10 Tips for a Healthy March Break Vacation

It’s every traveller’s fear, falling ill while on holiday. It’s part of the reason why experienced travellers ensure they and their family have travel insurance should an unexpected illness or injury require medical attention. Even so, if you’re planning to get away this March Break, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and there are other precautions you should take to safeguard your vacation.

1. Get Vaccinated

Make a date with your doctor or pharmacist so they can vaccinate you against illnesses that may be common to the area where you are travelling. Also, inquire about the necessity of antimalarial medication.

2. Pack a Travel Health Kit

Pack a travel health kit that includes bandages, upset stomach medication, antibiotic and antifungal ointment, pain reliever, allergy medication, antacids and anti-nausea medication. If you’re going to a country where you don’t speak the language, it can be difficult to determine what’s what in the pharmacy.

3. Wash Your Hands, Frequently

Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness while travelling. Using soap and clean water, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and rinse. Don’t forget to clean the areas between your fingers and under your nails.

4. Carry Hand Sanitizer with You

There may be times when you don’t have access to a handwashing station. In these instances, a handy travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer can help. Although not as effective as washing your hands, a sanitizer can reduce the germs until you’re able to find a sink and soap.

5. Drink Bottled water

Don’t assume that all water from a tap is potable. Play it safe and stick to bottled water, or water that has been purified.

6. Protect Yourself from the Sun

A bad sunburn can cause headaches, fever, chills and fatigue. Be safe in the sun by applying waterproof sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 15) all over your exposed skin and reapply every few hours as needed. Try to limit the time you’re in the sun, cover up as much as comfortably possible, and remember to wear a hat.

7. Protect Yourself from the Heat

Like the sun, the heat can take a toll on your body. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated, try not to over-exert yourself, wear a hat and light-coloured clothing, and rest often in shady areas. If you start to feel some of the symptoms of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid breathing or extreme thirst) move to a cool place and drink water right away.

8. Use Insect Repellant

Many travel-related illnesses, like dengue fever, malaria and the Zika virus, are the result of being bitten by an infected mosquito, tick, flea, or fly. Your best offence is an insect repellant with DEET or Icaridin. If you’re using both sunscreen and insect repellent at the same time, apply the sunscreen first, followed by the repellent.

9. Be Cautious of What You Eat

The Government of Canada has a saying when it comes to what you eat while travelling: "Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it!" Don’t consume any food unless you know that it has been cooked thoroughly and is still hot when served. Be wary of uncooked foods, such as salads and shellfish, as well as foods from street vendors.

10. Follow Local Traffic Laws

Traffic accidents are the most common cause of death and injury among travellers under the age of 50. Familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws and customs, don’t drive under the influence, and don’t get in a vehicle where the driver appears impaired. Also, if you plan to rent a scooter or moped, always wear a helmet.

Protect Your holiday with Travel Insurance

While there are many ways to protect yourself from getting sick while on holiday, illness or injury can still happen unexpectedly. The best way to protect and cover yourself is to buy travel insurance, because when you’re away from home, even a small accident or sudden illness can come with a costly medical bill. Compare rates today at InsuranceHotline.com for the travel insurance coverage you need.