There is nothing worse then planning a big family vacation, one you have spent countless hours (and countless dollars) on and then having those plans messed up with a sick kiddo. Or two. And a husband. And maybe even you. It is the thought, and fear, that I have been living with lately as we get closer and closer to our eagerly anticipated escape from winter to the Happiest Place On Earth,
what if one of us gets sick?!
I mean being sick during our normal life is bad enough. The chills, the fever that makes you hot and sweaty one minute and then cold and clammy the next. Then you have your sore throat, the runny nose (if you are lucky because a congested one is far worse in my opinion) and the nagging bark of a cough you just can not get ride of no matter how many hot toddies you have. But being sick while on vacation, especially somewhere hot, just totally sucks (‘scuze my language, I know this is a family blog).
It is bad enough that kids tend to bring home germs with them at the start of the school year, after having spent two months away from most of the other bacteria bearers, also known as friends, but then they go on Christmas vacation (or March Break which we all know is sneaking up on us) and the vicious cycle of “who is gonna get the flu first?” begins once again. There is no way I want our amazing vacation to be disrupted due to illness. No amount of travel insurance will help me get over that nightmare.
So, how do I plan to combat a potential pestilence before we jet off into the sunset? First off I am going to watch for signs that one or more of us is getting sick. Those telltale sneezes that show up randomly. The tiny tickle that has throat clearing competing with the top 40 hits on the radio. Or the unexpected request to go to bed early. This is our body’s way of telling us it is time to slow down a step because hey, I ain’t feeling so good. The next step is to take an all-in-one fever, pain and nausea reliever like Gravol™ Multi-symptom™. With naturally-sourced willowbark and ginger, it helps keep the cold and flu at bay and will not leave you feeling drowsy. This is definitely a plus when you are a parent.
Speaking of non-drowsy you will still want to get some shut eye if you are starting to feel under the weather. No one needs to be a super hero and pull an all nighter making sure someone’s art project is completed on time for school. Not even the lackadaisical student who left it to the last minute, ahem.. Our bodies do their best work when we are asleep. We rest and we regain our strength. We heal and we restore our energy. Your pillow will be your best friend. 🙂
Keep warm, wear your hat, mitts and scarf and do up your coat, NOW! Oops sorry, I was just recalling my oh so sage “advice” given to my children this morning. And every morning. We all know that in the winter, baby it is cold outside so why oh why do kids insist on leaving their jackets open and conveniently forgetting their hat at school? To me being warm, snuggled up in a blankie with my fuzzy socks on and sipping from a mug of tea (usually one with Mickey on it) is the best way to make myself feel better when I know a cold or flu is coming on. I can’t tell you how many times I remind my kids to keep warm, but still the hat mysteriously disappears.
So I have my Gravol™ Multi-symptom™, my blanket, favorite fuzzy socks and Mickey mug full of warm tea, all ready to hunker down for a long winter’s nap. Flu bugs and colds be gone! Bring on vacation!!
Do you have any secret tips to keep the flu and cold away while on vacation?
FT&PD
Suz
Disclosure: I am a 2015 Church & Dwight Ambassador. All flu bugs, errant children and thoughts are my own. 🙂
Jenn says
I love gravol products for nausea so I can’t wait to try this one to keep me germ free!! As we all know, Moms don’t get a day off!
Michelle L says
Thank you for the information.
Flojean Ferrey says
I’ll have to keep that product in mind, sounds good. I hope you don’t have to worry about anybody getting sick just before or during your trip.
Randa @ TBK says
I make sure I have every drug known to man in my purse (gravol included – especially for the flight). I also try to boost my immune system the week before with an overdose of Vitamin C haha.
Gingermommy says
When i went to Mexico my biggest fear was being sick. Not only when on vacation but for the flight home/ Great tips! I swear by Gravol
Tammy B says
gravol is wonderful for those days when we get ill, home or vacation. Being sick on vacation is horrible, it has happened t me and it just ruins the fun!!
Jennifer (momvstheboys) says
we own this too and often bring it along for our travels
Vesper Meikle says
I haven’t tried this product before maybe I should stock up before we go away next time
Alyssa @ Piece of Home says
So good to know these kinds of things! Getting sick on vacation is no fun! I’ll have to look into this product!
May De Jesus-Palacpac says
sounds like a good one to keep around in case we’ll be travelling. i remember one of my children throwing up and getting sick while we were in the car. we ended up going to the hospital the next day. it was just a virus but we weren’t able to give him anything for his body to fight back.
Tiffany Yong W.T. (tiffanyyongwt) says
I was lucky, so far, I haven’t been getting sick… What I do is to prepare daily portions of pills like Vitamin C, fish cod oil, calcium etc, in those weekly pill boxes and take them when I’m overseas. I usually don’t take them as regularly when I’m home. It kept me successfully away from illness!
Kylie says
Thanks for the tips! Really will spoilt our mood of vacation if really fall asick, should enjoy to our maximum during trips ma.. So, I’ll jot down and execute all your tips, just for prevention
MapleMouseMama says
That is my worst concern for our upcoming vacay is that someone will get sick 🙁
R U S S says
Getting sick while on vacation is one of the worst things ever. It’s good that people now take more precaution and it’s great that there are meds like Gravol. It’s the first time I’ve heard of it, but I like how it’s an all-in-one fever, nausea, and pain reliever. I, for one, hate taking meds so if there’s only one med that can alleviate me from whatever pain I’m feeling then I’m all for it.
