Before becoming a mom, I thought getting sick on vacation was the worst thing that could happen to me during a trip. Since becoming a mom, I realized that having a sick child is far, far worse.
You’re not only dealing with FOMO – you’re dealing with the emotional baggage of caring for your sick child in an unfamiliar environment, without all the gadgets you have at home and with a confusing medical system.
We’re a family of digital nomads who don’t have a home. Every time our baby has gotten sick, it’s been abroad—in a foreign country—where we don’t have family to help us, where we don’t speak the language, and where we’re complete and utter strangers. Before we go any further, I need to put a short disclaimer here.
I am not a medical professional. I am not in any way qualified to give medical advice. If you are experiencing an emergency, stop reading this and call your local emergency number. If your child is severely ill, SEE A DOCTOR.
This is not a medical site. This is a personal blog, where I share my experiences traveling with a baby.
Okay, now that we’ve addressed the elephant in the blog post, here’s how we deal with unexpected illness when traveling.
Stay Calm
If you learn anything from my blog, it’s this.
Calm mama (or papa) = calm baby.
Scared Mama/Papa = Hysterical baby.
If your baby is hurting, it’s hard to stay calm. It’s the most challenging part of parenting! But your baby needs you when they are sick. They need to know you love them and you’ll care for them.
Even if you can’t magically make the pain go away.
Prepare Yourself For Injury or Illness Before it Happens
Whenever we move into a new Airbnb or hotel, I save three things in my google maps before unpacking my suitcase. These are:
- The nearest hospital (or urgent care facility)
- The nearest pharmacy
- The nearest grocery store
Having that hospital already saved in your phone is a huge lifesaver when your baby starts projectile vomiting at 3 am. Or when they fall off a table at 5:30 am.
If you need to see a doctor at an emergency room, you don’t want to have to spend precious minutes googling the nearest urgent care facility.
The same rule applies to pharmacies. If your child needs medicine, you want to solve that issue as quickly as possible, with the fewest steps.
Pack Everything You Might Need (Within Reason)
We live out of our suitcases full-time – two suitcases for two adults and a baby. We don’t have room in our suitcases to pack a full medical kit for every conceivable emergency. If being a parent has taught me anything, it’s that even if I were to pack a kit prepared for every injury I could imagine, my baby (or husband) would still somehow surprise me.
However, we know our baby, and we know ourselves. After 3 years of full-time travel, 2 years of parenthood, and 32 years on this planet, I know what injuries are most likely to happen to my family, and we pack accordingly.
You’re the expert of your family, so pack the most commonly used medications and first aid supplies in your suitcase.
Here’s everything we pack:
- Cloth Waterproof Bandaids
- Ace Bandage
- Antibacterial Cream
- Knee Brace
- Lidocaine Cream
- Acetaminophen Suppositories
- Ibuprofen
- Non-Drowsy Anti-Allergy Medication for Adults and Children
- Electrolytes for Adults and Children
- Thermometer
- Nasal Aspirator
- Immodium
Another important step – save emergency numbers before landing! Although I’ve heard rumors that 911 works worldwide, thanks to Hollywood’s wide sphere of influence, I wouldn’t want to find out that those rumors are false during an actual emergency. A quick google before takeoff (“Emergency Numbers for *Country You’re Traveling To*”) will save you a massive panic attack in case of emergency.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
If you’re staying in a hotel, use the convenience they offer and call the front desk if you have a sick child. Especially if you’re staying in a resort – they frequently have an on-site doctor or nurse. If it is an emergency, the front desk staff knows how the medical system works, where to call for an ambulance, and how to get to the hospital.
Contact your host if you’re staying in an Airbnb or Vacation Rental. Even in the middle of the night. Don’t expect them to answer right away, though! There are differences in what level service you can expect in an Airbnb and Resort, and 24/7 reception desks are definitely one of them.
Your hosts may have helpful tips to share in the morning. We once had a host come by with soup and a small present for the baby after a particularly feverish evening. We had frantically asked for the nearest pharmacy the night before.
Another reason to ask for help is the language and culture barrier. Not all medical systems function the same, although there is generally one golden rule: Emergency patients will be admitted at any hospital.
Most people are willing to help a sick child (and their parents). If you’re scared and confused, try asking a local where you need to go to care for your child. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at how reassuring it can be to ask someone who knows how the system works.
Buy Travel Insurance (and Health Insurance!)
When I worked as a Pre-K teacher, I used to know when a family was getting ready to go on a big trip, working on a big presentation at work, or expecting a visitor – because their child inevitably got sick. Kids have a magical talent for getting ill at the worst possible time for their parents, and this talent will follow you on your next vacation.
I highly recommend buying travel insurance, along with travel health insurance, when traveling with a baby. Or without! If your baby gets seriously ill shortly before your return flight (or departure), you may have to rebook your flights. Especially if your little one has an ear infection!!
We insure our trips through our Chase Sapphire Rewards Card
Our health is insured through Genki, the health insurance made for nomads. Thanks to Genki, we can climb mountains, swim in the ocean, and eat adventurously, without having to worry about expensive medical bills following us around the world.
Don’t Blame Yourself
Yes, it’s terrifying when they do. It’s even scarier when it happens in a foreign country! But it’s important not to play the blame game when faced with a scary situation.
I’m here to tell you that your child will get sick. At some point in their lives, they will get really sick. And if you travel, they will get sick while traveling. Will it be fun? No. Will it be a cherished memory? Also, probably not. Will it bring your family closer together? Probably.
It’s important to trust your parental gut and ask for professional medical attention as needed. You know your child better than anyone else, and this rule applies even more so when seeing a strange doctor in a foreign country. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your child’s needs if you feel it’s truly an emergency situation. Never hesitate to get a medical professional involved if you feel it’s necessary. Best case, it was an unnecessary trip to the ER and you got to meet someone new.
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