Phê Vé
April 30, 2026 • 3 min read
Preventing leisure sickness is essential for protecting your health during your travels. Let’s explore effective ways to achieve this.
What is Leisure Sickness?
After a long period of excited planning, you finally arrive at your dream destination to unwind by the beach, only to find yourself dealing with an unexpected issue: a scratchy throat or a runny nose. It might seem unfair to fall ill while on vacation, but it's a surprisingly common occurrence. Catching a cold on a cramped flight or indulging in unfamiliar food can trigger a strong response from your digestive system. Our immune system tends to react quite uniquely during these times, a phenomenon known as "leisure sickness."
Causes of Illness During Leisure Time
Ad Vingerhoets, a psychologist at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, coined the term "leisure sickness" in the early 2000s after noticing that he frequently fell ill during vacations. His research found that high-achieving individuals under constant stress are more susceptible to illness when they finally take time off, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and flu-like signs. The main culprit lies in the prolonged stress they endure before their break.
The Immune System and Cortisol
According to Steven Goldberg, a physician in Kentucky, cortisol levels in the body play a crucial role. This hormone helps control inflammation and maintain the immune system. "Like a lid on a boiling pot, cortisol keeps everything stable when you're under pressure. When you relax, that lid comes off and your immune system kicks back into gear," Dr. Goldberg explains. This clarifies why many cold symptoms can emerge just as you start to unwind.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
How to Prevent Leisure Sickness
To ward off this ailment, it’s important to prioritize your health before traveling. Here are some helpful tips:
- Rest well: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night in the week leading up to your trip to ensure you arrive refreshed.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and throughout your journey to combat dehydration, especially when flying.
- Exercise: Physical activity can help relieve stress and prepare you for your vacation.
- Get vaccinated: If possible, get vaccinations before traveling to lower your chances of getting sick.
- Avoid over-scheduling: Plan a reasonable itinerary and don’t try to cram too much into one trip, as this can lead to additional stress.
Helpful Tips for Vietnamese Travelers
Before you embark on your travels, keep a few important considerations in mind to safeguard your health. First, check visa requirements for your destination. Most European countries, the U.S., and Australia require visas, while many Southeast Asian countries may not. Second, budget carefully for your trip; for instance, a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Europe can range from 15 million to 30 million VND, excluding accommodation and sightseeing costs. Lastly, pay attention to travel times to avoid impacting your health. Significant time zone differences can lead to jet lag, so try adjusting your sleep schedule 1-2 days before your trip.
Conclusion
By being mindful of your health and preparing adequately before your travels, you can significantly reduce the risk of leisure sickness. Plan a balanced itinerary and prioritize your downtime and nutrition to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable trip.
Article adapted and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler
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