3 Health-Related Lessons You Learn While Traveling Abroad 

by Mike Still
3 Health-Related Lessons You Learn While Traveling Abroad 

There’s nothing as exciting as traveling. We all eagerly anticipate the entire process, from packing our bags to visiting every landmark we’ve mapped out. s

Images in this post are provided copyright free by Unsplash.com

A bitter reality of traveling is that it seldom goes according to plan. There are often unexpected twists, such as a delayed/missed flight or a sudden illness. The truth is that such moments can teach lessons that no guidebook can.  This article will share three health lessons you are most likely to discover while traveling 

Let’s focus exclusively on health-related lessons because there are many to learn abroad. 

 

Your Health History Travels With You 

 

 

 

 

 

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Travel has its own unique way of highlighting that the health choices we make do not stay at home. They come along with us, sometimes in unexpected ways. These choices can influence how freely we move, what activities we enjoy, and how we plan for the unforeseen. 

Take the example of one condition that is a common struggle for many women: stress urinary incontinence. This issue, characterized by an overactive bladder, almost inevitably shapes travel plans. 

Some women choose surgical procedures like a vaginal mesh implant to regain confidence and move without restrictions. Sadly, this procedure has led to serious complications, as highlighted by the vaginal mesh litigation. It’s helpful to learn more here about how past procedures, a vaginal mesh implant in this case, can affect comfort and access to care. 

There may be discomfort in long flights or unexpected medical needs while hiking. As travelers discern the risks involved, they can know the importance of carrying medical records and understanding local healthcare options. 

Access to Healthcare Isn’t Universal 

A lot of travelers are shocked to see how different healthcare accessibility is in foreign destinations. In some countries, you can buy over-the-counter medications without a prescription. In others, even basic care can be hours away. 

One example would be the rural areas of Nepal or the Philippines. Access to care is challenging in these areas due to limited medical facilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) is expecting universal health coverage goals to make significant progress by 2030. 

The grim reality as of today is that millions of people still lack access to essential health services. Now, disparities are bound to exist. You can become an informed traveler by researching healthcare options beforehand. 

Also, remember that insurance may add another layer of complexity. You can prevent this problem by buying insurance that covers pre-existing conditions or topping up with local insurance. 

 

Resilience is a Traveler’s Best Medicine 

If there ever was a test of patience and adaptability, it would involve traveling. During an overseas trip, there are many things that can go wrong. Think about unexpected delays, language barriers, or even health challenges. 

For instance, hikers navigating the Inca Trail in Peru often face altitude sickness or storms that compel them to adjust their pace. Similarly, food poisoning in a remote village of Nepal can become an exercise in problem-solving. After all, you’d have to overcome healthcare accessibility issues and language barriers

It’s such trying moments that make you realize that resilience is a traveler’s best medicine. This quality is needed not just for recovery but also for growth. A recent survey found that 67% of travelers reported feeling mentally better after a trip. 

More or less, every trip abroad involves some or the other challenge. The study only highlights how resilience improves mental health and confidence. 

Now imagine if a traveler panics or gives up at the first sign of discomfort. Resilient travelers would make the best of what’s in front of them by slowing down, leaning on fellow hikers, and asking locals for help. 

It’s for a reason that traveling is considered to be a learning experience. However, this process teaches more than about destinations or their cultures. 

You also get to understand your body and its limitations in a more intimate way. So, the next time you plan a trip abroad, consider how your health history and resilience would shape the experience. 

The lessons already shared in this article, when applied, will prevent you from learning them the hard way. Based on this article’s discussion, what needs to change in your travel plans? 

 

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Mike Still
Mike is a travel enthusiast, photographer and teacher. He loves adventure travel, meeting the locals and exploring new culture. As an outdoor enthusiast you can often find him hiking mountains or exploring forests trying to capture the beauty of mother nature. In 2013 he founded www.LiveTravelTeach.com as he left his home in America and has been teaching or traveling around the world ever since!

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