How To Stay Healthy For Traveling

Your health can change at the drop of a dime, no matter where you are, but when you are traveling, it's very important to plan for a healthy vacation because you can't run out and grab some aspirin at the store, or pick up a prescription from the doctor, quite as easily. If you follow these tips to avoid illness and maintain your health, you will surely have a fresh, active, and exhilarating vacation without being hampered by a fever, a cough, or the sniffles.

Check Immunizations and Vaccinations Early

Most cruise destinations don't require specific vaccinations, but requirements can change quickly based on disease outbreaks and public health situations. Don't wait until the last minute to check.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a complete guide to suggested and required immunizations based on your travel destination. Visit their website or consult with your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure, especially if you're traveling to unusual or exotic locations.

While researching your ports of call, check for disease outbreaks, water safety warnings, or food advisories. An informed traveler always has a better experience and can take precautions before problems arise.

Pack Medications (And Then Pack More)

Packing medication might not be as exciting as choosing outfits, but it's the most important thing you'll bring on vacation.

Make sure to bring enough medication for your entire trip, plus an extra week's supply. Trips get extended, bags get delayed, and pills occasionally get lost. Better to have too much than too little.

Carry a copy of your prescriptions with both brand names and generic names listed. If you need a refill or emergency replacement, this documentation is essential.

Never pack medications in checked luggage. Keep all medications in your carry-on bag, purse, or pocket. You don't want your pills stuck in a suitcase that went to Alaska while you're landing in Miami.

Bring over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers, antihistamines, motion sickness medication, antacids, and anti-diarrheal medication. Ship stores carry these items, but at premium prices.

Pack Your Everyday Health Gear

These small items make a big difference in how you feel throughout your vacation.

Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Whether it's 100 degrees or 30 below, UV rays damage your skin. Apply sunscreen daily, reapply after swimming, and don't forget often-missed spots like ears, feet, and the back of your neck. Bring enough for your entire trip since ship stores charge premium prices.

Lip Balm With SPF

Lip balm protects your lips from sun and wind damage. Chapped lips ruin vacation photos and make eating uncomfortable.

Antibacterial Wipes or Hand Sanitizer

Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer are essential for shore excursions. While cruise ships have excellent hand-washing facilities, you won't always find them at ports. Use wipes after touching railings, before eating street food, and anytime soap and water aren't available.

Your Health Insurance Card

Your health insurance card belongs in your wallet alongside your credit cards and ID. You hope you won't need it, but you'll be grateful it's there if you do.

Refillable Water Bottle

A refillable water bottle helps you stay hydrated throughout the day. It's easy to forget to drink water when you're rushing to squeeze every activity into your schedule, but dehydration causes headaches, fatigue, and reduced enjoyment. Make hydration a priority.

Mobility Needs and Foot Care

Cruises offer plenty of relaxation time by the pool or in your comfortable stateroom, but you'll also spend hours exploring ports, walking cobblestone streets, touring attractions, and standing in lines.

If you need mobility assistance, inform your cruise line or our dedicated Cruise Experts months in advance. Cruise ships must be notified about wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other medical equipment to ensure proper accommodations. Let your cruise consultant know about any mobility devices you need.

You can also rent specialized equipment from companies, which deliver wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen concentrators, and even bathroom aids directly to your stateroom. Planning ahead ensures the equipment you need is waiting when you board.

For everyone else, foot care matters more than you think. Pack comfortable, broken-in walking shoes (not brand new ones that will give you blisters on day one). Bring multiple pairs so you can rotate based on activities.

Also pack:

• Shoe inserts for extra cushioning
• Band-aids and blister treatment
• Soothing foot lotion for evening relief
• Flip-flops or sandals for less intense walking days

We recommend scheduling an onboard massage to ease sore muscles and aching feet after particularly active port days. Your body will thank you.

Invest in Travel Insurance

You can be thoroughly prepared with medications, vaccinations, and health gear, but you never know what the future brings. That's why travel insurance is essential for every cruise.

The Cruise Web partners with Travel Insured International, a leader in the travel insurance industry, to offer comprehensive travel protection that safeguards your vacation investment. Since the cost of travel protection varies in relation to the cost of your vacation, please call your cruise consultant for personalized pricing.

Travel protection may provide:

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

Reimbursement of the nonrefundable, insured portion of your travel investment if you have to cancel or interrupt your travel for a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies.

Medical Emergency Benefits

Coverage for medical emergencies and emergency transportation while you're traveling, providing financial protection when you're far from home.

Trip Delay and Baggage Protection

Benefits for eligible trip delays, baggage delays, and lost, stolen, or damaged belongings, helping you manage unexpected travel disruptions.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Access to non-insurance services during travel or medical emergencies, including medical referral and monitoring, legal assistance, arrangement of medical evacuations or repatriations, and pre-trip assistance.

The Pre-existing Condition Waiver

Pre-existing medical conditions are typically excluded from coverage, but this exclusion can be waived if you purchase the plan within 14 days of the date your initial payment/deposit is received, and you must be medically able and not disabled from travel at the time your protection plan is paid for.

Call our Cruise Experts as soon as you book to purchase travel protection and ensure the earliest possible coverage for your trip investment.

Travel insurance relieves worry and stress, which is also good for your health. Don't risk thousands of dollars and your peace of mind by skipping this protection.

Travel protection is provided through Travel Insured International and includes both insurance coverages and non-insurance assistance services. Coverage and maximum amounts may vary by state. Please contact your cruise consultant for complete details, pricing, and plan documents. The purchase of travel insurance is not required to book your cruise.

Staying Healthy Before You Sail

All this preparation won't help if you get sick before you even board the ship. In the weeks leading up to your cruise:

Get Enough Sleep

Your immune system needs rest to function properly. Don't stay up late packing or planning; give your body the rest it needs.

Eat Nutritious Foods

Fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water. Save the indulgent eating for the cruise.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

The weeks before your cruise aren't the time to let your guard down. Avoid sick people when possible and practice good hygiene.

Avoid Risky Activities

This isn't the time to try that extreme sport or take unnecessary chances. Broken bones and injuries will definitely ruin your cruise.

Manage Stress

Pre-trip anxiety is real, but try to stay calm. Exercise, meditate, or practice whatever stress-relief techniques work for you.

Health is Wealth

A healthy cruise starts with smart preparation. By addressing vaccinations early, packing medications & health equipment, planning for mobility needs, and investing in travel insurance, you're setting yourself up for a vacation filled with energy, excitement, and unforgettable experiences.

Don't leave your health to chance. A little preparation now means you'll spend your cruise breathing fresh ocean air, viewing beautiful vistas, and creating memories (not stuck in your stateroom feeling miserable).

Ready to Start Planning Your Healthy Adventure?

Our experienced Cruise Experts can help you prepare for every aspect of your vacation, including health considerations, mobility accommodations, and travel insurance options. We'll answer your questions, coordinate special requests with cruise lines, and ensure you're completely prepared before you sail.

With decades in business and top-account status with major cruise lines, The Cruise Web has the expertise to make your vacation planning stress-free.

Let's start planning! Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com. Your adventure awaits, and we'll make sure you're ready to enjoy every moment.