Stay hydrated
You should always be aiming to keep yourself hydrated, but when you’re on holiday, this is doubly important. Not only will you be dealing with the general travel-related stress and fatigue, but you’re probably also going to be somewhere a lot warmer than home, meaning that you really need to keep up the water intake. Always make sure that the water is safe to drink wherever you’re headed, and if not, stock up on sealed, bottled water for drinking.
Watch what you eat
Even if cooked properly at a reputable restaurant, there will be some cuisines that just don’t sit well in your stomach. If you’re known to feel a bit iffy after eating exotic food, maybe ease yourself into it and start with a few small dishes alongside more plain food such as rice or pasta. If you’re keen to try the street food, make sure that any food you consume is fresh, cooked through and piping hot. Avoid salads that might have been washed in untreated water and leave out the ice if you’re unsure of its origins.
Be sun safe
As well as keeping yourself hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun is also key when you’re going to countries with a hotter climate. You should be pretty sun-savvy coming from New Zealand, but it’s easy to forget the basics when you’re out and about sight-seeing. Don’t forget to pack a sunhat and some sunscreen and keep an eye on how long you’re spending in the sun each day – not only can you get sunburnt, your body can also overheat, leading to more severe conditions such as heatstroke.
Get vaccinated
Not every country requires you to get a vaccination before going, but it’s best to check in with your doctor just in case. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and knowing the risks and protecting yourself is the best way to get the most out of your trip. If you’re going for an extended period of time, be sure to top up on any medications you need and add in a few general painkillers and anti-diarrhea pills for good measure.
Plan your recovery
Although holidays are meant to be relaxing for the most part, the stresses of time zones, long haul travel, and daily activities make for an often busy schedule – by the time you get home, you feel as though you need another holiday to recover! Always plan to have a few days free between returning from your trip and starting back at work so that you can let your body recover properly.
Insure yourself
Travel insurance should be an absolute must when heading overseas, no matter how long you’re going for. Not only does it cover you if your luggage goes missing, but it is also there to help with any treatment for illness while you’re away. The last thing you want to be worrying about is how you’re going to pay for any overseas medical bills so make sure to get it sorted before you go!
Bon voyage!
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