Getting Sick on Vacation? Not on My Watch. Why Zinc, Vitamin C, and a Little Pre-Trip Planning Could Save Your Trip (and Your Sanity)

By Dr. Tomi Mitchell

Let me just say this up front—I’m the kind of traveller who, if I can avoid checking a suitcase, I will. Why? Because standing around a baggage carousel after a long flight just to wait for a briefcase that may or may not have made the journey with me? That’s not how I want to spend the first—or last—hour of my trip.

I want to start my adventure right away. No delays. No stress. Just wheel down and go.

And here’s another thing I’ve learned over the years—I used to pack like I was preparing for a royal tour. When international flights gave you a generous 70 pounds of baggage allowance, I’d bring everything but the kitchen sink. And guess what? Half of it I never even used.

Lesson learned: lighter is generally better, especially when trying to move through the world efficiently and boldly with your immune system intact.

Because here’s the part no one talks about until it’s too late: travel is a full-on stress test for your body. It messes with your sleep. You’re exposed to recirculated air, new germs, unfamiliar foods, and fluctuating time zones. Your daily routines? Out the window. Add a bit of jet lag, a dash of dehydration, and a side of sleep deprivation, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for vacation illness.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Health on the Go?

Let me introduce you to something we offer at Bonsai Medical Aesthetics—the Myers Cocktail. It’s not a drink with a little umbrella. It’s a custom IV infusion, packed with zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients designed to keep your body resilient, energized, and one step ahead of that dreaded “travel bug.”

But before we dive into why IV therapy is such a game-changer, let me tell you what inspired this discussion.

What Sparked This Chat? A Doctor’s Pre-Flight Ritual That’s Backed by Science

I came across an article on Yahoo featuring a hospital doctor who shared his personal strategy for avoiding illness while flying: take zinc and vitamin C two hours before heading into the airport.

Simple. But smart.

Think about it—airports are like microcosms of the world’s germs. You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of travellers, breathing in air that’s been recycled more times than your favourite pair of sweatpants. Your immune system is doing acrobatics trying to keep you safe.

Zinc and vitamin C? They’re like your backstage crew, prepping the leading performer (you) for the show. But while oral supplements are a decent start, if you want to give your body an edge, IV nutrient therapy is where the magic happens.

And that’s where the Myers Cocktail steps in.

Zinc: Your Immune System’s Secret Weapon

Zinc is like that quiet friend who always shows up when you need them most. You might not hear much about it in flashy wellness reels, but its impact on your immune system is massive.

Here’s why it matters:

• It supports T-cells and natural killer cells, which are your front-line defenders against infections.

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, two major contributors to illness when your body is under pressure.

• Can reduce the duration of cold symptoms by up to 33%, especially when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset (according to the Cochrane Review by Hemilä & Chalker, 2013).

  
  

In simpler terms, zinc helps your immune system not just respond, but respond efficiently—like a trained firefighter instead of a panicked bystander. And when you’re on a plane, that matters.

Vitamin C: Still the OG Immune Booster

Vitamin C is the household name of the supplement world—and with good reason. It’s been championed since scurvy, but it remains incredibly relevant even in our modern, citrus-saturated lives.

Especially when you travel.

Why?

• It boosts white blood cell production, helping your body quickly identify and fight off pathogens.

• It acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing the oxidative stress caused by pollution, poor sleep, and travel anxiety.

• It shortens the duration and severity of respiratory infections, especially in people under physical or emotional stress (hello, busy moms, business travellers, and honeymooners).
  

A little bonus: Vitamin C supports collagen production, meaning healthier skin. So yes, you might arrive glowing and not just from excitement.

B Vitamins: Not Just for Energy (Though That’s a Perk Too)

Let’s talk about the behind-the-scenes heroes: B vitamins. Think of them like the production crew of a Broadway show—without them, the spotlight doesn’t turn on, the music doesn’t cue, and the whole thing falls apart.

