Travel Health and Safety Tips

Travel Health

• Make sure that any required vaccinations are up-to-date and whether malaria prophylaxis is required for the area/s that you are visiting. This can be checked with your own doctor or at a travel medical center.
• There are many online sources of medical advice for travellers. MASTA is a good example. Although their clinics are based in the UK, health briefs can be created quickly online and downloaded instantly.
• Make sure that you have a good first aid kit, including anti-diarrhea medication, antiseptic cream, wound dressings and pain killers. Also check out our first aid pages.
• Take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines required (check with your physician well in advance if additional prescriptions need to be filled or to ask if you need a letter to take with you which explains the drugs that you are carrying).
• If travelling to remote or tropical areas consider water filtration devices and insect repellent products.

During your flight

• Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and caffeine intake as these will dehydrate you.
• Follow inflight exercise recommendations to relieve muscular tension, improve circulation and help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Eat lightly

Whilst travelling

• Drink plenty of water (bottled water if tap water is unsafe).
• Avoid uncooked and undercooked foods. Also avoid salads that may have been rinsed in unclean water and stick to fruits that have to be peeled. This advice is particularly relevant in developing countries.
• Avoid insect bites.

On return

• Go to your doctor if you experience any unfamiliar symptoms.

Travel Insurance

• Take out travel insurance with good health cover. Make sure that any activities to be undertaken (e.g. scuba diving, skiing etc.) are covered by the policy. Ensure that you are covered for emergency evacuation should medical treatment be required.
• Make sure your valuables are covered. We all travel with much higher value cameras, computers and electronic devices these days.
• Be aware that providing false information can make your policy invalid. If you suffer from a medical condition then say so – usually you will be granted cover with the exclusion of that condition or asked to pay an additional premium.
• Travel iinsurance for seniors can be a problem. Do look around, as once you are over the age of 75 the conditions of different policies vary considerably.
• If you are making multiple trips within a calendar year, consider an annual travel insurance policy as this can save money.

Travel Money and Valuables

• Cash: It is often useful to take some small denomination money in the destination currency or US dollars. This can be used for tips ... and toilets. Money can usually be exchanged on arrival at most airports.
• Travellers Cheques: These offer a safe option, especially if you intend taking a large amount of money or are on an extended trip. Exchange rates do vary, so shop around between banks, hotels and money changers if you have time. Be aware that black market money traders operate in tourist areas. Stolen travellers cheques can usually be replaced quickly. Make sure to sign cheques at the time of purchase and keep a record of their reference numbers separately, noting transaction details.
• Credit Cards: It is a good idea to have a credit card with a relatively low credit limit for travel purposes (you could consider a second card for travel and internet use). When choosing a credit card there are a number of benefits which may be offered, such as free travel insurance (make sure of conditions) or frequent flyer points. Take a contact number for the credit card company in case you suspect fraud.
• A money belt / bum bag worn around your waist is handy for money and valuables.
• Some hotels offer a small safe in every room (this is often found inside the wardrobe). Others often have safety deposit boxes in reception where you can leave money, passports and other valuables.

Travel Safety & Security

• Make sure that all luggage is locked, including pockets. Combination padlocks are preferable to key operated padlocks. Plastic ties can be used to show if luggage has been interfered with. If you have difficulty finding travel goods locally, a huge range is available online.
• If you are taking a taxi make sure that you choose the taxi rather than them choosing you. If you are arriving at an unfamiliar airport check to see if there is an official taxi counter before hiring a taxi yourself.
• Don’t display large amounts of money or jewels, particularly when you are out at night.
• Dress appropriately for the culture that you are in. It is polite and you will be hassled less.
• Ask locals or hotel staff where it is or isn’t safe to travel unescorted. Most cities and towns are basically OK but have a few crime hot spots.
• Only hire cars from reputable companies and consider additional insurances, which are offered (including premiums to reduce the excess which can be high).