What are travel-related illnesses?
Travel-related illnesses encompass various ailments that can occur during or after a trip. These include, for example, nausea, dizziness, jet lag, gastrointestinal problems, or circulatory issues caused by heat.
Particularly long trips, unfamiliar foods, changes in climate, or significant stress can put a strain on the body and affect one’s well-being.
Common travel-related illnesses on vacation
Long trips, time zone changes, heat, or unfamiliar foods can put a strain on the body and trigger various symptoms. Travel sickness, jet lag, gastrointestinal issues, and circulatory problems are particularly common.
1. Travel sickness
Travel sickness is often caused by unfamiliar motion in a car, airplane, train, or on a ship. Typical symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sweating
2. Jet lag
Jet lag occurs when the body’s internal clock becomes disrupted due to rapidly crossing multiple time zones. Many people experience:
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Digestive issues
3. Gastrointestinal issues
Unfamiliar foods, contaminated water, or germs can upset your stomach and digestion while traveling. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness
4. Circulatory problems & heat
High temperatures and strong sunlight can strain the circulatory system and cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or exhaustion.
Travel-related ailments such as jet lag, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, or circulatory problems are among the most common health complaints on vacation.
Tips for Preventing Travel Sickness & Jet Lag
Even small measures can help prevent or alleviate discomfort while traveling.
1. For Travel Sickness
- Focus on the horizon
- Avoid reading or looking at your smartphone
- Opt for light meals
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine
- Get some fresh air
2. When dealing with jet lag
- Adjust to local time immediately
- Get plenty of daylight
- Gradually adjust your sleep schedule
- Take it easy for the first few days
Here’s how you can prevent gastrointestinal discomfort
Especially when traveling, your digestive system often reacts sensitively to new foods or differences in hygiene. That’s why it can be helpful to:
- drink plenty of water
- Drink only bottled beverages
- Peel fruits and vegetables
- pay attention to food hygiene
- avoid heavy meals
In cases of acute diarrhea or nausea, special attention should be paid to ensuring adequate fluid and electrolyte intake.
Simple hygiene measures and mindful eating can often prevent gastrointestinal issues while traveling.
Protection against Mosquitoes & Tropical Diseases
In many vacation destinations, mosquito bites can be not only unpleasant but also transmit diseases. Good protection is therefore especially important. The following can be helpful:
- long, light-colored clothing
- mosquito repellents
- mosquito nets
- fly screens
- Protection against standing water
Before When traveling long distances, it is also advisable to find out about potential infectious or tropical diseases in your destination country.
Why sun protection is so important on vacation
Strong UV radiation is often underestimated while on vacation. However, too much sun can put a significant strain on your skin and circulatory system. Therefore, it is especially important to:
- applying sunscreen regularly
- Wearing a hat
- staying hydrated
- taking breaks in the shade
- lightweight clothing
Especially in southern countries or during long periods of sun exposure, you should be sure to use sunscreen.
