Vacation Travel Tips: Staying Healthy on Your Outer Banks Vacation

Is there anything worse than getting sick on your vacation? You patiently (or not so patiently) wait all year, you save your precious pennies, you travel for hours, you get unpacked and start to settle into the vacation way of life, and BANG the sickies get ya. Sooo disappointing! Getting sick is always a drag, but when you’re on vacation, it’s the worst.

Last year, my parents came to visit the fam, and they decided to rent an oceanfront home rather than stay with us. It was a great chance enjoy the beach, and they planned to enjoy some alone time with the grand-kids. All was well when they arrived, and the kiddos had a great time with Grammie and Papa that first night. But by day two, the sickies were arriving.

First Mom was down for the count; on vacation, but not getting out of bed. Dad pressed on and enjoyed the next day exploring the OBX. But by day three, it was clear he was wearing down. By day four, they were packed up and headed home.

A planned week at the beach with the family turned into a day with the grand kids followed by lots of rest and recuperation. Not the best way to spend a vacation on the Outer Banks.

At least we now get to joke Grammie and Papa that they get sick when they visit us. But definitely not what they hoped for.

The moral of the story is that we all need to do what we can to make sure we are healthy…all the time – but especially on a long-awaited vacation.

The good news is that with a little prep, there’s a lot you can do to protect you and your family.

The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you’re more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip.

Here are some health and safety tips to keep in mind when planning your Outer Banks vacation.

Immune Support & Prevention

Germs spread easily when people are in close contact. Plus, people often get run down and stressed out before they go away for vacation, trying to get work done and prepare for the trip.

• Boost your immune system. Having a sound immune system will always help fight bugs, but adding an extra boost will also help. Consider taking vitamin supplements such as vitamin C, ginger root, and green tea. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to begin taking these supplements the week before your vacation.
• Get a bottle of hand sanitizer and use it. Got a case of the ickies, but not soap and water in sight? – this is where hand sanitizers come in handy. Your hand sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol.
• Get disinfectant wipes and wipe down places where germs are frequent. Doorknobs, remote controls, light switches, etc.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can occur whether going by car, train, plane, or boat. Its effects include nausea – which could lead to vomiting. This is usually preceded by yawning, salivation, cold sweating and dizziness. People prone to motion sickness should have a light non-fatty meal before the journey and avoid alcohol. Reading and writing should also be avoided during travel. Tablets are available to help combat motion sickness.If you are traveling by car, it is advisable to take a rest from driving every two hours. A short walk will refresh you and help to maintain your concentration.

Sunburn Control

Bright, sunny days seem like the perfect recipe for a great Outer Banks vacation. However, if you aren’t careful, the summer sun can be too much of a good thing. During the summer months, the sun’s rays are especially intense. The reflection of the sun off of the ocean and sand can increase your chance for sunburn.The tanning effect of the sun is largely caused by ultraviolet rays which reach the skin. Excessive exposure to these rays leads to burning with redness and swelling. Check out our Beach Safety page for more information.

Bites and Stings

If you are bitten by mosquitoes, sandflies, or other insects while on vacation you should apply an antihistamine cream or, if none is available, prompt application of ice and a cooling lotion, such as calamine, will ease the pain considerably.

Other more dangerous injuries can be caused by a number of creatures. If you are stung by a jellyfish, try to remove the tentacles and stingers. This is best done by gently rubbing the area with a handful of wet sand. Alcohol applied externally to the skin and cooling lotions will also help.

Hangover Help

A few too many cocktails combined with lots of sun (dehydration) can bring on that undesirable hangover. How to avoid? Drink lots of water while you are having cocktails and before bed have a glass of water and banana. Take a supplement with guava leaf extract – the compounds in guava help your body process alcohol more efficiently. Go easy on the Tylenol, while it helps the headache, high amounts are hard on your liver and so is the alcohol. If you feel queasy the next day, avoid alcohol and have some ginger and lemon tea.

Overeating and Indulging

Overeating can lead to bloating, gas, heartburn and weight gain. Avoid this unpleasant feeling by eating smaller meals (try to avoid the buffets), choosing your foods wisely, taking digestive enzymes before you eat and having a cup of green tea afterward to aid digestion and support your metabolism.

Other Helpful Hints

• Pack a first aid kit. It’s a good idea to bring a “travel” first aid kit with you on vacation containing the following items: aspirin, travel-sickness pills, insect repellant, sunscreen, and creams or sprays to relieve the effects of stings and bites.
• Trust your instincts and use common sense. We come into contact with germs every day, and that’s just life. Living in a bubble is silly and will rob you of great experiences, so you have to take risks sometimes.
• Consider buying vacation insurance. Trip insurance covers a variety of issues that could impact your vacation and save you a lot of heart ache, should unforeseen circumstances occur. Check out our Policies and Procedures for more information vacation insurance.