The Top 3 Things Every Traveler Should Do to Have the Best Vacation (N

You saved up for months. You booked the flights, the hotel, the excursions. You planned every detail — except what happens when you enjoy one too many piña coladas on the beach.

Here's the truth no one talks about: hangovers don't just ruin a morning. On vacation, they can destroy an entire day — or more.

The Pitfall: What Happens When a Hangover Hits Your Vacation

Unlike a regular Saturday where you can lie on the couch in sweatpants, a vacation hangover means you're wasting precious, non-refundable time in a place you've been dreaming about.

Here are just a few situations vacationers face:

The sunrise excursion you booked — You're supposed to be watching the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower, but instead you're curled up in bed with curtains drawn, nausea radiating from your stomach, while your friends head out without you.
The snorkeling trip — You paid $150 for a guided snorkeling tour in crystal clear waters. Instead of swimming with sea turtles, you're on the boat clutching a bag, too dizzy and dehydrated to even hold your head up.
The bachelorette party aftermath — Your best friend is getting married! The bride squad spent the night before celebrating with rounds of shots and cocktails. But now it's the morning of the wedding day, and half the group can barely get out of bed — let alone help the bride get ready, take photos, or dance at the reception. Instead of making memories, you're nursing headaches and praying you can keep your toast down
The birthday dinner — Your significant other planned a special birthday dinner at that famous restaurant. You're so miserable you can barely hold a conversation, let alone enjoy the meal they meticulously chose.
The winery tour — You're in Napa Valley or Tuscany for a once-in-a-lifetime wine tasting. Instead of appreciating the vintage, you're sipping water in the corner, praying the room stops spinning.

The math is brutal: A vacation costs thousands of dollars. One hangover can wipe out $200-500 in experiences, meals, and activities you paid for but can't enjoy.

That's why what you do before the symptoms hit matters.

The Top 3 Ways to Protect Your Vacation From Hangovers

1. Drink Water Between Every Alcoholic Drink

The science: Alcohol is a diuretic — it dehydrates you. Dehydration is what causes that throbbing headache, dry mouth, and dizziness. By the time you feel thirsty, you're already behind.

The action: For every alcoholic drink you consume, drink one glass of water. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Before you go to sleep, drink at least 16 oz of water.

Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone if you need to. Your future self will thank you.

2. Take a Quality Anti-Hangover Supplement BEFORE You Start Drinking

The science: Certain ingredients have been clinically studied to support your body when you drink:

DHM (Dihydromyricetin) — Helps your liver process alcohol faster and clear acetaldehyde (the toxic byproduct that causes hangovers)
Milk Thistle — Protects liver cells from damage and supports detoxification
Ginger Root — Reduces nausea and supports digestion
Prickly Pear — Fights inflammation and reduces hangover symptoms

The action: Take a supplement containing these ingredients before you start drinking — not the next morning when it's too late. Prevention is far more effective than cure.

Why this matters for travelers: When you're in a new place, eating different foods, adjusting to time zones, and possibly sleeping less — your body is already under stress. Adding alcohol on top without support is a recipe for disaster.

→ Learn more about anti-hangover supplements and what ingredients to look for.

3. Eat Before and During Drinking

The science: Alcohol absorbs faster on an empty stomach. Food slows down digestion, giving your liver more time to process the alcohol. Plus, food lines your stomach, reducing irritation.

The action:

Never drink on an empty stomach — eat a substantial meal before your first drink
Snack on appetizers or carbs while drinking (bread, pasta, chips)
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach before bed

Traveler tip: If you're out for dinner, order your food first, then enjoy your wine. Don't make the mistake of starting with drinks on an empty stomach.