It’s probably happened to you many times – you’ve planned a long-anticipated holiday, set out on your journey with a wide smile on your face, and then a couple of days into your trip, stomach problems killed the party. People commonly get sick during travel, due to the fact that they are exposed to a wider range of infections and to new environments that can interrupt their regular body rhythm. Luckily, with just a few precautions, you can prevent tummy problems from affecting your travels and ruining your mood.
Keep your hands clean
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people tend to forget to wash their hands before a meal. Keeping your hands clean is essential in preventing infections and keeping bacteria at bay in your daily life, particularly while travelling. Whenever you can, wash your hands using soap and warm water, especially before and after you eat and after a visit to the toilet. It’s also a good idea to carry with you a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel to minimise the chances of getting any sort of infection.
Bottled water is the safest choice
If you have your doubts about the sanitation of the place you’re visiting, or whether the water of the local area is safe enough to drink, turning to bottled water is the most prudent thing to do. Even if the locals reassure you that they drink it without any worries, you might not be equipped with the same protective bacteria as they are, and you may end up getting sick. Drinking bottled water or even coconut water will keep you safe, but make sure to check that it’s properly sealed to avoid scams. It’s also wise to avoid ice in your drinks, as this is another way to get in contact with the potentially impure water of the local area.
Indulge in familiar food
Trying out local specialties is appealing and exciting, but you shouldn’t rush into it without previous consideration. Food that’s completely new to you or that’s too heavy and spicy might cause stomach problems like cramps, pain, vomiting or diarrhoea. If you have a sensitive stomach and aren’t used to intense flavours, it’s better to play it on the safe side and eat familiar food at the beginning. Of course, you can occasionally treat yourself to some new local food, but don’t experiment all the time. Paying extra attention to what you eat while traveling is particularly advised for people who are on a special diet. For example, if you’re on a celiac disease diet and eat gluten-free food, ask for information before you choose certain foods, to avoid unwanted consequences.
Make use of a good probiotic
Choosing a quality probiotic is one of the most efficient ways to prevent tummy problems while you’re on holiday. They contain billions of units that help your digestive system achieve balance and strengthen your immune system. A high number of these units in your body ensures maximum health protection while you’re on the road, so finding a good probiotic is a worthwhile investment.
Get enough rest
Traveling to a new destination makes you impatient to explore it, but getting enough rest is essential for your health on the road. It’s particularly important to rest in the first 24 hours of your journey to be able to function normally afterwards. This especially applies to long-distance journeys or travelling across different time zones by plane, when you may suffer the consequences of jet lag. Having a proper rest will help you recharge and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Use these travel-friendly tips to protect your stomach from bad influences and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on Twitter and Facebook. She is also one of the editors at Highstylife Magazine.
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