DON’T FALL FOR THESE 5 TRAVEL HEALTH MYTHS ON YOUR NEXT TRIP

While everyone is out and about enjoying their European vacation, they have either heard some travel health myths or are hearing it as they make the best of adventure. And while some would want to brush it off, the truth is, these myths stay with us (in some part of our brain, hidden in the background). If you have also been there and experienced something like this, here are 5 travel health tips DEBUNKED!

1. You always get sick on a vacation

Many people end up blaming Murphy's Law for this when they fall ill, but the reasons are clear as day: fatigue, disrupted routines, new food and more exposure to pathogens. All of these factors significantly raise risk levels.

2. Tap water at big resorts is safe

Just because you are in a luxury resort, it doesn’t mean that the tap water is drinkable. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and so you should always stick to bottles or through ROs.

3. Traveler’s diarrhea only affects a select few

That is not true at all. Traveler’s diarrhea roughly affects 30-70% travelers on a two-week trip with bacteria like E. coli being the most common cause for it. So, make sure you are eating food that is thoroughly cooked and prepared.

4. Carry on luggage only

While it is appealing and fuss-free, this travel hack can backfire rather quickly. If you are trying to pack everything in a carry-on backpack or suitcase, you might leave out on essential items like medication or hygiene supplies. Plus, the stress of under-packing can cut out your focus on health.

5. Airplane ventilation is effective so there is no need for masks

It is a common belief that cabin air purifiers are doing their work perfectly fine and while the ventilation system is better there than most indoor environments, they aren’t really operating at full capacity during boarding or disembarkation. So wearing a mask is always recommended.

2025-08-07T08:46:11Z