What to Do If You Get Sick on Vacation

What do you do if you get sick on vacation? Because the only thing you planned on catching was a sunset.

Let’s just say this post was written from personal experience.
Steve and I both caught the stomach flu in San Antonio—and not the fun “let’s eat all the tacos” kind.
Nope. This was the “we saw more of the hotel bathroom than the Alamo” kind of trip.

So yeah… we learned a lot.
And now I’m sharing it with you—just in case your dream vacation turns into a Pepto Bismol commercial.

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1. Don’t Panic – (Even though I Did)

First things first: take a breath. (If you can. If not, we’ll allow some wheezing.)

Are you just a little run-down?
Or full-blown fever-and-flip-flops miserable?

If it’s mild:

• Rest.
• Drink water.
• Cancel the day’s plans—Netflix and sleep it is.
• Grab meds from the nearest drugstore.
• Take advantage of food delivery services.

If it’s serious:

• Get help.
• Head to urgent care or a local clinic.
• Ask your hotel for recommendations—they’ve seen it all.

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2. Find a Clinic Fast

Search “urgent care near me” or “walk-in clinic.”
You’ll find places like CVS MinuteClinic or Walgreens.

Keep your health insurance info handy (in your bag or phone).
Out-of-state? Most urgent cares still take you.

I’ve officially reached the age where I will not travel outside the USA without trip insurance.

Travel tip: Always know where the nearest hospital is—just in case.

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3. Pack a Mini Sick Kit

We never leave home without this: Planning will make it a whole lot easier if you do get sick on vacation.

• Tylenol or Advil
• Cold meds
• Cough drops
• Tums
• Hand sanitizer
• Bandaids
• Thermometer
• Electrolyte powder (aka adult Gatorade magic)

Stick it in a zip bag. Thank yourself later.

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4. Let the Hotel Help

Hotels can be lifesavers and can help you out on what to do if you get sick on vacation. Letting the hotel know also allows them the opportunity to do extra disinfecting before the next guest check-in. No need to share the sickness.

Ask the front desk for:

• Extra pillows or blankets
• Tea or bland food
• Late checkout (so you can nap longer)
• In our case, we decided to check out of our pricey accommodations. We instead opted for a less expensive airport hotel. Check the hotel for cancellation policies to know your options.
• The nearest pharmacy or clinic

If you’re traveling solo, let someone on staff know you’re sick. Safety first.

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5. Cancel Guilt-Free

Yep. Cancel that ghost tour or dinner cruise. There’s always another day or vacation right now the most important part of what to do if you get sick on vacation is to take care of yourself.

No one wants to be that person coughing through the show.

It’s okay to rest.
Heck, make it a spa day. (Just… in your bed. With saltines.)

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6. Try Not to Get Sick Next Time

You can’t control everything. But here’s what helps us:

• Start taking vitamins before the trip
• Disinfect the plane seat and tray table
• Wash your hands like a germaphobe
• Don’t overpack the schedule—rest is real

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Final Thoughts

Sick days stink.
Sick vacation days? Extra stinky.

But it’s not the end of the world.
Rest up. Drink water. Watch bad TV.

And when you’re better, that view will still be waiting.

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💡 Save This Post

Save this just in case you need it later.
Because “How to not die in a hotel room” is probably not in your guidebook.

Start planning your next vacation since this one didn’t go as planned. I’ve got some ideas for inspiration!