Travel on a holiday means going out of your comfort zone. Follow this comprehensive guide to stay healthy on your break.
Planning to travel during the summer holidays? Melanie Swan asks some experts to offer tips on what to keep in mind before setting off
PLAN AHEAD
Nadine Du Toit, Life and fitness coach ‘Research is key to enhancing your travel experience and staying healthy and active. I always do research on where are the closest grocery stores around. Even if you’re in a hotel it’s good to get the basics, like dried fruit, nuts, fresh fruit, little bites you can have around so you don’t always have to eat out, or snack on junk food. Something healthy is always on hand.
‘A lot of cities have running clubs and sports clubs. For instance, when I went to Lausanne in Switzerland, I downloaded Run Lausanne app which gives you all the different routes where you can run plus it's a great way to know the city better. Many big cities have that. You can also become a part of running or cycling groups. It’s a great way to know new people and get a new perspective on the city. I believe it becomes more of an emotional, unforgettable holiday when it’s experiential like that.’
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Dr Teeb Al Awadi, family medicine specialist at Medcare Medical Centre in Motor city ‘Having a good health insurance while travelling is essential. Travelling to new places exposes you to a whole new environment. You can never foresee what issues crop up when you are away from home. Being prepared is highly recommended. When travelling outside of your home country, it’s vital to buy international travellers medical insurance to cover yourself against unforeseen accidents or illness. Even if you have private medical insurance at home, the chances are this will not cover you when traveling abroad, or if it does cover you that coverage might be insufficient. An international health insurance might seem a little expensive, but don’t forgo this expenditure as it can really be useful in times of need.
‘Also, this becomes even more critical when you have a pre-existing medical condition. Safe travel is a happy travel experience.”
VACCINATIONS
Dr Teeb Al Awadi
‘The best way to stay healthy on your trip is to plan before you go. If you are planning to travel to another country, see a doctor several months before you leave so you will have time for vaccines that you may need to get ahead of time. Pack a medical kit for yourself and any children travelling with you. Also ask your doctor if there are medicines or extra safety steps that you should take. For example, if you have asthma, you may have to avoid stays in polluted cities. Or someone visiting the tropics may need to take medicine to prevent malaria.
To avoid diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting associated with these illnesses, make sure you pack enough of any medications you need, or take a prescription. Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eat it while it’s hot. Avoid ice in drinks, and use boiled or bottled water, or water purifiers or tablets. Don’t buy food from street stalls; hotels and busy restaurants are safest. Take care of your personal hygiene.
PREVENT OR HEAL JET LAG WITH NATURAL AYURVEDIC REMEDIES
Dr Asha Jones, Ayurvedic doctor from Dubai Herbal Treatment Centre
‘There are ways of treating or preventing the dreaded jet lag, which can ruin the holiday or return home. For a natural remedy to aid sleep, mix two grams of cinnamon or nutmeg powder in one glass of warm organic milk or in honey. Massaging your head or the soles of your feet with coconut oil also helps. You can also massage sesame oil on your soles. If you feel tired and swollen, try to get a good massage as it improves your circulation, the organ functions and clears the fluid retention. For swollen ankles or feet, dipping your feet in warm salt water will also help.’
MEDICATIONS TO LIVE BY
Zsofi Peres, Cabin crew
‘If I feel I am coming down with an infection or likely to get sick, I take echinacea. It boosts the immune system as well as reduces many of the symptoms of cold, flu and infections. I usually carry a nasal spray as well as sea salt or chamomile, as my nose gets blocked after a flight, because of the dry air. However, I try not to use it too regularly, because it can be harmful for the sensitive membranes inside the nasal passages. I just use it after the flight, if needed.
‘Some people carry indigestion tablets, or imodium for diarrhoea, as well as Panadol. I prefer to have Vitamin C tablets on me, in case I need an energy and vitamin boost. I believe that onboard headaches happen because of lack of hydration. Instead of taking a pill, just have a big glass of water, and maybe a sandwich or a muesli bar.’