Recently I was asked if I had any other “must do’s” prior to or during traveling, and I had to put my thinking cap on. I mean, I usually have at least two lists going on beforehand. A packing list, a before leaving list… I am sure there is at least one more but those are the main two I always have.
So after careful thought I came up with these main “must do’s”
Talk with your doctor It’s always a good idea to discuss any extensive travel plans with your doctor. Especially if it is to a rural area or for an extended period of time. For instance, I would highly recommend talking to your doctor about any travel outside the state or country. If there is medication you need refills for, or need to discuss a possible antibiotic, any concerns you may have, inform your doctor.
Talk to your pharmacist Prior to leaving, it’s always a good idea to check your medication and see if you will potentially need refills during your vacation. If so, talk to your pharmacist about ways to refill either during or prior to your vacation. There may be options available, such as filling it at a pharmacy wherever your location is, or filling it prior to leaving, especially if going out of state or country.
Research the area Always research the area of intended travel. Do they have a clinic or hospital that you can go to in case of emergency? Is there a pharmacy to get prescriptions if needed? Research what is available and the options. If it is a more remote area, be prepared. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Research and find out as much as you can before you get there and get sideswiped.
Medication and vitamins Always make sure you have enough medication and take your vitamins. Make sure you are taking those vitamins well in advance of the trip so that you can get the proper nutrients and amounts that your body needs on a regular basis. Be sure to pack enough for the duration of the trip, including a few extra days in case of delays ect.
Hydration Be sure to stay properly hydrated. Pack those electrolyte packets and drink the proper amount of water/fluids in a day. I’m not talking about coffee or tea; you need to hydrate properly. Staying hydrated is essential to making sure your body functions to its best ability every day.
Proper nutrition Here again, you need to make sure you eat properly, and get the nutrients needed. If you skip meals, or eat nothing but fast food, that could wear you down and make you tired and unable to function. It may seem self-explanatory, but who really watches their nutrition while on vacation? It’s all about the sights, good food, shopping…ect. I know I tend to not pay attention to my eating habits while on vacation, but I know it’s important to get those nutrients. So splurge on that milkshake and fries, but make sure to offset it every so often with a salad or such. Balance is key as well as the proper foods. It can be done. Make sure you are eating enough protein as well. I can always tell a difference in my body on an average day when I’m not on vacation if I haven’t had the protein I should have. So keep an eye on that.
REST Before, during and after the vacation…Let your body rest! Divide tasks up, do a little each day before the trip. Make a list so you aren’t forgetting what to do. Stick it on the fridge, the door, copy it to your phone… small progress is still progress. Pack a little at a time and then simply double check before packing the car. You’ll be amazed at how a little adds up.
When on vacation, be sure to plan those rest periods. A little bit of time every day. Take rest days where you plan to sleep in and get a late start. Time to lounge around the pool, a cafe, or wherever. Just make sure to plan those rest periods. Remember, you don’t have to see and do everything. It’s all about balance and keeping yourself healthy too. Do a little in the morning, rest and a little in the evening or whenever you are the most able to function. But plan for it. Then actually follow through with it! Even if you think you are doing okay and can make it the entire day, trust me, you’ll be grateful you stopped to rest. The rest of your party will be grateful you did too!
Wallet items So, this is one that I have done just as an essential item in my wallet for pure medical purposes. Mainly for out-of-town trips to doctors. I always keep a medication list complete with medication name and dose. I also have an allergy list and side effects. It’s a simple piece of paper with the allergies on it, tucked in with my driver’s license. I’m always a little cautious. Having been in two car collisions when I was a teen, I think it makes me a little paranoid, so I figure, better to be safe and have the allergies listed where the medical team can find it easily enough then to not have it at all.
The same is true for traveling for vacation. Have those lists handy in your wallet just in case you need to go to the doctor. Because really, who remembers what medication they have or dose in those situations. If you have it ready and, in your wallet, it’ll be there in the case you need it. I also recommend having your primary medical doctor’s phone number so that the physician examining you can make that phone call to your primary to discuss treatments.
I also try to have a small container of hand sanitizer to clean hands before I eat or drink. Comes in handy when there is no bathroom available just before I want to grab a snack. Sanitizer wipes would be great to have also for those quick wipe downs on a table seating. Just those small steps might possibly make a difference.
So keep these items in your wallet:
Medication list and doses; list of allergies and reactions and your primary doctor’s name and phone number.
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. A quick sanitization might make a difference in your overall health while on vacation.
As my mom always says “Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.” So be prepared in advance while keeping it simple.
