If you’re planning a holiday somewhere cooler this year, you’re certainly not alone. The rise of the “coolcation” has seen more travellers swap hot, crowded beach resorts for cooler destinations, scenic countryside and outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re thinking about hiking in Scandinavia, exploring the Alps, taking a road trip through Europe or simply enjoying a cooler city break, it is easy to assume that travel vaccinations are something you only need to think about when heading somewhere tropical. But that isn’t necessarily the case.
What is a coolcation?
A coolcation is exactly what it sounds like: a holiday in a cooler destination, often chosen as an alternative to hot summer breaks.
For some people, that might mean exploring Norway’s fjords. For others, it could be a walking holiday in the mountains, a camping trip in the countryside or a few days exploring one of Europe’s cooler cities.
While you may not have to worry quite as much about extreme heat, there are still health considerations to think about before you travel.
Cooler weather doesn’t mean no health risks
Travel vaccinations are often associated with long-haul holidays and tropical destinations, but some European destinations can also have vaccination recommendations depending on where you are going and what you plan to do.
For example, tick-borne encephalitis can be a consideration for people spending time outdoors in certain parts of Europe and Asia. If your coolcation involves hiking, camping or spending a lot of time in woodland or rural areas, it is worth checking whether this could be relevant to your trip.
Other vaccinations, such as hepatitis A or tetanus, may also be recommended depending on your destination and circumstances.
The important thing to remember is that there isn’t a standard list of vaccinations that applies to every coolcation. Your travel plans matter.
Your itinerary can make a difference
A week in a city hotel is very different from three weeks of hiking, camping and exploring remote areas.
When deciding what travel health advice you need, a healthcare professional will usually consider your destination, the length of your trip, where you are staying and what you will be doing while you are there. Your previous vaccination history can also make a difference.
That’s why it is worth getting individual travel health advice rather than simply searching online for a list of recommended vaccinations.
Don’t forget your routine vaccinations
Travel preparation is also a good opportunity to check that your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Vaccinations such as MMR and tetanus aren’t specifically “travel vaccines”, but making sure you have the protection you need before travelling is still important.
If you’re not sure which vaccinations you’ve had in the past, don’t worry. A travel health consultation can help you work out what you may need.
Heading outdoors? Think beyond vaccinations
One of the biggest attractions of a coolcation is getting outside and enjoying the scenery. If you’re planning to spend your days hiking through forests, camping, cycling or exploring the countryside, you may need to think about things such as tick and insect bites as well as vaccinations.
Your travel health appointment is a good opportunity to ask about these risks and find out what precautions you can take. You can also discuss things such as food and water hygiene, sun protection and what to do if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.
When should you arrange your travel vaccinations?
Ideally, don’t leave your travel health preparation until the last minute.
The NHS recommends seeking advice around four to six weeks before you travel. Some vaccinations require more than one dose, so giving yourself plenty of time means you can complete any necessary course before your trip.
Even if you’re travelling sooner than that, it’s still worth getting advice. There may still be steps you can take to protect yourself.
At Travel Clinic Bromley, we can provide personalised travel health advice based on your destination, itinerary and individual circumstances. We offer a range of travel vaccinations and can help you understand what protection you may need before you set off.
Getting ready for your coolcation?
A cooler holiday might mean swapping the sun lounger for hiking boots, but that doesn’t mean travel health should drop off your preparation list.
Before you go, take a little time to check the health advice for your destination and make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
That way, you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery, exploring somewhere new and making the most of your coolcation.
Planning your next trip? Book your London travel health consultation online and get the advice you need before you go.
