|
Latest UK Travel Tips
Most of us are aware of the common health risks associated with holidays abroad but few of us think about health risks associated with  holidays in the UK. However, the most popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers last year was not the Mediterranean but Devon and Cornwall. In response to this we have put together some travel tips to help you plan your UK holidays.
Our research has shown that 8 out of 10 Brits on holiday in the UK suffer from some form of minor illness such as sunburn, travel sickness, indigestion, migraine or diarrhoea . We believe that about 1.6 million of those who travelled to the West Country may have suffered from diarrhoea symptoms but only about 28% packed an anti-diarrhoeal with which to treat it1, 2
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Dr Mike Townend, travel health expert and member of the Executive Committee of the British Travel Health Association, comments "Holiday health problems such as diarrhoea and stomach upsets can spoil a holiday in the UK just as easily as a holiday abroad. UK holidaymakers need to be mindful of this and make sure they pack the appropriate medication for these conditions which should include anti-diarrhoeals and indigestion treatments alongside the headache tablets more commonly packed. This way they don't end up unnecessarily confined to their rooms missing out on their holidays". |
|
 |
|
|
 |
When planning your UK holiday, firstly ensure you are prepared against the common health risks that you may experience and secondly prepare properly for your journey. That way, you should arrive relaxed and enjoy a stress-free holiday!
To help people make the most of their holidays, we are launching a new UK travel health initiative. This includes helpful checklists as well as health and travel advice to help plan any holiday in the UK – and this should be of particular use over the busy August bank holiday.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Common health risks for holidays in the UK:
Some of the more common health problems you may experience when on holiday in the UK are as follows:
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
Sunburn: In mild cases apply calamine lotion. Take ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
The sun hazard is greatest:
- at the beach
- on and in the water
- between 11 am and 3pm
- on first exposure to strong sunlight
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Our research showed that 55% of people believe that the change in water supply 2 was the primary cause of stomach upset, whilst eating off food, and over indulgence in foods such as scones, chocolate and cakes came second (36%) and third (34%) respectively 1. These are similar causes that people cite when travelling abroad.3
Treating diarrhoea:
- Drink plenty of water or soft drinks in small amounts frequently
- For young children or older people use a solution of rehydration salts containing salt and glucose
- Unless you are also vomiting, you can still eat but it is best to stick to easily digested foods like white bread, plain pasta and potatoes. Salty biscuits are also useful
- Anti-diarrhoeals such as IMODIUM® can stop the
symptoms of acute diarrhoea fast so you can get on with your
holiday without interruption. Treating with IMODIUM® helps return
the body's digestive system to normal, which can restore the
proper absorption of fluids in the body. This helps to shorten
the diarrhoea bout and reduce its impact on your holiday. IMODIUM®
is suitable for use over 12 years of age. (IMODIUM® contains loperamide, always read the label, ask your pharmacist for advice)
Consult your doctor if:
- Diarrhoea occurs in babies, children under 12 yrs, the frail or elderly
- You develop a fever, raised temperature
- Stools contain blood and /or mucus. This indicates a more severe infection
- Diarrhoea is not severe but lasts longer than 24 hours after
treatment with IMODIUM®
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
- Prolonged fever, or diarrhoea and vomiting must receive prompt medical attention
- If diarrhoea occurs remember to drink plenty of fluids
- Children may develop prickly heat. Wash the skin and dry thoroughly and apply calamine lotion
- Seek medical attention for ear or respiratory infections
|
|
|
|
|
|
| With these health risks in mind we have put together a useful UK first aid kit checklist below so that you can ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the common ailments you may face on UK holidays. |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
UK Travel Tips
Planning your journey is key to stress-free travel!
To help you with this, we have provided some links below to useful sites – these should help you to miss the traffic, check the weather and even get hold of cheap last minute tickets (if the planning and preparation are left rather late!).
Tips to help you get you there stress-free:
Even for a holiday in the UK, the organisation, deciding what to pack and eventually getting there can be stressful.
Road traffic, especially during bank holidays, can be very frustrating, which isn't ideal when you want to get your holiday off to a good start.
In order to help minimise the inconvenience, we have highlighted below a number
of useful websites that will help to reduce the stress of planning your
journey.
- Check the traffic and Plan your journey – with The AA by checking the route as well as the traffic and possibly planning alternative routes in case you need to avoid traffic hotspots.
- The weather from the Met Office - Check the local weather at your destination to ensure you pack the right clothes for the weather that is forecast.
- Last minute tickets from Qjump - Don't stress if you have to get hold of tickets last minute. This link will help you help you find the best deals.
|
 |
 |
Car journeys checklist:
There are many things to remember when preparing for a road trip but be sure to check the advice below:
- Take a first aid kit and carry it with you at all times
- Check the condition of your car tyres etc
- Do not drive when tired and make sure you take regular breaks on all journeys
- Never drive after drinking alcohol
- Do not ride a motorcycle, moped, scooter or bicycle without a safety helmet
Have some car games such as 'I spy' to keep the children entertained. |
|
 |
|
|
 |
Which IMODIUM® would we recommend?
For acute bouts of diarrhoea experienced on holiday or out and about, we would recommend
 |
 |
|
- Convenient and discreet relief, anywhere, anytime
- Melt on the tongue in seconds leaving a pleasant mint aftertaste
- No need for water to take tablet
|
|
 |
IMODIUM® is the number one anti-diarhoeal. A range of products is offered to suit every sufferers needs. Click here to find out more about our range of IMODIUM® products
1. Channel4.com, Britain's favourite holiday destinations 2003
2. TNS consumer research 2004
3. BMRB access consumer research 2003
Selecting any of the listed links will take you to a Web site to which the McNeil Limited Privacy Policy, Legal Notice and content ownership do not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with that Web site. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy and Legal Notice of every Web site that you visit.
|
Privacy Policy
Print this page
Email to a friend