Full disclosure: I returned from Guatemala last week, and I got sick on the last day. After 4 days of severe stomach issues, I went to the doctor and was prescribed an antibiotic for my presumed traveler’s ailment from consuming contaminated food on my trip. And I thought I was being so careful! I’m hopefully on the mend now, but the experience hasn’t been great.
This isn’t the first time that sickness has made its unwanted appearance during a trip or right after a trip. Earlier this year, one of my kids got the whooping cough from our trip to Japan. I had no idea there was an outbreak in Japan at the time! I’ve also picked up colds on prior cruises and even got Covid at the end of my cruise to Alaska last year. Ugh!
Vacations can be costly and difficult to schedule, so it’s a real bummer if you get sick and can’t enjoy your trip fully. So, is traveling still worth the trip if you get sick?
Fading Affect Bias
In my personal experience, as times goes on, I remember more of the positive feelings of a trip over the negative feelings. Even though at the time I may have been miserably sick, when I look back on the trip, those negative feelings diminish. In psychology, this is called the Fading Affect Bias. Thank goodness for that, right?
I’m already feeling that with this recent trip. Even though the past few days have been very unpleasant, I still have no regrets. Experiencing Guatemala with my daughter was priceless. I hardly remember my past trip sicknesses, and my colds are certainly not the first things I think about when reminiscing about my travels. Of course, none of my illnesses have been life threatening. But overall, I believe the discomfort of getting sick during or after a trip is still worth risking to experience travel.
I would like to take my husband to Guatemala one of these days. However, after seeing me sick these past few days, he’s not so keen on the idea. 😁
Have you gotten sick during or after a trip? Has the experience affected your future travel decisions?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Yeah thankfully we’ve avoided anything catastrophic with the kids. Just a a day/day and a half of a kid being down during a trip. If that’s the worst we ever have to deal with that would be extremely lucky.
Sorry to hear about your struggles!
One time I woke up with a nasty head cold the morning of a cruise. First couple days were not pleasant with heavy congestion but it smoothed out midway, save for some general symptoms. Could’ve been worse. Other than that I’ve been extremely lucky. Now my kids on the other hand (face palm)…
I mean, I could get sick at any time. Just have to hope luck is on my side. Oh, and I’m extremely careful for the two weeks leading up to any trip!
@projectx I’m glad you’ve escaped sickness for most of your travels. I try to be careful in the weeks leading up to a trip as well, but it’s hard to avoid germs when I work at a school. 😂 My kids have gotten sick, but they bounce back much more quickly than I do.