We all love a holiday, but nobody wants to get sick on holiday, especially if you are on a tour or group trip. This is already annoying if you are going to destinations like Thailand or Indonesia, but even more so if you are traveling to hard-to-reach destinations like Yemen, Iran, or Venezuela.
It is therefore wise to prioritize your health and hygiene when planning a trip, which is why we always recommend checking the latest (health) risk programs from and about your travel destination. Your government can provide reliable and up-to-date information on health risks and measures.
But, because responsible management of your health while traveling is also a matter of having and gaining travel experience, we have collected some useful tips to help you prepare, during the trip and afterward.
What to do in preparation for your trip
1. Check out the best travel times for your destination!
There’s a reason why there are the best travel times for every destination. Often, these are outside the monsoon or the hottest months of the country. We’ve got all the practical travel information on our destination pages.
2. Get the essential vaccinations!
It’s really important to stay informed about health risks specific to your destination and to consult with your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations before you travel. This will help you to have the safest and healthiest journey possible!
CultureRoad provides to the public, the information about the required vaccinations before traveling to various countries in the “Practical information” section assigned to each country. Still not sure about vaccinations, feel free to reach out to us.
3. Safety first, comfort second, fashion third (or last)
What is the most comfortable clothing to wear depends on several things, such as your personal preferences and the culture at the destination, but also what risks there are for your health.
- Warm, dry destinations: these are destinations with a desert, steppe, or savannah climate. Headgear, a scarf for around your shoulders, loose clothing made of linen or cotton, and preferably with longer sleeves and legs.
- Warm, humid destinations: these are destinations with a (sub-)tropical climate. It’s a great idea to pack a shawl around your shoulders to protect you from the sun, loose clothing that wicks away moisture easily, and no dark clothing because of mosquitoes.
4. List the local emergency contacts
Before you set off, take a moment to look up contacts for local authorities, such as ambulance or police. Having this info on hand gives you peace of mind and helps you prepare for any unexpected situations. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your travel company or the local guide if necessary. They can assist you in finding the right information.
5. Don’t forget to pack DEET repellents
We all love the tropics, but we also need to be aware of the dangers of insects. Insect bites can lead to some pretty nasty diseases like malaria or dengue fever. So, it’s really important to protect yourself. You can do this by using insect repellents with DEET and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during the times of day when mosquitoes are most active, which is usually dusk and dawn.
6. Bring meds & first-aid kit
Pack your essential medications, such as those for diarrhea, allergies, and motion sickness. That way, you’ll be prepared for any unexpected health issues that might arise during your travels. And don’t forget to include a first-aid kit with bandages, disinfectant wipes, and pain relievers. That way, you’ll be extra safe and sound!
If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining its legality at your travel destination.
- Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
- Always keep your medication in the original container
- Pack them in your carry-on luggage
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions
Take time to adjust
Take some time to get used to the temperature, humidity, time zone, food, and other things that are different from home.
To make the most of your trip, rest a bit more and start with light and nutritious food. You’ll be a wise traveler avoiding alcoholic drinks for the first few days. This will help your body focus on important things like immunity, temperature regulation, and digestion.
Stay hydrated
An important reminder is that you should always remember to stay hydrated, especially if the country has a hot climate. Carrying a reusable water bottle and drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is important. You can also consider electrolyte solutions to bring back lost fluids. Bringing a portable water purifier is a smart choice for any traveler. In areas where bottled water isn’t always available, a UV filter or filter straw can help you stay hydrated safely. These small devices are easy to carry, eco-friendly, and make it possible to drink local water without worrying about contamination. With a purifier on hand, you’ll be ready for any adventure without relying on plastic bottles!
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- When it comes to drinking water, it’s best to boil or disinfect it before enjoying it. Alternatively, you can opt for a commercially sealed bottle.
- When it comes to ice cubes, it’s best to use purified or disinfected water. This helps ensure a safe and refreshing treat!
