Hi again Julie
I've looked through the forum, but can't find if there are likely to be problems such as tummy upsets etc, do you happen to know?
I see that a few of your group were ill in Costa Rica, what happened there? I know it's a completely different part of the world, just wondered!
Marion x
Hi Marion, the truth is that anyone can get an upset stomach anywhere in the world once they are away from home! The cause is simply different bacteria to what we are used to - what affects some people doesn't affect others. So be prepared, take a probiotic before you go and a supply of immodium with you. If you are particularly susceptible talk to your doctor about bringing a broad spectrum antibiotic with you just in case you have a prolonged upset. I've been on some holidays where I've been fine and others weren't well and vice versa. It's really the luck of the draw but thankfully it is rarely bad enough to stop anyone enjoying their holiday!
Best wishes,
Bob
Yes, that's been my experience as well: in most of the Asian holidays I have been on, out of nearly 30 people there was usually one person (or two at most) with a sensitive stomach - but any problems were usually short-lived and not serious enough to spoil the holiday.
During a tour round Japan last month, I found everywhere to be very clean and hygienic - and, apart from Singapore, the only country in Asia where I felt safe drinking the tap water. Any problems are likely to be caused by the significant time difference, which puts one's digestive system out of sync - rather like going from "days" to "nights" and vice-versa when on shift work . . .
As regards public toilets away from hotels, airports etc - the real horror in China and some other parts of Asia - these are clean and well-equipped, but (in my experience) the washing facilities usually only consist of a supply of cold water, very rarely with soap and never with any hand-drying facility, so you may wish to consider taking a small hand towel and some hand wash with you in case of emergencies.
You will love Japan, it's a fascinating and beautiful place - but with a few surprises, eg an Eiffel Tower in the centre of Tokyo, a Statue of Liberty in Tokyo Bay - and, in November/December, "Jingle Bells" played in all the shops! The famous bullet trains (at least) really do run exactly according to schedule - but precisely two minutes are allowed for passengers to get on and off: there are designated points marked on the platform where one must - and where people really do - queue to get on . . .
Don't forget to provide a review when you get back!
Jim
