If you’ve taken the time to plan a dream Scandinavian vacation, the last thing you want is to get sick while you’re away. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take health and safety precautions lightly. It doesn’t take much for a virus to pass from one person to another, especially now that many COVID safety precautions have been lifted. That’s why prioritizing health and safety on your next Scandinavian vacation is important.
So, it’s important to remember you’re in good health before you leave. Not only will prioritizing your health and safety for your vacation keep you feeling better, but it will help to protect those around you on your travels.
Thankfully, it’s easier than you might think to stay safe and healthy before and during a vacation. Let’s cover a few tips you can use to prioritize your health before you go, so you can make the most of your trip.

Take Stock of Your Health
Airlines don’t require you to do health screenings before hopping on board, and most aren’t even requiring temperature checks anymore. However, it’s a good idea to “check in” with yourself in the days before you leave. How are you feeling? Do you have any signs or symptoms of a cold or flu? Some of the common early signs include:
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Low-grade fever
- Body aches
Even if these symptoms aren’t bothering you too much, they could become worse on your trip, and you’ll run the risk of infecting others. Think that risk is low? Keep this in mind – people are more likely to spread diseases via air travel than mosquitoes!
When you look at it from that perspective, you begin to see how important it is to be healthy before you step on a plane. If you’re worried that you might be getting sick and you absolutely have to go, take extra precautions. Consider wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and steering clear of others as much as possible.

Get the Proper Vaccinations
Certain countries recommend (and sometimes require) that visitors receive specific vaccinations before entering. Norway, for example, doesn’t have any vaccine requirements (including COVID-19). However, they take recommendations from the WHO and suggest that people visiting the country have the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Tdap
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Pneumonia
- Influenza
It’s a good rule of thumb to look at the general health advice of the country you’re visiting before you go. Take a look at their recommendations or requirements and get to know their healthcare systems so you won’t be confused or overwhelmed if you need any kind of medical care or attention during your vacation. As another example, Sweden has dropped all COVID-19-related travel restrictions. You don’t need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test before entering the country. However, that doesn’t mean those things aren’t still good! You might consider testing yourself before you go, just in case, and having your vaccination card in case any private businesses in the country still require it.

Prioritizing Health and Safety on Your Next Scandinavian Vacation – read on…..
Prepare Your Body
If you’re heading to Scandinavia from the U.S., you already likely know there are going to be some cultural differences. However, fewer people think about the environmental differences, and how they might impact your health.
For example, the weather throughout Scandinavia can be pretty unpredictable, especially during certain seasons. Make sure you’re doing your research ahead of time to know what type of gear to pack, and how to protect yourself.
It’s also important to prepare with any toiletries, medications, and skincare you’ll need. Did you know that “quarantine skin” is an actual thing? Throughout the pandemic, things like spending too much time indoors and excess stress contributed to a host of skin issues for many people. From acne to eczema, these conditions have become more prominent, and heading to a new environment/climate can irritate your skin even more. Make sure you have the right creams and medications to keep your skin healthy and protected. Consider visiting some relaxing spots on your vacation, like a sauna or spa, to reduce stress and manage both your mental and physical well-being.

It’s also important to consider what you’ll be doing on your vacation. Do you plan to be very active, hiking every day to view some of the area’s incredible views? Make sure you’re physically capable of that kind of activity and strain. It might seem like a small thing to consider, but getting yourself in shape will make a big difference in how good you’ll feel on your trip.
You should never pass up a trip to Scandinavia, no matter the type of year. However, it’s more important than ever to prioritize health and safety, and that starts with you planning and preparing ahead of time. Keep these ideas in mind as you’re putting together your perfect vacation, and you’ll be able to enjoy it peacefully and in good health.

Prioritizing Health and Safety on Your Next Scandinavian Vacation, written dedicately for Daily Scandinavian by Ainsley Lawrence. Ainsley is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She is frequently lost in a good book.
Also written by Ainsley Lawrence:
Tips for Achieving a Sustainable Scandinavian-Inspired Home
Feature image (on top): Photo © rminedaisy / Unsplash