Pam LeBlanc got sick while traveling in the Maldives Islands. Here she gets IV fluids at a medical clinic at Siyam World Resort. Chris LeBlanc photo

Fact: It sucks to get sick while traveling, especially if you’re in a foreign country.

But it happens. And in the last year, it’s happened to me a lot, from a torn ACL while skiing in Idaho to a bout of gastrointestinal distress in Bangkok, vomiting in the Marshall Islands, and Covid in Alaska. And I’m generally a healthy person.

This time, I found myself in the fetal position on the bathroom floor while traveling in the Maldives Islands. After two bouts of vomiting and some serious diarrhea, I was dehydrated and weak.

Luckily, the resort where I was staying, Siyam World, had a staff doctor. They sent him over to check on me. The doctor called a tiny ambulance, which transported me to the island’s medical clinic. There, I received two units of fluids and some anti-nausea medication. After a few hours, I headed back to my room.

Read more: Ten things to know when you travel to the Maldives Islands

I woke once more that night, sick yet again – and that earned me another trip to the clinic and another IV of fluids the next morning. I felt well cared for.

In all, I lost about two days of action – then passed it to my husband Chris, who got a less intense version of my bug. But without the IV fluids and meds, my recovery likely would have taken longer.

My advice? If you get sick when you’re at an all-inclusive resort (or anywhere, really) reach out to the front desk. There might be a doctor on staff. If there’s not, they’ll probably be able to tell you where to find medical help. Make sure you travel with your insurance card. I didn’t need it at the resort, but I did need it when I tore my ACL while skiing. Make sure you let any medical providers know if you have drug allergies.

You spent money to take the trip – it’s worth a doctor’s visit to make sure you’re able to enjoy it as much as possible.