Staying in a hotel
If you’re staying in a hotel, you may find that something in the room triggers your asthma. Requesting a sunny, dry room away from the hotel’s pool might help. If animal allergens trigger your asthma, ask for a room that has never had pets in it. And you should always stay in a nonsmoking room. If it’s possible, bringing your own blanket and pillow can help prevent a flare-up.
If you’re staying with family or friends, tell them in advance about your triggers. They won’t be able to clear away all dust mites or mold, but they can dust and vacuum carefully, especially in the room you’ll sleep in. You also can ask them to avoid using scented candles, potpourri, or aerosol products, if Those bother you.
Common Travel
Three of the most common health problems that you may experience when traveling are jet lag, altitude sickness, and diarrhea. When you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as jet lag. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip, including upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.
There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example, if you’re traveling from west to east, you should stay out of the sun until the day after your arrival. If you’re flying from east to west, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you arrive.
Don’t Take Vacation Health
The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you’re more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip — and your trip will definitely be more enjoyable. The good news is that as a teen, your immune system is as strong as an adult’s, but lack of sleep and a poor diet can make it easier for you to become sick.
The first thing you should do if you’re heading overseas is to find out what kinds of vaccinations you’ll need in advance because different countries have different requirements. In the United States, contact your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a list of necessary vaccinations. You’ll want to allow plenty of time for this step in case you need to get vaccines that require more than one dose.