travel health tips

There is nothing worse looking forward to your backpacking trip months in advance and then getting sick whilst you are away. Below are some simple travel health tips you should consider to help you stay healthy.

It may also be relevant to read about how to prevent jeg lag.

• make a visit to your doctor about 6-8 weeks before departure (this gives you enough time for vaccines to take effect)
• take all necessary vaccines, malaria pills etc (this can be expensive but it’s not worth the risk!)
• prepare a medical kit
• photocopy your vaccination record book to take with you
• buy travel insurance
• if you're heading to an area where malaria is a possibility, start taking malaria pills before departure to check for side effects. Whilst on your travels, take malaria pills regularly with food
• if using insect repellents, use ones containing DEET
• practice safe eating which means boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it (but you still need to be adventurous when you eat! I usually don't follow this - what's the point in travelling if you don't try the local food?)
• wash your hands before eating (I know it’s obvious)
• safe sex - always use a condom (again obvious...)
• get a rabies vaccine immediately if bitten
• obtain medical advice immediately if you develop a fever
• get a medical check up on your return if you have been sick on your travels

Read about:

• how to prevent jet lag