Paul's & Janita's Travel Site

1.Take out health insurance

Be sure your travel insurance has sufficient health coverage, especially if you have any particular health problems. Even minor ailments such back problem or a dose of the flu can cause serious expense when travelling. Not to mention the ‘down time’.  More serious issues may require repatriation which can run into many thousands of dollars particularly in North America.

2. Check recommended vaccinations for the countries you visit

It may be expensive, but being ‘dosed-up’ with every preventative possible is highly recommended. You may not think that you can catch malaria in Asia in the winter, but check the statistics. You can! Visit the Travel Doctor site on the internet for the latest professional advice.

3. Take regular medication with you

Don’t count on being able to pick up any regular prescription drugs. In some countries, they simply may not be available. Get your doctor to provide you with sufficient coverage for your trip. Take prescriptions with you as well. They may be required to prove that what you are carrying is prescribed as you go through customs.

4. Be careful of your personal hygiene

Wash your hands frequently. Waterless  hand washers are available all over the world. Use them before meals and every time you are in contact with surfaces that have been touched by many people. Such as restroom doors! This may sound sill, but why take the risk. In countries that have poor health standards, even the cutlery should be treated with suspicion, particularly if you know you have a weak stomach.

5. Don’t drink the water

Some travellers drink only bottled water no matter where they are. This is probably a little over the top, but if you are concerned or have a history of stomach upsets, it may not be such a bad idea. With a bit of common sense combined with some research, you should be able to determine where the water is safe.

6. Be ‘food safe’

One of the great things about travel is the access to different and interesting cuisine. However, the most common travel illness is some form of stomach complaint or even worse gastroenteritis. You don’t have to go to Mexico, India or Vietnam to get a touch of ‘the trots’. Check that what you are eating is fresh. Generally, a quick look around the premises will tell you whether hygiene is practised. Avoid eating food from hot boxes other in areas where there is high turnover. A good general rule is if a restaurant is crowded it is probably ok.

7. Treat small injuries immediately

Even slight cuts and abrasions can become infected. More adventurous travellers, who scale mountains, jump off high cliffs and swim in jungle streams should be particularly careful. Disinfect any wound immediately, no matter how minor it may be.

8. Take spare glasses

If you wear spectacles, always travel with a spare pair.

9. Check for reciprocal health arrangements

Many countries have reciprocal health service arrangements. For example Australia has arrangements with the UK and several other nations. Check the internet for arrangements and what is covered.

10. Suspend your health coverage

Most Health Insurance companies will allow you to suspend your domestic health insurance while you are overseas. Domestic health insurance is of no use overseas. Your travel insurance replaces it, so why pay the premiums? On longer trips the savings can be substantial. Check your insurer for conditions.