BJU's Ultimate Guide to Traveling Well

Preparing for travel can be hectic, stressful, and time-consuming. Let Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) medical professionals simplify the health portion of your planning with their tried-and-tested advice. With tips about everything from getting vaccinations for tropical destinations to surviving all that flying without dehydration, temper tantrums, or deep-vein thrombosis, we’ve got you covered. 

- Before your trip -

Get vaccinated

Know where you’re jetting off to for your next vacation? Wonderful! Check out travel advice for that country to learn what diseases to get vaccinated against and what tourist dangers to look out for. Try CDC.gov for up-to-date health guidelines for your destination. After getting any shots, it can take a few months for immune protection to kick in, so make sure to get any vaccines early to maximize their efficacy.

Read more: Vacation Vaccinations: Preparing for Your Next Tropical Trip

Pack a first-aid kit 

You’ve got a first-aid kit at home, so why not bring one with you on your trip? Your basics should include sunscreen, mosquito spray, painkillers, remedies for traveler’s diarrhea, cold and flu medication, allergy drugs, and basic wound care equipment. 

Read more: Travel Safety: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit

Bring some familiar foods for kids

If you’re going to a new destination, your kids may struggle with new flavors and cuisines. If they’re picky eaters and you want to prevent hunger-induced tantrums, simplify your life by packing some snacks you know they’ll like. Don't forget to check the customs guidelines at your destination to make sure they allow you to bring food items into their borders.

Read more: Travel with Family: Nutrition Tips from BJU Dietitian Jackie Gao

Be prepared for accidents 

The nature of accidents is that you never know when they’re going to happen. Make sure to look up the phone numbers of local emergency services before your trip and save them into your phone. It’s also a good idea to carry the name of your hotel and the concierge phone number in case you need them to help with emergencies that involve language barriers. As a further proactive measure, brush up on your first-aid skills so you know what to do if you do encounter an emergency.

Read more: First Aid basics everyone should know

- On the flight -

Keep kids happy

Flying long-haul on your own is enough of a drag. Add cranky kids to the equation and your vacation will have you missing your desk at work. Help kids remain calm by flying when they would usually sleep. You can also prepare some of their favorite toys and games to help them pass the time without getting too antsy.

Read more: How to Plan a Painless Long-Haul Flight

Boost circulation

At the risk of sounding like your ayi, make sure you drink enough water – this will keep your systems running smoothly but will also encourage circulation (and thus prevent deep-vein thrombosis) by making you get up periodically to pee. Not convinced that deep-vein thrombosis is a real threat? Read on below ...

Read more: Socks on a Plane: How Serious is Deep-Vein Thrombosis?

- While you’re on holiday -

Eat well

Getting tummy bugs on holiday can take the wind out of anyone’s sails – and that’s as true for kids as it is for adults. Watch out for common causes of traveler’s diarrhea like unrefrigerated meats and dairy products. Try to ensure your drinking water is clean. Steer clear of soft-serve ice creams unless you know they’re legit. 

Read more: Travel with Family: Health Tips from BJU GP Dr. Dhenin

Know when to see the doc

In that vein, know how to recognize when your child has a tummy ache that will pass and when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Read more: Why Do Kids Get Tummy Aches? Pediatrician Dr. Donroe Explains

Just keep swimming

If your vacation will involve swimming at the hotel pool, brush up on your swimming pool hygiene to avoid common pool-bourne ailments. That means showering before and after your dip and preventing pool water from getting into your eyes and mouth. And please, please: If you’ve had a bout of gastroenteritis in the last two weeks, forgo the pool facilities. You can still spread those germs to others even after you’ve recovered.

Read more: How to Stay Healthy at the Swimming Pool

Treat your feet well

Summer holidays mean walking around a lot – often in sandals or shoes with little support. Show your feet some love this summer by wearing covered, supportive shoes when spending a large chunk of time walking and when your feet may come into contact with germs (in public bathrooms, when hiking, etc.).

Read more: Treat Your Feet Right This Summer!

- When you get back -

Beat jet lag

Cross-border travel enriches your life – but it also wreaks havoc on your body clock. Reset that sucker and combat jet lag by making sure you get some direct early-morning sun, sticking to your normal routine as much as possible, and starting your wind-down routine a bit earlier than usual. 

Read more: Back from Vacation? Learn How to Beat Jet Lag

Help kids readjust

After a vacation, your kids may feel a bit deflated or down. Help them get back into the swing of things by getting them to do an activity together like putting together a photo album of the trip or starting a fun project that they can get immersed in. 

Read more: Travel with Family: Mental Health Tips from Psychologist Dr. Hu

To make an appointment with your BJU physician, please call the 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.