No one plans to spend part of a vacation feeling miserable. But travel can expose you to unfamiliar germs, changes in routine, disrupted sleep, different foods, extreme weather, and increased physical activity, all of which can increase your chances of getting sick or injured.
Fortunately, many travel illnesses improve with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Knowing when to seek medical care and where to find it can help you recover more quickly and avoid more serious complications.
If you get sick on vacation, stay hydrated, rest, treat your symptoms, and monitor how you’re feeling. Seek urgent medical care if your symptoms become severe, worsen instead of improving, or include signs of a medical emergency.
Why do people get sick while traveling?
Travel changes many parts of your normal routine.
Common reasons people become ill include:
- Exposure to new viruses or bacteria
- Foodborne illness
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Jet lag
- Sleep disruption
- Motion sickness
- Altitude illness
- Heat-related illness
- Increased physical activity leading to injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that destination, planned activities, underlying health conditions, and local disease risks all influence your chances of becoming ill while traveling.
What should you do first if you get sick on vacation?
Many mild illnesses can be safely managed at home or in your hotel.
Start by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting extra rest
- Monitoring your symptoms
- Taking over-the-counter medications when appropriate
- Avoiding strenuous activities
- Eating foods that are easy to tolerate
Sometimes slowing down for a day allows your body enough time to recover.
What if you have food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea?
Traveler’s diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related illnesses, especially during international travel.
Symptoms often include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever (sometimes)
The CDC recommends replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
Depending on your symptoms, oral rehydration solutions may be more effective than plain water because they replace both fluids and electrolytes.
When your stomach begins to settle, start with bland foods such as:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Crackers
- Plain potatoes
If symptoms are severe, bloody, accompanied by high fever, or prevent you from staying hydrated, seek medical care promptly.
What should you pack before your trip?
A small travel health kit can make managing minor illnesses much easier.
Consider packing:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Adhesive bandages
- Antihistamines
- Motion sickness medication if needed
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Oral rehydration packets
- Hand sanitizer
- Prescription medications in original containers
- Copies of important prescriptions
The CDC also recommends carrying enough prescription medication for your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays.
When should you visit urgent care?
Urgent care is often appropriate for illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention but are not medical emergencies.
Examples include:
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Minor cuts requiring stitches
- Mild dehydration
- Persistent vomiting
- Moderate food poisoning
- Sprains
- Mild asthma flare-ups
- Skin infections
If you’re traveling within the United States, your health insurance company may be able to help you locate nearby in-network urgent care centers.
You can also use Zocdoc to search for urgent care near your destination.
When should you go to the emergency room?
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe dehydration
- Persistent confusion
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Serious injuries
- High fever with severe illness after international travel
- Symptoms of severe allergic reaction
Don’t delay emergency care because you’re worried about disrupting your vacation.
Your health comes first.
Should you keep traveling if you’re sick?
It depends on how sick you are.
If your symptoms are mild, adjusting your itinerary for a day or two may be enough.
If you’re moderately or severely ill, continuing strenuous sightseeing or outdoor activities may delay recovery.
Listen to your body.
Sometimes the healthiest decision is spending a day resting instead of pushing through your plans.
What if you’re traveling internationally?
Before leaving home, it’s helpful to know:
- Whether your health insurance covers international care
- Where local hospitals are located
- Emergency phone numbers for your destination
- Whether travel insurance includes medical coverage
- Where your country’s nearest embassy or consulate is located
Carry:
- Your passport
- Health insurance information
- Medication list
- Allergy information
- Emergency contacts
If you need medical care in another country, these documents can make treatment much easier.
Is it safe to fly home if you’re sick?
That depends on your illness.
Mild cold symptoms may not prevent you from traveling.
However, flying while experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, significant dehydration, high fever, or serious illness may worsen your condition or increase the risk of spreading infection to others.
Ask your healthcare provider whether it’s safe to travel if you’re unsure.
The CDC recommends delaying travel if you have symptoms of certain contagious illnesses or are too ill to travel safely.
How can you prevent getting sick on vacation?
Although not every illness can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations
- Drinking safe water when traveling internationally
- Eating food that’s been prepared safely
- Getting enough sleep before and during your trip
- Staying hydrated
- Using insect repellent where appropriate
- Wearing sunscreen
- Taking medications exactly as prescribed
If you’re traveling internationally, consider scheduling a travel medicine appointment four to six weeks before departure to discuss recommended vaccines, medications, or other precautions.
How can Zocdoc help?
If you need medical care while traveling in the United States, Zocdoc makes it easy to find nearby urgent care centers, primary care providers, and specialists.
You can compare in-network providers, read verified patient reviews, check availability, and book appointments online, helping you get back to enjoying your trip sooner.
The bottom line
Getting sick on vacation is frustrating, but many travel illnesses improve with rest, hydration, and supportive care.
Know the warning signs that require medical attention, don’t hesitate to seek care if your symptoms become severe, and remember that taking a day to recover may help you enjoy the rest of your trip.
Preparing before you travel with vaccinations, medications, and a basic travel health kit can also reduce your chances of needing medical care away from home.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I get sick while traveling?
Rest, stay hydrated, monitor your symptoms, take over-the-counter medications when appropriate, and seek medical care if symptoms become severe or continue worsening.
Should I go to urgent care or the emergency room while on vacation?
Urgent care is appropriate for many non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Go to the emergency room immediately for severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe dehydration, or major injuries.
Can I fly if I’m sick?
It depends on the illness. Mild symptoms may not prevent travel, but severe illness, dehydration, or certain contagious infections may make flying unsafe. Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
What should be in a travel health kit?
A travel health kit should include prescription medications, pain relievers, antihistamines, bandages, hand sanitizer, oral rehydration packets, antidiarrheal medication, and copies of important medical information.
How can I prevent getting sick on vacation?
Wash your hands frequently, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, keep recommended vaccinations up to date, eat food prepared safely, drink safe water when appropriate, and consider a travel medicine consultation before international travel.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. It is not intended as, and Zocdoc does not provide, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Zocdoc does not recommend any specific provider. Find one you’ll love on Zocdoc today.