While traveling often requires a healthy dose of human contact, shared surfaces and circulating germs, no one wants to fall prey to illness and discomfort while on a family vacation. While you may not have your regular medicine cabinet nearby, there might be some natural remedies within reach.
Antioxidants
If anyone in your group is feeling a bit off, that could be the result of a weak immune system. A natural defense that can help your family before, during and after the trip: antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body’s cells from oxidation damage and help with circulation, promoting healthy tissue. This is all to say, just like with Vitamin C (in oranges) and Vitamin E (in aloe vera), antioxidant-enriched food can help you take on the day, no matter where you are.
Load up at the airport with green juices filled with antioxidants like fresh berries, or slowly introduce more into your family’s diet through green juices and vitamin-enriched drinks and supplements. Raspberries, kale, dark chocolate and blueberries are all high in antioxidants, along with this list. Order a few for breakfast while vacationing, or pack snacks to take with you while sightseeing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One remedy that’s a little tougher to swallow: apple cider vinegar. ACV has been known for centuries as a cure-all for ailments, including infection prevention, improving digestion, relieving arthritis pain and helping to remove toxins from the body.
At home before the family vacation, you can mix a tablespoon in your water in the morning to dilute the taste, or mix it in juices and smoothies. Take some on the go in a small travel-sized container so you and the kids can keep up with the healthy routine while traveling. Don’t be surprised if you have to be sneaky with this one, it’s definitely an acquired taste.
Chamomile
Woman holding cup of tea with lemon © Yuliia Chyzhevska | Dreamstime.com
Another (usually) easy find while on vacation, chamomile is a great ingredient that can ease flu-like symptoms, aches, pains and inflammation. For serious pain and illness, chamomile can only do so much and you may actually need medication or to see a doctor, but, in a pinch, order a few organic chamomile teas to help ease discomfort, or travel with some oil in a small container.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of those natural remedies that also happens to be trending, meaning you can find it easily. The healing, soothing and cleansing properties of aloe help improve ailments both inside and outside the body. If you get a sunburn, or blemish, aloe vera can help. If you feel your gastrointestinal tract is a bit off, some aloe vera water can ease pain and improve digestion and liver and kidney function. The anti-inflammatory components of aloe help balance acidity and calm nervous stomachs. Read more about its benefits here and find versatile products online that can do a few jobs at once.
Cranberry
Cranberry juice can be found in most bars and restaurants while traveling, even if it’s from concentrate. The benefits of cranberry are almost instant when it comes to killing bacteria in your digestive system and urinary tract. Drink a few glasses for two or three days and you can prevent kidney stones, kill germs and stop bladder infections. The kids may not like it, but you can always cut the tart taste with water.
Read This Next
How to Tune Kids in to Nature When Traveling
Travel Tips
Jun 18, 2026#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Take on This New Glaciers & Grizzlies Alaska Adventure from Gondwana Ecotours
Gondwana Ecotours invites family travelers to embark on a one-of-a-kind summer trip — Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure. This nine-day ecotour caters up to 16 guests, offering unparalleled access to Alaska’s most iconic landscapes such as Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Ogunquit: Maine’s Perfect Beach Town
Maine’s south coast has beaches for every taste. There’s Old Orchard for the razzle-dazzle of an old-school pier and oceanside amusement park, Parson’s Beach in Kennebunkport for those who like just sand and dunes, and York’s Long Sands for surfers.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Destinations / North America
Jul 15, 2026The Best NYC Neighborhoods to Book (And Not to Book) a Family Stay
New York City can be a lot for tourists, especially if they’ve never been there before. The city feels massive and confusing at times, and it can be hard to decide which neighborhood is the best place to book your stay — especially if you’ve got kids. To mak planning a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of neighborhoods that are great, and not so great, options.
ShareThis