Combating a Cold on Vacation: Effective Tips for Quick Relief and Recovery

Being sick is never fun, but it happens. Sometimes it strikes while you are trying to have a great time, stress free, on vacation and then what? Don’t let some germs ruin your trip… here’s everything you need to know: 

Plan for it

As weird as it sounds, plan to get sick on vacation. 9/10 times you may not actually come down with anything but you will be so thankful if that one time you get sick you had properly planned. 
You can plan to get sick on vacation by bringing simple medications as well as talking with your doctor about bringing one type of antibiotic that works for you just in case, especially if you are traveling internationally. 

Over the counter medications 

Bringing medicines such as Advil and Tylenol can come in handy with simple headaches, joint pain, soreness, and even fevers. Medications such as these seem simple and widely available, but in many places they are extremely hard to come by. I do recommend bringing both kinds because I have found Advil does a better job with reducing swelling and Tylenol is great for fever reduction. 
Recently, I have been bringing Delsym and NyQuil. Delsym is very helpful in stopping coughs when it is bothering you especially during sleep. NyQuil can assist in falling asleep when you are congested and are struggling to sleep on your own. I usually do not use these but I know the second I do not bring them, I will need them. 

Nasal Spray 

Sadly, I am very sinus infection prone. If you’re like me (or even allergy prone) then bringing a saline based nasal spray is a must. Simply saline (right photo, right bottle) is my go-to and it is available at any supermarket. Using it in the shower will help clear congestion. For allergies, I like Flonase (left photo) or some Rx nasal sprays (right photo, left bottle) that are given by doctors. Afrin (right photo, middle) is a really good decongestant as well. It can only be used a few days at a time, however, and I would recommend something more natural like saline to help you recover. They really help open the sinus passageways but are not effective if you’re already congested. 

Prescriptions 

Especially if you’re traveling with kids, bringing some type of prescription is a must at least in our family. You want to avoid doctors at all costs on vacation, especially internationally. Oftentimes, there are other diseases ready to infringe on anyone close by and it’s just a hassle. Do not use an antibiotic if you are able to recover on your own. However, for example, I once came down with tonsillitis while abroad. An antibiotic saved me from having to be flown back to the United States because I was rapidly declining with a high fever and a closing throat, unable to eat. Cases like this are when it is helpful to have a stronger medication if needed. 

Ear Drops

If you plan to get your ears wet at all while traveling (besides showers) bringing ear drops is a great way to avoid or soothe ear infections. Swimmers ear is small, portable, and effective. I recommend using ear drops proactively to avoid initial pain and discomfort of infection, especially if you are a scuba diver or snorkeler. 

Don’t get sick, plan for it! 

Especially with any sickness being similar to COVID now, you don’t want to have a simple sinus infection and be suspected of COVID-19. Plan ahead, plan to get sick, and you will always be prepared to encounter even the worst illnesses.