How To Take Care Of Yourself When On Vacation? Guide

Heading on vacation is often a highlight in the year for many. It’s a chance to forget about the daily grind back home, leave work behind and just relax and enjoy yourself. You can go away on a romantic break with your other half, a family fun trip, go with friends, or head solo. No matter what you decide, it’s a great thing to do and you want to make the most of it. No matter where you’re going however, you want to make sure you take care of yourself.

Prepare your time way and pack the essentials as the last thing you want is to injure yourself or become unwell and be unprepared when somewhere new. In this article we explore how you can take care of yourself when on vacation to ensure you have a smooth trip.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your well-being while traveling:

Ensure you have health insurance

The first thing you need to ensure before going anywhere is that you have adequate health insurance. Health care when you get hurt or injured is expensive enough, let alone when you are in a foreign country. Be sure to take this out when you book your trip so you are covered in the event of any cancellations and make sure it covers you for injury. This means if you happen to hurt yourself for example when on an excursion or at your hotel, you can get help without having to worry so much about the bill.

1. Plan Ahead:
   • Research your destination to understand the local customs, weather, and potential health risks. Check out reviews before you go that nothing untoward has happened at the resort, hotel or place of interest you will visit. There were recent reports of toxic water at Camp Lejeune for example and people are currently in the process of claiming compensation for this due to becoming sick. You want to try and avoid things like this from happening so look at health ratings, news reports and for any online information that might assist you when booking.
   • Make a list of essential items to pack, including any medications or health-related items you might need.
2. Stay Hydrated:
   • Drink plenty of water, especially in hot or humid climates.
   • Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, as they can contribute to dehydration.
3. Eat Well:
   • Try the local cuisine, but also ensure you maintain a balanced diet.
   • Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meals to get essential nutrients.
4. Get Enough Rest:
   • Prioritize sleep and aim for a regular sleep schedule.
   • Avoid overloading your itinerary with activities to ensure you have time to relax.
5. Stay Active:
   • Incorporate physical activity into your vacation, such as walking, hiking, or swimming.
   • Stretch or do yoga to help relieve tension and maintain flexibility.
6. Sun Protection:
   • Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.
   • Wear sunglasses and a hat to shield your eyes and face.
7. Mindful Travel:
   • Practice mindfulness to stay present and enjoy the moment.
   • Take time to appreciate the beauty and culture of your destination.
8. Manage Stress:
   • Vacation can sometimes be stressful, so find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
9. Stay Safe:
   • Follow safety guidelines and be aware of your surroundings.
   • Keep important documents like passports, IDs, and travel insurance in a secure place.
10. Stay Connected:
    • Inform a trusted friend or family member about your travel plans and check in with them periodically.
    • Carry a fully charged phone and a power bank for emergencies.
11. Medical Precautions:
    • If you have pre-existing medical conditions, carry necessary medications and prescriptions.
    • Research local healthcare facilities and have a plan in case of a medical emergency.
12. Stay Hygienic:
    • Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
    • Carry hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not readily available.
13. Limit Screen Time:
    • While it’s okay to use your devices for navigation and communication, try to limit excessive screen time and enjoy the surroundings.
14. Respect Your Limits:
    • Don’t push yourself too hard. If you need a break or some downtime, take it.
    • Be aware of your physical and mental limitations.
15. Budget Wisely:
    • Overspending can cause stress, so set a budget and stick to it.
    • Plan activities that align with your budget to avoid financial strain.

Make time for wellness activities

When on vacation, there are many wellness activities you can take part in that can help you to feel better about yourself. You might decide to go on walks each morning, hike through the countryside or mountains, or head to the gym. You could take part in an exercise class such as yoga or pilates in your hotel and you could try an activity such as a cookery class or meditation to help with your mental health. Making time for healthy activities on vacation is a great way to help take care of yourself when away from home.

These are just a few things you do to help take care of yourself when on vacation. No matter how long you are going for, who you are heading with or where you are going, there are always small things you can implement to help make the most of your time away. What are some of your top tips for taking care of yourself when on vacation? Let us know in the comments below.