A long trip can, not only be tiring, but can also reduce your bodies ability to maintain your health. Be aware of the need to eat and sleep well on any trip but particularly if you are away from home for an extended period.
- Talk to your doctor well before you leave about and concerns you may have or any preventative measures you should take.
- Make sure you have medical insurance before you go.
- If you are heading off to a 3rd world country it is a good idea to have a dental and medical examination before you go.
- Find out which vaccinations you might need and get them done (ask your doctor).
- wear thin rubber flip-flops/thongs in showers to avoid catching a fungal disease.
- Make up a small medical kit that contains:
- headache tablets
- antacid
- sticking plasters
- safety pins
- 30+ sunscreen
- insect repellent
- drinking straws
- antiseptic (eg iodine)
- or anything else you think you may need.
- We will not discuss the dangers of having sex with strangers (note that a fellow traveller is a STRANGER). If you must then use protection - without fail - is you life really worth skin-on-skin? Also be aware that some types of STDs can be transmitted orally.
Safety Be aware that the world is not always a perfect place or free of danger. You need to be aware of where you are and of the environment in which you find yourself. Taking a little care and a bit of thought can can improve your health, save your money and maybe even your life.
- There are one group of people who are not looking to hurt you but rather to rip you off and steal from you in some way. These include pickpockets (some very young and sweet looking kids), bag snatchers, con men (they are usually men but not always) and suggestive offerers. If you stand up for yourself they will usually leave quickly but how you do stand up for yourself can be different in different countries.
- In patriarchal (male dominated) countries such as Muslim, Hindu and many Africa countries the best defense is a dignified snub. Just brush past them and go off on your way.
- In Westernized Countries just scream your head off and cause a scene. Forget about any embarrassment this may cause - you do want to keep your camera and money don’t you?
- Swear a bit at them in a Western Country (never in one of those patriarchal ones listed above where the snub should be used)- this is acceptable as it make you look tougher than they are and not an easy mark - they will usually leave you alone and find easier prey.
- Watch out for the ‘phony police officer’ that wants to fine you on the spot. Offer to make the payment at the local police station where you will happily go with them or walk into the nearest shop and seek help from a staff member. They will rapidly disappear. Be aware that the officer may be dressed up to look like a policemen - however, if this is a real policemen then nothing has been lost.
- Bullies who will attempt to bully or even attack you to get what they want are always around in every city and country of the world. Don’t get paranoid about them just be aware and be careful. The only way to deal with them is to get out!
- Don’t flash money around. That is a sure signal for the wolves to gather around their prey - you!
- Do not accept transport offers from touts. Ask an official or go to the information counter for assistance.
- Do not leave the terminal until you know exactly how to access safe transport - this is when you are your most vulnerable.
- Make sure that all entrances to your hotel room can be secured.
- In developing nations use tourist transport - it may be a bit more expensive but it is safer.
- Leave all valuables (jewelry, travellers cheques, papers, passport) in the hotel safe. Hiding them in a sock inside a shoe will not save your stuff if the room is broken into.
- Talk to the hotel staff about where it’s safe to travel, closing times, local emergency phone numbers, the local word for HELP!
- Ask the hotel for a card with their address on it if in a foreign speaking country.
- Do not give too much personal information. If you are a woman travelling alone and someone asks if your husband will be joining you soon - a YES is the only answer to give.
- In those patriarchal countries we’ve already mentioned women should dress very modestly and men should not wear shorts or t-shirts.
- Your best defense will always be common sense - us it all the time.
This article is copyrighted by Lance Chambers a senior partner at www.accommodationnear.com
Tags: health, safety, tips, travel
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