Having a Healthy Holiday

If you have been saving up for months and spent time planning and preparing for your holidays and a precious couple of weeks in the sun, the last thing you want is to have your holiday ruined by illness.

It makes sense to make preparations and take precautions while you are on holiday to ensure you remember your holidays for all the right reasons.

Before you leave for your holiday

Vaccines - You should do a little research into your holiday destination and check if you will require any vaccinations for your trip. If you are required to have vaccines, these may need to be administered several weeks before you leave.

Insurance - You should ensure you have taken out adequate holiday insurance before you leave to cover any medical bills you may incur in the event of an emergency.

First aid – It is a good idea to always pack a small first aid kit to take on holiday with you, as this could prove invaluable in a minor medical emergency. This kit should include a minimum of antiseptic cream, dressings and plasters for small cuts and grazes, paracetamol or another painkiller, antihistamines for treating mild allergic reactions, eyewash, tweezers, rehydration solution and travel sickness pills.

Medicines - If you are taking any prescription medicines then pack these in your hand luggage along with the prescription and a doctor’s letter. In addition to this, make sure the medicine is legal in the country of your holiday destination.

While on holiday

Food and drink – For many of us trying new foods and eating well is part of the fun in a holiday abroad. But you should always exercise caution as hygiene standards may not be as high as you are used to.

Avoid purchasing food from any stalls where dishes may have been out in the sun all day. Always check that seafood and meat has been properly cooked before eating and don’t drink the tap water unless you are certain it is safe to do so. If you are in any doubt you should stick to drinking bottled water and remember to avoid ice cubes, as they may have been made using the local water.

Out in the sun – Again, the sun is one of the main reasons for going abroad on holiday for many, but it is important to be sensible. Avoid being out in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day between 11am and 3pm.

Over-exposure can lead to sunburn and heat stroke. Sunburn can be extremely painful and a sufficiently high factor sunscreen should be applied regularly throughout the day particularly after swimming. You should also keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water regularly.

By following these tips and generally taking care you should be able to enjoy happy, healthy and fun holidays.