Raymond Vasquez says
You are so mom! ahahaha Now, I’m missing mom so much. This was a post for gravol but I miss mom so much with what you said here. She’s just so like you. I remember when I had a flu, I’d just play around get sweaty and my flu is over. But there was one instance mom just massaged my back gently and the next thing I knew I’m okay. I guess moms have their thing with their children’s flu. Or it helps that the touch carries with it the love.
MapleMouseMama says
Aww thanks Raymond, you are too kind. Go give your mom a big hug!
Franc Ramon says
I think having the proper vitamins and reliever can really help you avoid sickness. It’s also important to be properly hydrated and have sufficient amount of rest.
MollyMia says
i take vitamins and supplements like vit c, b and probiotics daily to keep myself healthy. but sadly, i’m still very prone to colds and coughs as long as someone around me has them. no choice, but to pack a whole load of medications when i travel, just in case.
Loudthinkin says
Wow this sounds like a magic pill.. getting sick while o vacation is a real bummer!
MapleMouseMama says
LOL, yes it certainly can be..
kymi a says
I’m making sure the kids get rest and drink lots of water and I pump the fruits lol. Thank you for sharing this great product to try.
Jason Panuelos says
Getting sick while on vacation is literally the worst thing ever! Wish there was something similar in Manila! 😀
papaleng says
I will the product in mind. Actually, my wife have Kalamansi juice in our diet. It helps a lot against colds and flu.
Vanessa Ally says
I like using natural source therapy in order to prevent getting sick, so I really like the idea to try Gravol Multi-symptom product, that seems like a nice way to stay healthy and protect my kids as well!
eliz frank says
I could use some of that right now. I’m home with a cold which propably got triggered by being cooped in during our mega snowstorms. Ugh! I need a vacation.
Katrina Centeno says
I really do not get so easily so I am lucky that I have not had a vacation where I got sick. Some say that you need to load up with vitC and drink a lot of fluids.
Mazino Oyolo Kigho says
I love this post. One reason is that I’ve thought of writing something similar but now you have only but inspired me. I don’t fall sick during vacation. I avoid being dehyrated and I take vitamins.
MapleMouseMama says
That is good to hear Mazino 🙂
Fred Hawson says
I’m on vacation now in a place where its 0 degrees Celsius, when I’m from a place that is usually 30+ degrees Celsius. I could use of this now.
Ron Leyba says
The worst thing that can ruin a vacation is sickness. Experienced it a lot of times. Thanks for your practical tips, it will surely help me out.
Aisha Kristine Chong says
We can’t enjoy a good vacation when we are sick – its always nice to do preventions.
MapleMouseMama says
It is a must!
Pingerrain * Priscilla says
I will bring sachets of ginger tea and winter melon tea. Ginger tea great for chilly weathers and wintermelon tea is great to beat that heat.
For everything else, i drink my noni juice. 🙂
MapleMouseMama says
Great tips Priscilla 🙂
Rajee Pandi says
love your tips
Helena says
really nice post!
Marie says
Definitely hate getting sick during vacations. I don’t like spending my days in bed when most of my companies are out enjoying the summer sun. Hahaha. Thanks for this! Will let my mom know about this since they are planning on going for a vacation with the kids on their summer vacation! 🙂
Jenn says
Getting sick during vacation is the worst. Great tips!
MapleMouseMama says
It sure is Jenn, thank you 🙂
Sarah Ebarb says
Very good tips
MapleMouseMama says
Thank you Sarah 🙂
Laurie P says
Gravol has been a go-to for years…..love the new line for multi symptom!
Linda C says
Great advice. Thank you.
MapleMouseMama says
You’re welcome!
Betsy says
Hmm… I’ve never heard of this? Is it sold in the states? I used to buy emergen-C, however, this stuff sounds better!
MapleMouseMama says
I am pretty sure it is available in the US Betsy, but best to check with your local pharmacy first.
kathy downey says
I haven’t tried this product before maybe i will sometime !
kathy downey says
My daughter is getting really for Mexico,i told her to give this a read,last trip she took she was sick the whole time !!
Nina Bergeron says
Thank you for the tips! I always worry about getting sick while on vacation!
kathy downey says
Being sick on vacation is horrible,be prepared
kathy downey says
Do all the right things to keep the flu away.Eat healthy,exercise and get proper rest
Tiffany says
We unfortunately got sick when we were in the Dominican in December! Wish I had thought to bring our prescription medication! Its not fun being sick on vacation
Tricia Hope says
I can’t remember a vacation where someone did not get sick.Thanks for the tips!
Linda H says
I always travel with some Gravol, Imodium, Benadryl and travel health insurance !
Jenn E says
Great tips! We always have Gravol handy. It works really well and we never go on a road trip without it.
Shirley OFlynn says
With our summer vacation just around the corner these are some great tips to have. Thank you for sharing.
DARLENE W says
I find the older I get the more stuff I have to take with me to prevent being sick while away
Debbie White Beattie says
I take my vitamins every day but if it’s going to you just have to remember “At least I’m in Paradise !
DARLENE W says
gravol products are packed when we head out for a vacation
Janet M says
We do carry a mini pharmacy when traveling.
kathy downey says
I have to say i do love the new Ginger Gravol
Linda H says
Great tips. Being sick while on vacation is awful, especially if it lasts more than a day or two.
Linda H says
With flu season coming I will stock up on my drug supply.
leeanne C says
Thanks for the helpful tips. I usually wash my hands constantly and take a daily vitamin just to make sure I don’t get sick. Always good to make sure you eat healthy and lots of rest.
Wanda Tracey says
These are great tips! This has happened to me in the past so now I always carry Gravol with me when traveling.It works wonders.