Aim for a Healthy Holiday

Who doesn’t look forward to a vacation? Whether you head to the beach, the mountains, or an exotic locale, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions to help you stay healthy while you’re away. There’s nothing worse than feeling miserable during your holiday.

With just a little planning, you can ensure a trip filled with fond memories. If you have special health concerns—for instance, if you have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time—keep that in mind as you select your vacation spot and your itinerary. Instead of a walking tour in Rome, a scenic bus tour might be more appropriate and enjoyable for a person with mobility challenges.

Before you go:

• Stow your medications. Pack prescription drugs and vitamins or other supplements in their original containers in your carry-on luggage. That way, you’re protected if your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
• Stock your own personal first-aid kit. Include items like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, cold or allergy medicine, and remedies for digestive problems and minor aches and pains. Depending on your destination, you may also need sunscreen and bug repellant.
• Get any required immunizations. For foreign travel, do some research to find out if you’ll need vaccines for the country you’re visiting. Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip to make sure you have ample time to receive inoculations. That’s also an excellent time for a checkup to assess your overall health. Make sure you’re current on routine vaccines such as the seasonal flu and tetanus.
• Pack your Service Benefit Plan ID card. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your healthcare benefits cover you throughout the US and anywhere in the world. If you need care in the US, use Preferred providers whenever possible to keep your out-of-pocket costs low. Before you travel, you can refer to the online Provider Directory to create a listing of Preferred Providers where you will be staying.

For help finding reliable medical resources while you're outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, contact the Overseas Assistance Center at +1 (804) 673-1678 collect using the appropriate AT&T calling code or by e-mail FEPOverseas@allianzassistance.com. The Overseas Assistance Center can help verify your enrollment, locate a physician or refer you to the nearest participating hospital or facility. The Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also contact the Blue Health Connection Nurse Advice Line, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just call 1.888.258.3432 for immediate assistance. If you are calling from overseas, you will need to use the appropriate AT&T calling code. Our registered nurses provide reliable health care advice, anytime and anywhere. You can also have a chat with a nurse in real time using a computer to answer your health-related questions. To connect online, visit fepblue.org. If you need urgent, immediate care, call 911.

When you’re on your way:

• You’ve got to move it. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, car, boat or bus, be sure to get up and walk around every hour or so. Sitting for long periods of time, especially in small, confined environments, can cause circulatory problems in your legs.
• Drink plenty of liquids and avoid overindulging in alcoholic beverages. It’s important to stay hydrated.
• Eat well. Choose familiar foods that are healthy, nutritious and easily portable. You may want to pack your own meal and snacks, so you’ll be sure to have something tasty that’s easy on your stomach.
• While you’re there:
• Wash germs away. Whether you’re traveling or in your hometown, make it a habit to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the bathroom. If water is in short supply, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to zap germs away. Hand washing is a simple but effective way to stay healthy.
• Get plenty of rest. Aim for a good night’s sleep, especially for the first few nights. Adequate rest can help stave off jet lag and allow you to start enjoying your trip right away.
• Exercise! If you already have an exercise routine, do your best to stick to it.
• Choose your water carefully. Depending on your locale, you may need to be careful about drinking water. If you’re concerned, use bottled water instead of tap water. Try carbonated bottled water—those bubbles will be your best gauge as to whether the water was actually bottled or was simply filled at the tap. If bottled water is not available, canned beverages, beverages made from water that has been boiled for at least one minute, or hot beverages will be your safest options. If the local tap water is unsafe, be sure to use bottled or boiled water when brushing your teeth. And be wary of ice in mixed drinks, juice or soda.

With these tips in mind, you can focus on enjoying your vacation, without worrying about the unexpected.

July 2011. Paula Spurway, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; U.S. National Library of Medicine; and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Page last updated: March 06, 2012