Dreaming of sunsets, sea breezes, and switching off your phone? We don’t blame you. But before you pack your flip-flops and jet off, it’s worth taking a moment to think about something that could make or break your trip: your health.
At Travel Clinic Bromley, we believe that a holiday should be memorable for all the right reasons – not because you spent half of it stuck in a hotel room with food poisoning or a nasty sunburn. That’s why we’ve put together these tried and tested tips to help you stay healthy, energised, and ready to enjoy every minute of your adventure.
1. Don’t Wing It – Plan Your Travel Health Early
Every destination has its own unique health risks. Whether it’s malaria in Africa, dengue in Thailand, or typhoid in India, doing your research early is essential.
Top tip: Book a travel health consultation 6-8 weeks before you go. At Travel Clinic Bromley, we’ll review your itinerary and recommend the right vaccines and travel medicines.
Need a yellow fever jab or antimalarials? We’ve got you covered with same-day appointments and expert travel nurses.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Long flights, hot climates, salty foods, and cocktails – sound familiar? They’re all common causes of dehydration. Dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish or even land you in hospital in extreme heat.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, and always carry a refillable bottle. In hot countries, aim for at least 2-3 litres per day; more if you’re active.
3. Eat Well, But Wisely
We’re all for trying local delicacies but if you want to avoid spending your trip hunting for the nearest toilet, be food-smart.
What to avoid:
- Raw or undercooked seafood
- Tap water or ice made from tap water
- Buffet food that’s been sitting out too long
What to choose:
- Fresh fruit you can peel
- Cooked meals served hot
- Restaurants busy with locals (a good sign of food safety)
4. Be Mosquito-Smart
Bites aren’t just itchy; they can be dangerous. Diseases like Zika, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue fever are spread by mosquitoes.
What works:
- Use 20–50% DEET insect repellent
- Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing in the evenings
- Sleep under a net if advised
- Consider antimalarial medication if travelling to a risk zone (we’ll help you choose the right one)
We offer full malaria prevention advice, tailored to your trip.
5. Move Your Body (Even a Little)
Whether it’s a long-haul flight or lazy pool days, too much sitting can increase your risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
On flights:
- Walk around every few hours
- Flex your ankles regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Wear compression socks if you’re at risk of DVT
On holiday:
- Try a morning walk on the beach
- Book an active tour like cycling or kayaking
- Go for a swim – it’s great for circulation and low-impact
6. Pack a Health Kit (You’ll Thank Us Later)
Avoid stressful pharmacy searches abroad by packing your own mini medical kit:
- Painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
- Diarrhoea relief (e.g. loperamide)
- Rehydration salts
- Travel sickness tablets
- Plasters, antiseptic, and tweezers
- Any prescription meds (with a copy of your prescription)
Need help building the perfect kit? Ask us during your consultation and we’ll guide you based on your destination.
7. Respect the Sun
It’s easy to overdo it, especially on your first few days in the sun. Heatstroke, sunburn, and even sun poisoning is real and can be dangerous.
Protect yourself by:
- Applying SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Drinking extra fluids
Some malaria tablets and antibiotics increase sun sensitivity. Ask us for advice before you go.
8. Choose the Right Travel Insurance
Not all policies are created equal. Look for one that covers:
- Emergency medical care
- Trip cancellation
- Pre-existing conditions (especially for chronic illnesses)
- COVID-19 related disruption
- Adventure or high-risk sports, if applicable
Bonus: Tailored Health Advice for Your Destination
Our clinicians provide destination-specific advice, including travel vaccines for:
- India: Typhoid, hepatitis A, rabies, malaria
- Africa: Yellow fever, cholera, tetanus
- Thailand: Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, rabies
- South America: Yellow fever, hepatitis B, altitude sickness
Book your travel vaccine appointment in Bromley today.
Travel Healthy. Travel Happy.
Your holiday should be about relaxation, exploration, and making memories, not medical emergencies. A bit of preparation goes a long way. At Travel Clinic Bromley, we offer expert travel health services to help you stay safe, stay well, and enjoy every moment abroad.
Visit us for travel vaccines, antimalarials, yellow fever jabs, and trusted health advice that fits your trip.
