Sol Malm Hagen, Lege
Sol Malm Hagen, DoctorLast updated June 13, 2025
Whether you’re holidaying in Norway or abroad, it’s hardly a good time to get sick when summer has finally arrived. It doesn’t take much for a holiday idyll to turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, there are several things you can do yourself to avoid getting sick on holiday.
If you are travelling abroad, it is important to make sure you have the necessary vaccinations well in advance of your departure. In addition, it may be wise to take some precautions so that you don’t have to spend your holiday in bed with an illness.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in recent years, it’s how important it is to wash our hands. Remember to maintain good hygiene routines when you travel. Many diseases can be prevented with good hand hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating. It is also a good idea to bring hand sanitizer in case it is not possible to wash your hands.
2. Bring a travel first aid kit
The most important thing is to bring extra of the medicine you use daily. Remember to visit the pharmacy beforehand and buy what you need for the trip. If you haven’t had time to renew your prescription, Eyr can sometimes help you with this. For stomach problems like diarrhea, it can be a good idea to bring Imodium, especially if the accident happens while traveling by bus or plane. If you are going to tropical areas or camping in Norway, mosquito spray and mosquito nets are also very useful.
Other things that are good to have in your travel bag are antibacterial gel, plasters, and wound cleanser. If you get diarrhea, it can be practical to have Imodium, which is good symptomatic treatment. If you are going to tropical areas or just on a camping trip in beautiful Norway, mosquito spray and mosquito nets are always useful. If you are going abroad, it is extra important that you bring what you need of pharmacy products before you travel, because it can be difficult to get what you need abroad.
3. Be mindful of what you eat
In Norway, we have good access to clean drinking water, and we can eat most things without worry. This is not the case everywhere. If you are going on holiday abroad this summer, you should think twice before ordering salad or fresh fruit at a restaurant. If you are unsure whether the food has been rinsed in clean water or handled with clean utensils, it is best to avoid it. A good tip is to buy fruit with a peel, which you can wash and peel yourself before eating. If you are in doubt about hygiene, the food should be boiled, prepared, or peeled.
4. Quench your thirst with water
Be careful with alcohol, especially in warm and sunny areas. When thirsty, it is safest and best to drink water.
5. Remember good travel insurance
Hopefully, your holiday will go without problems, but if something goes wrong, good travel insurance is important. This is especially true if you are going abroad. Medical care can be expensive, and it can be difficult to know where to get the best treatment.
Several Norwegian insurance policies cover doctor’s consultations with Eyr, which is practical both in Norway and abroad. If you have questions about medicines or need to talk to a doctor, Eyr is available all summer. Eyr’s doctors can also write prescriptions that can be used at most pharmacies in EU/EEA countries.
Check which terms apply with your insurance company before traveling abroad.
6. Avoid sunburn
You can avoid sunburn by wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, and using sunscreen. Make sure to bring sunscreen with at least factor 30, and remember to reapply after swimming.
Infants should not be in the sun. They should lie in the shade all day, with airy and protective clothing, a hat, and glasses. Sunscreen is not necessary as long as the child is kept in the shade.
Older children who are moving around should be applied with sunscreen (at least factor 30) on areas not covered by clothing, and also wear a sun hat and possibly sunglasses. If the child has very fair skin, or you are abroad with strong sun, feel free to use a higher factor.
Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Use about one handful of cream per body. Also, pay attention to which sunscreen you choose – it should be free of hormone-disrupting substances and perfume, and it must protect against both UVA and UVB.
7. Take Eyr with you on holiday
Whether you’re travelling abroad or holidaying in Norway, it can be reassuring to have access to a doctor. Our doctors assess and treat both adults and children, and help you with both small and large questions. Download the Eyr app today and have a safer holiday experience.
Have a great summer! ☀️