When you travel to Eastern Europe, your body withstands several shocks. First are all the international passengers you encounter in airports and on the flight to your destination. Then there is the drastic time zone change. Upon arrival, food, weather, and sanitary conditions may be different than what you're used to. All of these can affect your immune system or your digestive system negatively. So what do you do when you've come down with a case of travel sickness?
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 24 Hours to a Few Days
Here's How:
- As soon as you begin to feel woozy, make sure you stock up on liquids. Depending upon which Eastern European country you're in, tap water may or may not be safe to drink. However, pure fruit juices may be readily available. Purchase bottled water or juice to keep your body hydrated.
- Plan a day of rest. Your body has undergone the stress of departure, travel, arrival, and adjustment. While you may want to immediately get out and see the sights, if you're not feeling well, an 8-hour tour of the city is not going to make you feel any better.
- Go light on the food. Eastern European cuisine or fast food can be heavy and greasy. If possible, stop by the local grocery and buy crackers, a loaf of bread, fresh fruit, or anything else that will be easy to digest and provide you with nutrients as your body adjusts to your new environment.
- If you're able, visit the local pharmacy and see what's available for whatever it is you're suffering from. The remedies may be different, but people get upset stomachs and headaches everywhere, so give the local version of Pepto or Ibuprofen a go.
- If not able to function because you're hugging the toilet, bedridden with a headache, or feeling otherwise like you've been hit by a truck, send one of your traveling companions out if you aren't traveling alone. If you are traveling alone, you may be able to get assistance from the hotel staff.
- In worst-case scenarios, you may have to visit the local clinic or hospital. This is not ideal in many Eastern European countries because of non-Western medical standards and lack of resources. If you must seek medical attention, phone home first (you may not be able to if you require an extended stay), and concentrate on getting well under the doctor's care.
Tips:
- If you have a temperamental digestive system, are prone to stress headaches or migraines, or have other conditions that may flair up while traveling, pack plenty of the appropriate medicine.
- Drink lots of water and eat light when you first arrive at your destination as a precautionary measure.
- Avoid alcohol the first 24 hours as your body rehydrates after the flight and adjusts to the time change.
- Warn your traveling companions if you're beginning to feel ill so that they can keep an eye on you.
What You Need:
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Medicine for stomach upset
- Lots of liquids
- Fresh fruit, bread, or other foods that are easy to digest and nutritious