In the immune and stress-response world, B vitamins:

• Help produce immune cells that detect and destroy harmful invaders.

• Regulate your stress response, helping to manage cortisol levels.

• Support your metabolism, keeping your energy stable even after a 3 a.m. wake-up call to catch a red-eye.
  

The Myers Cocktail contains a balanced blend of B-complex vitamins, which I sometimes jokingly call “jet fuel for your cells.” Minus the TSA pat-down.

Why IV Therapy? Can’t I Just Take a Pill?

You absolutely can take pills. But IV therapy is like skipping the traffic and taking the express lane.

When you take oral supplements, their absorption depends on your digestive system, which might not be in peak shape if you’ve been snacking on questionable airport food, drinking too little water, or running on empty sleep.

IV therapy:

• Delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion altogether.

• Offers 100% absorption, so your cells get everything they need—no losses in the gut.

• Works quickly, often making you feel more alert and energized in just minutes.

• Includes hydration support, which is critical when flying or under stress.
  

At Bonsai, we customize every Myers Cocktail to your needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a targeted wellness strategy tailored to your travel, your lifestyle, and your stressors.

Let’s Talk About the Myers Cocktail

The Myers Cocktail has stood the test of time and was first created by Dr. John Myers in the 1970s to treat chronic conditions like fatigue, migraines, and muscle spasms. These days, it’s our go-to at Bonsai for clients who want to optimize their wellness, especially before or after travel.

What’s inside?

• Zinc – Immune system support

• Vitamin C – Antioxidant and infection fighter

• B-complex – Energy and stress resilience

• Magnesium – Muscle relaxation, calm, and sleep support

• IV fluids – Critical hydration and electrolyte balance
  

Think of it as your pre-vacation (or pre-conference, or pre-holiday-season) secret weapon. Your wellness insurance policy.

Is This Just for Jet-Setters?

Not at all. While travel is one of the most common immune disruptors, the Myers Cocktail is a smart move anytime your body is under pressure—physically, mentally, or emotionally.

It’s great for:

• Professionals flying out for work who want to perform at their peak

• Parents preparing for a whirlwind family vacation

• Brides and grooms before the big day

• Athletes recovering from or preparing for a big event

• Anyone who’s ever come home with the “post-trip crud”
  

If you’ve saved and planned for your dream vacation, why risk spending it sniffly and sluggish?

But Wait—Does This Mean I Can Ditch Healthy Habits?

The short answer is no. I say this with a lot of love—IV therapy is a tool, not a replacement for the basics.

You still need to:

• Wash your hands frequently

• Get decent sleep before and during your trip

• Eat some real, nourishing food (fries don’t count)

• Manage your stress and listen to your body
  

The Myers Cocktail helps fill in the gaps and buffer your body against dips that can happen under strain. It’s part of a holistic, proactive approach—not a cure-all.

Final Boarding Call: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it—wellness works best when it’s proactive. It’s the difference between savouring every minute of your trip and trying to survive.

So before your next big journey—whether that’s a trip abroad, a conference marathon, or even a particularly intense month at work—consider giving your body the support it needs to thrive. We’ve seen it make a difference for many of our clients at Bonsai Medical Aesthetics.

And I’d love to help you feel that same shift.

Let’s Get You Ready for Takeoff

Curious about the Myers Cocktail? Let’s chat. Book a consultation with us at Bonsai Medical Aesthetics, and we’ll walk through your lifestyle, your health goals, and what kind of support your body needs most.

👉  Book an appointment here.

Whether you’re headed to Bali or Banff or just navigating a busy season at home, we’ll help you feel your best before, during, and after the journey.

See you soon,

Dr. Tomi Mitchell

Founder, Bonsai Medical Aesthetics

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P.S. Here’s that article again if you want to take a peek: Doctor Reveals What You Should Always Do Two Hours Before Flying To Avoid Getting Sick

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplementation.