Traveling is a great experience, not just because it allows you to see new places and meet interesting people, but also because it broadens your mind and helps you gain new experiences. However, there is a downside to traveling — the risk of contracting an illness. You will be staying in hotels or hostels, eating out frequently, meeting new people and spending time in close quarters with them.
All of these can increase the risk of contracting an infection or disease. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks when traveling, there are plenty of precautions you can take to minimize your chances of getting sick and staying healthy during your trip.
What to bring with you when traveling
When traveling in a foreign country, you may have to deal with a different climate and different water quality compared to what you’re used to. Therefore, it is important to bring the right gear with you.
– Water bottle – When you’re on the road, you will want to stay hydrated, but drinking tap water is not recommended. Instead, buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up with water from a bottle. Alternatively, you could also buy a water purifying bottle that removes 99.9% of contaminants from the water.
– First aid kit – Pack a first aid kit that contains the essentials when you are traveling. It should include things like bandages, disinfectants and pain relievers.
– Sunscreen – If you’re traveling to a sunny area, make sure to pack sunscreen. When in doubt, bring one with a high SPF.
– Earplugs – When you’re not in your hotel room, you may find yourself surrounded by noise. Earplugs are great for blocking out the noise so you can get a good night’s sleep.
Wash your hands frequently
Infections are generally caused by bacteria or viruses. Your body can fight off bacteria, but it has a harder time dealing with viruses. Therefore, the best way to make sure you don’t get sick while traveling is to make sure you don’t come into contact with any viruses or bacteria. You can do this by making sure to wash your hands frequently.
Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds will lower the number of bacteria on your hands, making it less likely for you to get sick when you come into contact with someone else. In addition to washing your hands with soap and water, you can also use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer works just as well as hand washing, but it comes in a convenient spray form, making it easier to use.
Stay away from people who are sick
If someone you are traveling with becomes ill, you may be tempted to stay with them to help them out. However, this is one of the most dangerous things you can do. If a person who is sick coughs or sneezes, they may spread their germs through the air. You will inhale these germs and they will go straight to your lungs, making you sick.
You should stay away from people who are sick and not share towels, clothes or other personal items with them. If a person who is sick is staying in your hotel room, or you’re staying in their room, try to change the air in the room by opening the windows for a few minutes.
Don’t touch your face
This may seem like common sense, but you will be surprised at how many people ignore this basic rule. When you’re traveling, you’ll be in close quarters with lots of other people. Someone who is sick may unwittingly touch your face, which can transfer the germs from their hands to your face. Therefore, you must avoid touching your face as much as possible.
You don’t want to get a cold because someone sneezed on you and you then put your hand to your face. Hand hygiene is of the utmost importance when you’re traveling. Not only does it keep you healthy, but it also prevents you from getting sick from other people around you.
Use sanitizing wipes and hand gel
Sanitizing wipes are great for cleaning common areas such as kitchen counters, bathroom sinks and toilets. You can also use them to wipe down your keyboard when you’re staying in a hostel. Similarly, hand gel is great for cleaning your hands and making sure that there aren’t any germs left on them after you’ve washed them with soap and water.
Bring earplugs with you
Ear plugs are useful for a few things, especially if you like to sleep in a noisy environment, such as a bustling city. They can help block out noise, which will allow you to sleep better. They are also great for blocking out the sound on airplanes. They are also useful if you are staying in a hostel where there may be people staying who snore. You can put in ear plugs to block out the noise and get a good night’s sleep.
Get enough sleep
Traveling can be tiring, especially if you’re traveling to multiple destinations on a long trip. It can be tempting to stay up late and socialize with other people, but this can be very dangerous. If you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to fall ill. You can avoid this by going to bed early, especially if you know you have an early flight the next day. You can also avoid getting sick by eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. You should also avoid touching your face and make sure that you wash your hands. If you’re staying in a hostel, try to sleep early and avoid drinking too much alcohol.
Conclusion
You will have plenty of exciting times while traveling, but they can also be tiring and stressful. The best way to enjoy your trip is to stay healthy by taking proper precautions. You can do this by washing your hands frequently and staying away from people who are sick. It is also important to avoid touching your face and make sure you get enough sleep. When you take these precautions, you will be less likely to get sick and have a more enjoyable experience while traveling.
