Tips for a happy, healthy destination wedding
From beachfront ceremonies in the Caribbean to romantic escapes in Southeast Asia, destination weddings and honeymoons are enchanting experiences. But along with sunshine and celebration come health risks that aren’t on your agenda. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.
Best laid plans
You think you’ve planned your destination wedding down to the tiniest detail, but Certified Travel Health Professional Munir Dharamshi notes, “As a pharmacist, we see a lot of people at the counter in a desperate rush to get things before they travel. They don’t realize many preventative measures like vaccines need to be started in advance.”
That’s where a travel health consult comes in. “No two person’s fingerprints are the same and no two travellers going to this wedding will experience the same thing when it comes to their health,” says Munir. “Don’t leave it as an afterthought. It’s just as important as booking the right flight and hotel.”
Rather be at the beach
Diarrhea during travel is a drag, yet one of the most common illnesses affecting vacationers. Usually caused by enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) bacteria hiding in contaminated food and water, the best advice is “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.” In other words, don’t eat anything raw, make sure fruit can be peeled and cooked foods are served at the right temperature. Avoid ice in cocktails and only drink bottled water.
Munir always recommends taking the oral vaccine before you go, just in case you accidentally eat or drink the wrong thing. It’s the difference between spending days in the washroom and enjoying the holiday.
M is for Marriage – not Mosquitoes
Fun in the sun with fellow guests is what it’s all about. You might even opt for an extra excursion; taking a hike or marvelling at a waterfall. But it only takes one bite from one mosquito… so get protected before you leave home.
Different species in different countries carry diseases. For instance, you might be exposed to Japanese encephalitis while visiting rice paddy fields in Southeast Asia. Munir explains, “It’s one vaccine that often gets overlooked. The disease is low incidence, it doesn’t happen to everybody, but it’s high impact with severe consequences. Chikungunya, another mosquito-borne disease, causes debilitating joint pain that could last months or years. Certain areas of the world have outbreaks and the vaccine has value for a lot of people.”
Highly recommending the joy of travel, Munir shares, “Destination weddings and celebrations can be some of the best experiences of your life. It would be a shame to not go and enjoy them fully. Take the precautions and be part of a fairytale, not a nightmare.”
Destination Paradise: Checklist
Schedule a Travel Health Consultation. Visit a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure to discuss destination-specific risks and recommended travel vaccines
Pack Smart. Bring insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit.
Practice Food & Water Safety. Be mindful of drinking water sources and food preparation.
Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance. Confirm your policy includes emergency medical care, hospitalization and medical evacuation coverage.
Stay Hydrated & Well Rested. Wedding festivities can be exhausting. Proper hydration and adequate sleep help support your health while travelling.
