Being sick while traveling is certainly one of the worst things that can happen to a traveler. As a result, it can make an otherwise enjoyable trip stressful and difficult.
For example, a sudden change in weather or food can shock your body, not to mention stress and fatigue. They can cause your immune system to drop, allowing the sickness to creep in. Additionally, other factors, such as contagious germs or viruses, can contribute to illness.
Though terrifying, you can do your part to prevent being sick and handle it with care. Therefore, we have compiled a list of preventive actions and what to do in case you become ill during your travels.
Prevent Getting Sick While Traveling: What to Prepare
Learn the Health Risks of Your Travel Destination
First, research any health risks at your destination before you travel. This includes, for example, recommended vaccinations and precautions against food- and mosquito-borne illnesses. In particular, consider getting your flu vaccinations, as this illness can spread easily during travel.
Although healthy travelers may face a lower risk of severe illness, they can still get sick while traveling. Consequently, illness can disrupt your trip or expose the people you visit. Meanwhile, different destinations can present unique health risks, so research potential diseases, outbreaks, and recommended vaccines before departure.
Also, know your blood type before traveling, as some countries may have less reliable blood screening systems. If you need regular transfusions, consult your healthcare provider beforehand and only seek one abroad in a life-threatening emergency.
Get Health Insurance Coverage
You might have signed up for insurance for your day-to-day healthcare. However, your existing insurance might only cover domestic healthcare. This can be an issue if you end up sick while traveling abroad. So, be sure to check your insurance coverage before your trip.
If your insurance policy doesn’t cover you abroad, you can look into other short-term health insurance policies. In particular, travel insurance providers usually design these plans specifically to cover travel. Additionally, you can gather information through various travel blogs and magazines, or contact a local travel agent.
Once you have it, make sure to bring your health insurance identification card and a claim form during your travels. That way, you can access the information you need if you require medical care while abroad.
Carry Emergency Contact Information
You never know how quickly and badly things can escalate when you get sick while traveling overseas. On top of that, many policies specifically require you to complete the necessary procedures (administration) before seeking treatment.
That’s why it’s important to carry emergency contact information with you at all times. Again, this is especially important when you travel alone in a foreign country.
For easier access, you can put all the information into one laminated card. For example, here are things mostly to put on your emergency contact card:
- Your name
- Country of citizenship and passport number
- Name and phone number of at least one close relative, partner, or friend
- 24-hour contact number of your country’s Embassy or Consular services
- Name of the company or administrator of your emergency medical insurance, policy number, and toll-free number
Research Your Prescribed Meds
Did you know that some countries consider certain medicines illegal narcotics? Accordingly, if you take prescription medication regularly, be sure to do your research before embarking on a trip.
However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t bring your medication as they’re truly essential when you get sick while traveling. Instead, you can prepare the proper paperwork, allowing you to carry your prescribed medicines.
Additionally, it might be useful to carry a copy of each prescription, including the generic names of your medications. Once you’ve done that, label each container clearly for an easier assessment process at customs.
Also, don’t forget to consult your healthcare provider before your trip to arrange enough medication. Especially if you plan to travel for more than 30 days, make sure you have an adequate supply.
Pack An On-the-Go Health Kit
Similar to how you pack your toiletries, ensure you have a thoroughly equipped travel health kit before leaving home. This ought to encompass fundamentals such as hand sanitizer, personal medications, pain relievers, and digestive remedies.
Additionally, consider packing motion sickness medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm to protect yourself during your trip. For outdoor activities, bring basic first-aid supplies, especially if you plan to hike or spend time in remote areas.
Eat with Care
During your travels, you might feel tempted to try every dish that catches your eye. While it’s a great way to experience the destination to the fullest, it can also be risky if you’re not careful.
Therefore, keep an eye out for culinary recommendations or reviews, and learn from others’ experiences before trying it for yourself. Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, visit stalls or restaurants that look crowded. Busy stalls and restaurants may also indicate that the food has a high turnover.
In addition, drink safe or properly treated water, and avoid unsafe ice. Also, choose hot, freshly cooked foods instead of raw or undercooked ones. Lastly, wash fruits and vegetables with safe water before eating.
Do Not Overexert Yourself
It’s only natural that you want to make the most out of your travel. But planning a packed schedule isn’t the way. Your body still needs to rest, especially in the midst of all the travel stress and foreign environment.
Likewise, plan for some downtime and choose a convenient accommodation so you can access all the public transportation and tourist hotspots easily.
Lastly, allow some room for yourself to breathe and appreciate everything around you. By doing so, you might find a different kind of experience this way.
What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling
First and foremost, don’t panic. Pay attention to your symptoms and identify the cause.
For example, if you get a stomachache, try to remember if you ate something spoiled, spicy, or dirty. Then, you can think of the appropriate meds to combat that. If you’re still unsure, get a professional opinion by booking an appointment with a doctor.
If you’re traveling abroad, you can get the help of your country’s embassy or consulate. They can provide a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities you can visit for your check-up.
In some more serious cases, the embassy can help you find medical assistance. This ranges from getting you to a hospital, contacting your immediate relatives, or if needed, helping with the fund-transferring process from your family.
Convenient & Affordable Accommodation: Stay with Bobobox
Once again, avoid overexerting yourself, as doing too much can increase your risk of getting sick while traveling. Likewise, it calls for pacing yourself and prioritizing rest.
For example, to reduce jet lag, adjust to your new time zone immediately and spend time outdoors to benefit from natural daylight. Also, getting enough sleep strengthens your immune system and keeps you feeling well.
To make sure you don’t overexert yourself during a trip, stay at Bobopod by Bobobox.
Convenient Accommodation
First, each Bobopod branch sits near popular tourist hotspots. As a result, you can easily explore iconic culinary spots and destinations within walking distance. Moreover, you can easily access various modes of public transportation if you want to go somewhere farther.
Enjoy a Unique Stay
On top of that, Bobopod strives to offer a unique experience. Guests can stay in a futuristic pod powered by the Internet of Things. Designed especially for your comfort, you can personalize your stay by adjusting the pod lighting according to your mood.
Stay Secure
Guaranteed safety: Bobopod keeps you safe with a unique QR code that gives you exclusive access to your pod. Yes, you’re the only one who can access your pod.
ALSO READ:
- Traveling Essentials: What You Need to Pack for a Stress-Free Trip
- The Only Traveling Checklist You’ll Ever Need for Trips and Holidays
- Rediscover Bobopod: Crafting Our Future, Celebrating Our Essence
- Capsule Living 101: Your Essential Guide on How to Stay at a Capsule Hotel
Book your stay now to experience Indonesia in a unique yet authentic way. For booking and more information, download the Bobobox app on the Play Store or App Store. Check out various tips, including how to avoid getting sick while traveling, via our blogs and social media platforms.
Header image by: Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash
