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Published: June 14th 2018
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There are a few major things to consider when traveling overseas and safety is one of them. Whether it’s researching the region, determining any health risks that may be present or planning ahead for a long journey, here are a few tips to help keep you safe and healthy on your next overseas vacation.
Before You Go Here are a few precautions you can take before you ever leave the country.
Research the Area Find out about exactly where you’re going and find out if there are any potential hazards and/or vaccinations you should receive before going. There may be prevalent diseases in this area or things to watch out for. Safety isn’t just about your health. Find out if there are any high-crime areas or things to avoid. The more information you have the more prepared you’ll be.
Check with Your Doctor It’s always a good idea to let your primary care physician know that you’ll be traveling out of the country. They can let you know if you’re in good enough health to do so. Doctors are also up to date on most medical outbreaks and other health concerns that are new, on the rise or impacting a specific area. They can warn you of these before your departure. This is where you’ll receive any required vaccines, as well.
Check with Your Insurance Company We all know how important medical insurance is and that doesn’t change when you’re traveling abroad. It’s important to check with your insurance provider and determine whether or not your
medical plan covers you while you travel out of the country. You may want to invest in supplemental insurance or even evacuation insurance, which covers the cost of transporting you back to the states if something goes wrong and quality medical care isn’t available in the region.
Get Yourself in Tip-Top Shape Our bodies are strong and capable and perform best when in optimum shape. This means that before embarking on an overseas adventure, be sure that you’re receiving adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating a well-balanced diet. Participating in regular activity will also boost your physical strength and help you remain healthy during your trip.
When You Arrive Now that you’ve reached your destination, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to staying healthy and safe.
Wash Your Hands This is the first line of defense against the spread of germs and bacteria, but at home and abroad. Whenever possible, wash your hands after touching foreign substances, before eating, after using the bathroom, after your flight, and any other time the mood strikes you. If a sink with clean, running water and soap aren’t available, carry antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizer in your bag. These aren’t quite as effective as soap and water but they’ll do in a pinch.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings This is important when you’re in a foreign land. You’re not familiar with the people, the customs, or the area. Chances are if you’re a tourist, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. And, unfortunately, that makes you a target for being robbed, mugged, mislead, or worse. Always keep your eyes and ears open for danger. Travel in a group, when possible. Don’t carry any valuables with you or wear flashy or obviously expensive jewelry. If you’re carrying a bag, try a sling-style that is secure on your body or a fanny pack in front of you. This makes grabbing your bag and running much more difficult. Don’t make yourself an easy target.
Wear Protection Depending on the climate in the region, you’ll want to wear both sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun is a powerful thing and if you’re spending many hours sightseeing or near the water, you can easily receive a sunburn without even realizing it. An oversized hat, sunglasses, and loose fitting, light colored clothing are also great defenses against the sun’s rays. Insect repellent is a must. Foreign countries often have mosquito-borne illnesses, such as the
Zika virus. Other insects can carry unknown diseases that infect you when bit. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and wear bug spray.
Be Mindful of What You Eat/Drink People say not to drink the water in foreign lands or be mindful of what you eat and those people are right! With so many countries having unknown or unsanitary water sources, you need to be extremely careful about what you consume while abroad. Contaminated food and water can carry parasites and other bacteria that cause gastric and digestive issues. Side effect abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Only drink bottled water and use it for brushing your teeth as well. Avoid buffets where food is left sitting out, touched by others, and prepared behind the scenes. If you’re tasting fruits or vegetables, stick with ones you can peel yourself. If you’re especially worried, bring along some pre-packaged items.
Safe travel abroad is about using common sense, doing your research, and preparing for your journey. Follow these steps so that you can rest assured you're safe and focus your attention on the amazing experiences that await you!
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