Travel Tips

September 27th, 2013

Traveling to exotic destinations can be exciting, but also potentially dangerous in terms of illness, security, and safety.

Here are some tips I give travellers during their travel consultations.  Be sure to check out the CDC travel website.  It’s a great resource that provides a list of vaccines that are necessary or recommended for each country.  If there is a vaccine listed that you have not gotten previously, immediately schedule an appointment with your health care provider.  Many vaccines take up to 2 weeks to take effect.

 

Insect precautions-  Insects such as mosquitos can spread diseases such as Dengue Fever and Malaria

• Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn, if possible. This is when most mosquitoes and other insects bite.
• Wear long sleeves , long pants, and closed shoes.  Linen is great fabric choice because it covers exposed skin while keeping you cool.
• Use DEET insect spray (30% or higher) on exposed areas
• Spray clothing with permethrin spray (available online at
• www.travelerssupply.com or www.campmor.com and at sporting goods/camping stores

  • TIP:  Spray a scarf, bandana, or other small garment and keep it in Zip-type bag to pull out if you happen to be outdoors when the insects are biting. Apply to clothing outdoors and allow to dry for 2 hours. You can apply this BEFORE your trip as 1 application is good for 6 weeks or 6 clothes washing

For prevention of travelers’ diarrhea 

• Drink only bottled water or soda that you open yourself
• It is easier to tell if carbonated water has been previously opened, as there will be no bubbles
• Avoid using ice in your drinks as it is made with unpurified water.  Freezing does not kill all parasites and bacteria.
• Consider packing a couple of water bottles in your checked bag for using when you brush your teeth
• No street food. If they do not have access to clean running water, they are probably not washing their hands before preparing your food.
• Ask for steamed milk if you drink coffee or tea with milk.  Milk in many countries is not pasteurized
• Hot, cooked food is safest: don’t eat raw or things that are standing out without being kept hot
• Avoid cold foods such as salads, anything with mayonnaise
• No fruits unless you peel them or cook them
• Use good, frequent handwashing!
• Carry antibacterial wipes in individual-use packets in case you don’t have easy access to clean water and soap before eating.

If you develop diarrhea 

• If you develop fever, dehydration, bloody stools, or dizziness, or can’t keep fluids down, seek medical attention immediately
• As soon after the first episode diarrhea, start taking pepto bismol (if you weren’t already taking it).
• If you don’t start getting better, seek medical attention.
• Keep drinking safe water to avoid dehydration. Even better, some kind of bottled electrolyte solution or packets mixed with safe water.  A good travel tip is to bring Gatorade powder with you to dissolve in bottled water.
• Eat bananas, rice, and salty broth to maintain electrolytes

Animals

•  Animals in urban areas can have rabies; do not feed animals or try to touch them, no matter how cute and docile they seem

• If you happen to be scratched or bitten, wash the area with warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. Let it bleed (unless it is gushing) to help flush out any bacteria

• DO NOT DELAY treatment. You MUST seek medical assistance within 24 hours of bite

Safety and Security

•  Accidents and injuries are the most common travel problems

• Be alert; often traffic overseas can be chaotic.  Be extra careful when crossing the street.

• Only travel in cars you have arranged; not hailed on the street

• Keep all windows and doors locked
• Ride in the rear seat, and wear seat belts
• Avoid long distance driving at night
• If it seems unsafe, get out when the vehicle is stopped
• Leave your good jewelry at home.  Don’t wear anything flashy that may mark you as a good target for thieves.
• Carry a “throw-down wallet”—a cheap wallet with a $20 bill that you can throw away from yourself if being mugged
• Do not give handouts (money, food, candy) to beggars no matter how young or destitute they seem.  Instead, donate to a charity of your choice after you get home.  I recommend Doctors Without Borders or UNICEF
• In case of suspicious activity, get out of the area and alert authorities
• Make several photocopies of your passport and visas and scan the file into your email account.  Leave one copy along with your itinerary with a family member or friend who would be available to fax it to you if needed.
• If you are traveling to a destination with political unrest, check-in with the US Embassy so they will be able to know your whereabouts.

After you return

•  If you develop any illness with fever, nightsweats, or unexplained flu-like symptoms up to a year after traveling, see your doctor and be sure to mention that you traveled outside the country.