Healthy Family Travel Tips: And What About These Dreaded Measles

We all want to make key memories with our kids and actually relax on vacation without bringing home the “the plague,” so let me, a Registered Nurse, Mom of two and an avid traveler tell you some of my tips to stay healthy while traveling. Also, let’s talk about these Measles.

Prevention        

First, it’s all about preventative measures we can all take today. Let’s start taking some immune boosting supplements like, zinc, elderberry, Echinacea, Vitamin C and D3. These are our family's favorite supplements on Amazon: Organic Elderberry gummies: adult and child. Go ahead and start taking these now. Are you and your family up to date on vaccines, especially measles, mumps and rubella? If not, don’t fear, get your vaccines scheduled today. You need to get it two weeks before your trip. While the measles outbreak continues to rise especially in Florida, please remember if you’ve had your MMR vaccines, you are 97% covered and unlikely to contract this very preventable disease.

Hand Hygiene:  

          Make sure you pack hand sanitizer and for an added layer of protection, take antibacterial wipes to clean and disinfect surfaces. For example, hotel remotes, armrests and airplane trays. Wash hands often and try to avoid touching your face. I love the Touchland Hand Sanitizers. They smell amazing and are easy to use and pack.  

Be Mindful of the Weather:

            Dress for the weather in your area and if possible, stay out of the sun. Find your favorite sunscreen products to pack and make sure to reapply every 1 to 2 hours. Don’t forget about your face. Our favorite product is Sun Bum. These products smell like bananas, so tropical and lovely. I also use Neutrogena Face Sunscreen: I’m fair-skinned, and my Irish heritage lends to easy sunburns. I’m obsessed with beautiful cover ups, hats and sunglasses and for the guys I love these breathable sun shirts. Also, our pick for the best walking shoes for amusement parks or days you'll be doing lots of exploring are Brooks!

Rest and Hydration are Key:

Focus on getting rest. Make sure you and your family get at least 8 hours a night. This is key for letting the body, reset, restart and repair. Also, make sure you and your crew are also drinking enough water. Aim for at least 8 to 12 glasses a day. This helps flush the body of toxins and keeps your body operating as it should. Grab some cute water bottles for travel and let the kids decorate them and make them their own.

What to Pack:

You first want to make sure you have enough of your daily medicine for each day of your trip. Please check this at least two weeks in advance. This way you’ll have time to get those refills if you need them or see your provider if necessary.

I like to be as prepared as possible when traveling and there are a few must haves I always have on hand. I like to put together what I call a wellness kit. There is a great wellness kit I found on amazon that is all ready to go. Or you can tailor it to your family. I like to make sure I at least have these on hand.

Wellness Kit Must-Haves:

Children’s and adult Tylenol and Ibuprofen

Allergy meds

Zofran If possible

Aloe Vera

Sunscreen

Hydrogen peroxide

Kerlix wrap, better than Band-Aids because they stay put

Non adhesive pads

Neosporin

Cough/Cold meds

Thermometer

Nose sucker for our little ones

Urgent Cares:

Make sure you have all pertinent information: Insurance cards medication and allergy lists. Also, research the area where you are staying and make a list of local Urgent cares or any opportunities for a telemedicine visit. These are amazing once you get them set up and can usually go through CVS or Walgreens. They are very easy to use and not time consuming. A lifesaver when traveling.  

       Wherever you and your family are going, I hope you have the most amazing time. Family trips are to be cherished and with a little planning and preparation, you can relax, put your feet up and rest a little easier knowing, “You Got This!” Now, Let’s Make Memories!

Check out my: Three Stress-free Vacay Tips from a Mom and a Registered Nurse

Search for your next Family Adventure Here!

Check out my: How to Save Money and Get the Most out of Your Family Vacation when Visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.