Keeping Your Family Healthy When Travelling

It should come as no surprise that more families than ever before are choosing to go travelling together. With an increasing number of flight paths, chances to learn about new cultures, and lots of hidden surprises, there is no wonder it is becoming such a popular option for parents.

While this can be an exciting time for everyone in the family, there are also some problems that travelling can bring. One of the most notable is how travelling can affect the general health of your family, as an absence of routine and worldwide diseases can put you more at risk.

Luckily, there is some key advice you can follow if you are hoping to prioritise the health of your loved ones during your adventures.

Stay up to date with travel vaccinations

No matter where you go in the world, there are different diseases that you may not be at risk of in your home country. Among the most common of these are Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Typhoid, all of which can be fatal if you are not vaccinated against them before you travel. The best way to make sure you are getting all the vaccinations you need is to look at a worldwide disease map, where you can find out which vaccinations you will need for the area you are visiting. Then, you can take your family to visit your local clinic, where you can have the vaccinations administered within the appropriate timeframe.

Pack any important medication

It is unlikely that everyone in your family will be free from health problems, which means it is important for you to take the necessary medication with you to ensure your family doesn’t encounter any problems when you are abroad. These medications include those which tackle everyday issues, such as Coloxyl for childhood digestive issues, which are more likely to occur when you are travelling to a new location. These can be packed in a specialised first aid kit, where you should also remember any prescription medication for ongoing issues.

Understand homesickness

Travelling can be a great help for people who are suffering from mental health problems, but it can also trigger anxiety and stress among younger travellers. Ideally, you should spend your time on the road talking to your children about how they feel. They will have some amazing days when they are travelling with you, but it is also normal for them to feel as though they are missing home. The lack of structure to travelling can also make them feel off-kilter, so you should do all you can to reassure them that everything will be okay. If they know they can come to you, they will be more likely to relax and deal with their problems more effectively, allowing them a chance to enjoy exploring.

Stay refreshed

Lots of people are fuelled by intense levels of energy when they are travelling, which means they can go for days on only a few hours of sleep. In the long run, this is not healthy, especially when you have children to consider on your trip.

Your days will be spent walking through new cities and hiking across natural wonders, meaning you will need lots of time to sleep and recover from the day’s activities. If you can, try and follow a regular sleep pattern, where you sleep earlier than usual, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Continue eating well

One of the most important lifestyle changes that occur when you are travelling is the change in diet. At home, you will be surrounded by foods you are familiar with, and a regular mealtime routine. When you are away, it becomes harder to stick to this. It is always recommended that you try the local cuisine of a new place, as it is a great way to immerse yourself in a different culture. However, you should also make sure that your journeys are filled with healthy snacks, and that your children are eating enough on every day of your trip. Some days will be more indulgent than others, and some more sparse, but over time you will hopefully strike the right balance.

Invest in travel insurance

Travelling comes with many surprises, most of which are good, but some of which are unwelcome. Some of these surprises may pose a risk to the health of people in your family, such as encountering a minor injury or being involved in an overseas car accident. In any case, you should invest in good travel insurance before you depart. This will cover any medical expenses you incur when you are away, and will also ensure your family gets the best medical care if something happens.