like diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems.
If you’re unsure about the food you are presented with, don’t be afraid to ask questions—it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Exercise
It’s easy to swap the exercise routine for lounging around the pool, but keeping up with some exercise during your vacation is one of the best ways to stay healthy and fit while keeping your immune system working at its best.
If your hotel has a gym, even a quick 20-minute session will help you feel your best for the day and give you a sense of accomplishment. If there isn’t a gym available, or if you’re not really used to going to the gym, a brisk walk can be a nice way to explore while staying active.
Get plenty of rest
Being sleep deprived can not only lower your mood but can also weaken your immune system. You’re much more likely to catch bugs when you’re run down and tired. Use your vacation time as an opportunity to restore and catch up on some much-needed sleep. It’s never a good feeling to come back home more tired than when you left!
Visit Voyage Healthcare
By taking these tips into account, you can be sure that your vacation is a healthy and restorative one. If you have any unanswered questions, or are looking to speak to a medical professional before leaving on your vacation, we would be more than happy to help you! You can even schedule an appointment using our online appointment scheduler!