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Vacation time is something that we look forward to all year long. It is what gets us through those long, dreary work days. Yet, many of us have heard of holiday horror stories. We may even have experienced one for ourselves. So, what can we do to make our vacation time a delight rather than a disaster?
The key to a successful vacation is to plan well ahead of time. You will want to obtain any relevant travel and health documentation in advance so that these are all in order before you head off to the airport. Are you due to travel to an area where health hazards are likely to be encountered? Find out well in advance what preventive medication to take.
Malaria is, for example, a threat in many areas. You should take anti malarial drugs a few days before hand. You should continue with the medication throughout your trip and even for a few weeks after you get home. You will also want to make sure you take insect repellents, ankle bands and bed nets.
How about travel sickness? Can anything be done about this? Researchers suggest trying to fix your attention on something stable while travelling. Focus on the horizon. If your cases of motion sickness are severe, however, you may want to take antihistamine drugs under your physician’s supervision.
On long air flights you should periodically get some exercise by walking in the aisles or simply by flexing your legs and hips while in your seat. To prevent dehydration drink lots of non-alcoholic liquids.
If you are travelling with children, take along plenty of things to keep them entertained. Books, games and other distractions will make the trip more pleasurable for everyone concerned.
When you get to your travel destination try to give yourself plenty of time to unwind. You may well be in a different time zone. A day or two of relaxation will allow your body the time it needs to get used to things.
Be careful about the food you eat in foreign environments. Don’t just assume that the food is safe. Diarrhea affects 20 % of all international travellers. Make sure that all meat is thoroughly cooked and that vegetables are fresh. As a precaution in suspect places, drink bottled water. You should also avoid ice in these places.
If you are travelling as a family, don’t leave it to good old Mom to do all of the house work that she’d normally do if she wasn’t on vacation. If all family members pitch in together, then Mom will get just as much out of the holiday as everyone else.
Heeding these simple bits of advice will go a long way to ensuring that your vacation is a refreshing and delightful break from your normal routine. It will also allow you to effectively recharge your batteries for the year ahead.
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