While travelling can be addictive, there are certain types of travel bug you definitely don’t want to catch! SafeTrip travel insurance share their tips on how to avoid getting ill when you’re abroad…
There’s nothing worse than being sick when you’re far away from home. You just want your bed, to feel safe, and a loved one to cheer you up. So if you’re planning a holiday or planning on going travelling for several months, then the idea of falling sick or requiring medical assistance can be a scary thought.
So, with that in mind, read on to get travel tips on how you can keep safe whilst you’re abroad and hopefully avoid those anti-sickness tablets!
Do some research
Do you know what the emergency number is the country you’re visiting? Do you know how to ask for help or where the nearest hospital or pharmacy is? If you’re travelling abroad is best to know basic things like these. So, if you do need emergency help or assistance, you know which number to call – you can communicate to locals that you’re in pain, you can indicate which part of your body you’re having problems with, and you’ll know where to head to if you need medical assistance.
More tips on preparing for departure here.
Always carry your medicine and medical info with you
Most travellers would advise that you should always carry painkillers with you. Basic paracetamol to help keep those niggling headaches or skin irritations at bay and also plenty of water. If you have an ongoing medical condition then you should always carry your medicine with you too.
If you know your blood type, then make sure that information can be found on your person. As well as any information about allergies, ongoing medical problems, previous surgeries or any other medical information that might be of interest to a medical team. If you’re unconscious, inebriated or in too much pain, then your notes can do the talking for you.
If you’re travelling in a group and suffer from allergens or you might be susceptible to an asthma attack etc, make sure that at least one person (or why not everyone) know that you might be at risk. Let them know the symptoms – just in case you can’t tell them yourself – make sure they know where to find your medicine/inhaler and show them how to administer it should the need arise.
And if you’re confronting known risks, such as the chance of getting altitude sickness whilst mountaineering, then make sure you’re informed and prepared.
Get insurance!
Yes, it’s boring and can feel like a big of a slog to get sorted. But once your travel/medical insurance is in place, you can really enjoy your journey and adventures to the full, safe in the knowledge that you’re completely covered, should something go wrong.
Pay attention to your environment
Unsure of the cleanliness or your bathroom or sleeping area? Get into the habit of wearing your flip flops around the property/room. Always use your own soap, razors, face clothes and bedding too. And never share towels! Try to avoid dirty toilets if you can, but if it’s inevitable, make sure you wash your hands well afterwards.
Wash your hands
Keeping your hands clean is crucial if you want to avoid cross contamination and the possibility of getting sick. Every time you use the toilet, wash your hands, and before you sit down for any meal. Even if you think your hands are clean. If access to running water and soap is limited get yourself some sanitizing hand gel.