Are you going away on vacation soon? If so, we hope you have a fabulous time! A word of warning, however. Unless you want to spend the majority of your vacation time laid up in a hotel or hospital bed with an injury or illness, you need to ensure you follow precautions to have a healthy holiday rather than a calamitous one.
The following are some of the common health hazards that could befall any of us while we are away on vacation.
Car Accidents
Not only can an accident be caused on the way to your destination, but it may also be possible when you arrive at the visiting country. Considering the different road customs around the world, you may arrive at a place with laws very different from your own country. To ensure you aren’t one of the many holidaymakers who end up calling a personal injury law office after a collision, do your research before setting off. Driving on the wrong side of the road, misreading traffic signals, and not understanding road signage, are all recipes for a potential automobile disaster.
Trips and falls
Particularly if you’re a bit of a party animal, trips and falls are likely to happen if you have had a little too much to drink at the hotel bar. Still, even when sober, accidents could happen when climbing sightseeing spots, wandering around the poolside, or navigating unfamiliar terrain. Wear the appropriate footwear, pay attention to safety signs, and quite simply, look where you are walking. Oh, and you are probably wise to go easy on the drinks too. Just in case!
Sunburn and heat exhaustion
Heading to sunny climes? Then you need to take care. Lounging on the beach all day is great, but not when you return to your hotel room looking like a lobster. Care needs to be taken, so always lather on the appropriate factor sun cream, and spend time in the shade. Hint: if you are on the beach all day, purchase a large umbrella to shield you from the sun. And to avoid heat exhaustion, follow these tips to ensure you don’t put your life at risk. The sun can be a wonderful companion on vacation, but it’s also one of the world’s biggest killers. Beware!
Food poisoning
It’s natural to try new foods while you’re away; it’s all part of the experience after all. Still, to avoid a very poorly tummy, you do need to exercise some caution. Avoid food establishments that appear unclean, and always wash fruit or vegetables you buy from market stalls before eating. Ensure you follow other basic hygiene rules, such as washing your hands regularly with soap and water, so as to avoid catching or spreading an infection. Be careful with water too; always use bottled or sterilized water if you are uncertain about the cleanliness of local water sources.
As extra precautions, research your destination’s medical facilities before departure and ensure you are well-insured. We hope you don’t have an accident or fall ill while away, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. And if we haven’t put you off from going on vacation, we hope you have a wonderful (and safe) time while you’re away!
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