- When it comes to beverages, such as carbonated drinks or coffee and tea, that are served unopened and made with boiled water, you can enjoy them with confidence.
- When it comes to fruit juices, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation.
7. Wash your hands! Easy peasy right?
Practicing good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or handling food, helps prevent the spread of illnesses.The Canadian government has a detailed ‘how to’ on proper hand washing that will have you washing your hands like a pro in no time.
8. Pay attention to what you eat: boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it
When it comes to food, being cautious of street food and ensuring that meals are properly cooked and prepared minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Avoid food served at room temperature and make sure the food is well cooked and preferably served hot.
- Avoid raw food or undercooked or rare meats and fish, including shellfish.
- Only eat fruits and vegetables that are washed in safe water or peeled by yourself
Embracing the adventure of trying new foods, responsibly!
While “eat where the locals eat” is a great way to experience the local food, it’s not always the best way to go. Locals often have a different mix of active bacteria in their digestive system. This is because they live in different conditions (think temperature, pesticides and use of active ingredients) and consume different foods. For instance, a local can stand eating freshly caught raw fish just fine, but foreigners will get ill from it.
Ask your travel specialist or your local guide for the best places to eat! They’ll be happy to point out the best, most authentic spots for you. They’ll be able to point out the best, most authentic, and safest places for you!
9. Pack energy-boosting snacks
Packing energy-boosting snacks is a great way to stay fueled on your trip. Nonperishable snacks like granola bars or nuts are easy to carry and can help keep your energy up, especially in places where safe food options may be hard to find. Having these snacks on hand also means you’re less likely to make risky food choices, helping you stay healthy as you travel.
10. Secret tip: Coke (Cola)
Thanks to the acidity of coke (cola), bacteria are less likely to survive in your stomach, which is great news for your digestive health while traveling! So drink a glass of coke (cola) every day if you are prone to changing eating patterns, spicy food, or just want to be proactive! It might not be a sure thing, but it’s a tried-and-true backpacker’s hack!
Destination-specific health tips
For destinations where travelers frequently experience illness, such as regions with tropical climates or areas with poor sanitation, extra precautions may be necessary. For example:
1. Sub-Saharan Africa: Malaria is a prevalent concern in many countries in this region. Travelers should take prophylactic medications, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets to prevent infection.
2. South America: Travelers to countries like Peru and Ecuador should be aware of altitude sickness in high-altitude regions such as the Andes mountains. Gradual acclimatization and staying hydrated can help mitigate symptoms.
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the risk of falling ill during your travels and make the most of your adventure with CultureRoad.
Have you fallen ill during your trip after all?
If you experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or severe stomach pain after your tour and it does not resolve within a few days, please contact your doctor and:
- Stay at your accommodation.
- Cough and sneeze etiquette
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. - Get in contact with your tour operator or tour guide
Sick when travelling with CultureRoad Travel
We hope you don’t get sick while traveling and by sharing this information we are trying to reduce the risks of getting sick, but as you know; risks are never zero!
During your trip with CultureRoad Travel, we’ve got your back! You’ll always have a local guide by your side. The perks of having a local guide?
Not only will you have incredible experiences, but you’ll also have the right help when you need it. And, during a group tour, your tour guide will be around to help out.
A local knows the ins and outs of the local healthcare system better than a foreign tour guide, so you get the right care faster and bigger health problems can be better prevented. It’s so obvious that this is one of the reasons we work with local guides only!
Having an expert team familiar with the local environment and culture can be invaluable when unforeseen circumstances arise. When traveling with CultureRoad Travel, you don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar situations; we are here to guide and support you, so you can confidently enjoy every step of your journey. Even when sick during your round trip.
So, here’s the deal: get ready, get informed, and do your best to stay healthy while you’re on culture’s road!
These were our tips to help you prevent illness during your journey. While not a guarantee, applying these tips certainly reduces the risk.
Are you preparing for a round trip? Read all practical travel information on one of our destination pages.
