Sick While Travelling Solo: Here’s What To Do

Getting sick when you’re travelling is something that nobody wants to even think about. This is especially true when you’re travelling solo. The truth is that it can, and does, happen at any age. The good news? When being prepared, you can handle getting sick while travelling solo with ease. In this post, I provide a practical guide on what to do if you get sick when travelling solo.

What To Do If You Get Sick When Travelling Alone

While the strategies in this post can be used by all travellers, I’ve written it with seniors and solo travellers in mind (since I fall into both of those categories 🙂 ).

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Listen To Your Body First

One of the biggest mistakes that you as a solo traveller can make is to try to “push through” your illness. When you’re travelling on your own, it’s important to be your own advocate. If you’re suffering from fatigue, chills, dizziness, or aches and pains, your body is telling you that it’s time to slow down.

This is the time to get some rest and drink lots of water. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to give your body a chance to recover, otherwise things can get much worse. It’s better to miss out on a day or two of fun, than to miss the rest of your vacation – or worse.

Don’t Be Afraid To Pause Your Plans

As much as you will want to enjoy your vacation, your plans can wait. Your health can’t! If you’re feeling unwell, it’s time to cancel tours, push reservations to another day, and stay in your room and get some much needed rest.

Most companies are surprisingly flexible when you let them know that you’re sick and will reschedule you for another day. Remember – you aren’t wasting your travel time, you’re protecting yourself.

Contact Your Travel Insurance Provider If You’re Sick While Travelling Solo

If you’re a senior, and especially a senior travelling alone, it’s important to arrange travel insurance prior to departure. If you’re feeling sick when you’re away, this is the time to use it. If you’re extremely ill, or symptoms have lasted more than 24 hours, contact the 24/7 support number on your insurance policy. They can help you in multiple ways, including:

It’s important to keep your policy number, emergency contact, and medical information with you at all times when you’re travelling.

So if you were ever wondering if you needed travel insurance, hopefully now you know how important it is – especially for senior travellers.

Find A Local Medical Facility

If you’re experiencing symptoms that are more serious than a minor cold, it’s time to seek medical care. If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, there should be a doctor on site. If not, then seek out safe, reliable assistance, by using the following:

If you’re in a foreign country and there are language barriers, there’s no need to worry. Most clinics are use to assisting travellers and are able to communicate to some degree.

Stay Connected With Someone Back Home

Just because your travelling solo, doesn’t mean that you have to go through your illness alone. If you fall sick when travelling, it’s important to let a close friend or family member know what’s happening, and provide them with your health care plan.

Checking in with those back home, will offer both them and you peace of mind.

Stock Up On Local Remedies

Every country has different over-the-counter medications, which is why it’s so important to pack a small medical kit to bring along with you while you travel. Your medical kit should include basics, such as:

Having these basic medical aids on hand will save you time and get you back on your feet quicker.

Know When It’s Time To Go Home

After trying everything, if you’re not improving or a doctor recommends it, sometimes the best choice is to go home early. Your travel insurance provider can help arrange flights and reimburse any costs if medically necessary.

As difficult as it is to cut a trip short, it’s important to remember that health must always come first.

Be Kind To Yourself

I know first hand how frustrating being sick on the road feels. Unfortunately it’s happened to me during a couple of trips – and it sucked! Remember to give yourself some grace. Get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated. Sometimes a “forced pause” can become a much needed recharge.

Contact Kelly, a Licensed Travel Agent, to book your next dream vacation

Getting Sick While Travelling Solo: In Conclusion

Getting sick while travelling solo isn’t fun, but if handled properly it’s not a disaster. With the proper preparation, the right mindset, a day or two of rest, and lots of hydration, you’ll be back on your feet before you know it!