“An Ounce of Prevention is a Pound of Cure” 

We’ve all heard this before and this especially applies to travel. 

 

 Easy Travel Tips to Keep You Safe and Healthy on Your Trip:

 

Wash your hands. 

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

Wash your hands with hot soap and water, preferably anti-bacterial. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to wash your hands before eating, using the restroom, and when near animals. Try to wash your hands at least 3 times a day. Also, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use it before you get on planes or any areas with heavy traffic.

Choose Safe Food and Drink. Contaminated food and drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and disrupt your travel. Travelers to developing countries are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink as well.

 

Use Bottled Water to Brush Your Teeth

Most hotels provide bottled water. In developing countries, be sure to use bottled water to brush your teeth to avoid ingesting any bacteria your gastrointestinal system is not used to. 

Avoid raw fruits and vegetables. Although it’s tempting to want to try out all those delicious fruit and vegetables, remember that your body is not accustomed to the natural bacteria of that country. Slowly incorporate fruits and vegetables. First, start with cooked fruits and vegetables.

 

 

Protect Yourself from The Sun. 

Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you’re traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm. 

 

 

Use Caution in Countries or Areas that have Endemic Malaria 

Be sure to check the Centers for Disease Control for the risk of Malaria before you travel. If you are traveling to an area with Malaria, be sure to check with your doctor if you should take anti-malarial medication like Malarone. Your doctor might recommend that you start an anti-malarial medication before you depart. Read more about Malaria here.

 

Be Aware of Endemic Disease Precautions 

Check the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) website for information on endemic and communicable diseases in those countries you plan on traveling to. Make sure you visit a Travel Medicine Doctor to get the necessary vaccines. They will make recommendations on vaccinations and medications as determined by your destination.

Prepare a Travel Kit 

Make sure to prepare a small travel kit. This will prevent you from having to find a pharmacy in the middle of the night. The most common issue that traveler experience is diarrhea, so be sure to bring some over-the-counter medicine such as anti-diarrheals and PeptoBismol tablets. On the other hand, sometimes you can get constipated from all the food, long plane rides, and dietary changes, so bring a stool softener and bulk laxatives such as Sennekot. However, I would avoid a stimulant laxative – you don’t want to overdo it!

 

 

Check to Make Sure You Can Bring Your Regular Medications Into Your Destinations. 

Some countries prohibit even prescribed drugs such as benzodiazepines, narcotics, certain types of pain medication, anxiolytics and other medications. It crucial that you be aware of what medication you and cannot take into their country. Remember, Western countries are far more liberal of certain types of medications such as anxiolytics and psychiatric medications, whereas in more conservative countries, one can face imprisonment for even bringing in prescribed medications. It’s best you have a consultation with a Travel Medicine doctor to discuss other alternatives if you cannot take your medications with you.

 

 

Wear Comfortable Shoes 

I can’t stress this enough – you’ll want to bring very comfortable shoes that are well-broken in. You want to be comfortable taking on all those once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

Here’s a List of My Favorite Shoes for Traveling

Break in New Shoes at Least One Month Before. 

Did you buy a new pair of hiking shoes or sandals? Make sure you start wearing them in the house at least 1 month before. This allows the shoes to break-in without causing skin irritation and blisters. The last thing you want is to be hiking through beautiful jungles and temples while wincing in pain. And don’t forget the bandaids, ointment, and blister gel pads that prevent blisters.

 

Bring a Wide-Brimmed Hat to Protect from The Sun’s Rays and UV Damage 

The facial skin is particularly susceptible to UV damage, so be sure to wear a light sunscreen. My favorite is Nivea with Vitamin C and SPF50. I love wearing it! It’s light and has a nice fragrance.

When traveling to developing countries, hats are available at a fraction of the cost. I got some of my cutest hats in Thailand for 4 dollars! I always stock up on hats when I’m in Southeast Asia.

Here’s a List of My Favorite Hats.

 

 

 

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol.

Know your limits and stick to them. Getting accidentally intoxicated in a foreign country as a woman can open you up to dangerous situations. Not thinking clearly and using poor judgment due to the effects of alcohol, predisposes one to potentially dangerous situations, especially if you’re traveling alone.

Ask For Mocktails Instead.

Really want that sweet, refreshing pina colada on a hot day? Try a Mocktail instead! Not only will you avoid the alcohol, but you’ll skip the calories, too!

Ignore Cat-Calling.

In some countries, men try to flirt by cat-calling. It can be quite disturbing to Western women as we’re not used to this type of behavior. Just ignore it and don’t engage with the men. By responding to them, they might interpret this as interest. Remember, in more conservative cultures, Western women are often perceived as being more sexually promiscuous according to their perception, and any verbal engagement with them will only worsen the behavior.

 

 

Bring Toilet Paper

In developing countries, most public restrooms do not carry toilet paper, so you’ll need to bring your own. Hotels that cater to Westerners will have toilet paper, but you’ll need to pack your own before departing on your adventures. It’s best to pack a small amount (Like a paper roll) and then buy some more once you arrive.

 

 

Learn more about Staying Healthy When Traveling:

 

How to Pack a Medical Travel Kit

Checking Your Destination for Disease-Free Travel 

The Importance of Travel Medicine Doctors

Cute, but Dangerous -Staying Away from Stray Animals 

Malaria: A Travel’s Guide to Staying Safe 

My Thailand Emergency Room Experience