When traveling to a new country, it’s important to be mindful of your health and take precautions to avoid getting sick. This brief guide will explain how to prepare for overseas travel, stay healthy while traveling, and handle medical emergencies that may arise while you’re abroad. Keep reading for tips on staying healthy while traveling overseas.
Preparing for Overseas Travel
Before you head off to a third-world country, visit your healthcare provider, or better yet, contact a clinic geared toward travelers. For example, if you live in Brisbane, Australia, you could look up “travel doctor Brisbane city” to find a specialized clinic in your area.
A travel healthcare provider will make sure you’re up-to-date on your shots and offer malaria prevention treatments such as tablets and injections. They can also provide specific advice on staying healthy during your travels. For example, they’ll tell you which foods and drinks to avoid and how to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and other insects that may carry malaria.
Handling Medical Emergencies
If you’re overseas and experience a medical emergency, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you receive the best possible care. First and foremost, you should notify your health insurance company of the emergency. They may have a global assistance program in place that can help you coordinate care and pay for any medical expenses incurred.
You can also contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help. They can connect you with local doctors and provide information on how to get repatriated back to the U.S. if needed.
Avoiding Contaminated Food and Drinks
Here are some key tips to help you stay healthy while traveling overseas:
- Drink only bottled or boiled water.
- Avoid ordering drinks with ice.
- Avoid raw fruits and vegetables.
- Stick to cooked or peeled foods.
- Avoid dairy products.
- Don’t eat food from street vendors.
- Be wary of food and drinks served at buffets.
Staying Safe and Secure
There are many ways to stay safe and secure while traveling overseas. The first step is to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling in high-risk areas. When possible, avoid traveling at night and steer clear of dodgy neighborhoods. Be sure to keep your belongings close by, especially your passport and money, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. It’s also important to have a copy of your travel itinerary handy in case you get lost or robbed.
Another key factor in staying safe while overseas is being informed about the local security situation. Before departing, research the area where you’ll be staying and familiarize yourself with common scams and dangerous areas. In addition, always carry contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.
Finally, it’s important to have adequate travel insurance in case of unexpected events such as illness or theft. Make sure your policy covers both medical expenses and loss/theft of property, and be sure to read the fine print, so you’re aware of any exclusions.
Avoiding Jet Lag
A lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and increase your chance of getting sick. There are a few things that you can do to help avoid jet lag when traveling overseas. One of the most important is to try to adapt to the local time zone as quickly as possible. This means you should avoid sleeping in during the flight and try to stay awake until bedtime in your current location. You may also want to attempt to avoid caffeine and alcohol while on the plane. Upon arrival, spend some time outside in natural light, which will help reset your body’s internal clock.
In a nutshell, it is important to take precautions when traveling overseas to maintain your health. This includes being up-to-date on inoculations, drinking safe water, and avoiding risky behaviors. By following the above health tips, you can help keep yourself healthy and safe while traveling.