Hi I'm starting this thread largely aimed at those folks who haven't done much travelling abroad (beyond Europe) and might be a bit apprehensive regarding keeping healthy and safe, so feel free to add your own tips. To get the ball rolling, here are a few random thoughts:
1. Do your preparation beforehand: google the climate of the country you're thinking of going to, see what the weather is likely to be like and plan accordingly. Stock up on plenty of sun cream, find out if you will need mosquito repellent (ordinary or with DEET for tropical climates) or vaccinations in plenty of time before you go. Most pharamcies only stock DEET products etc during the holiday season, so if you're planning to go abroad Oct - March, stock up in advance the previous summer before the shops run out. In tropical climates where mossies are common, put your sun cream on first and rub it well in. Wait for at least 15-20 minutes then apply the DEET. If you have DEET spray, be careful not to inhale it as it will probably take the lining off your lungs. DEET roll-on can be used instead, but it doesn't spread as easily and the little blighters are very good at finding skin that hasn't been DEET-ed!!
2. Currency: I know many UK banks/post offices can supply many foreign currencies, but for most of the long haul destinations, such as south-east Asia, south America and Africa it's best to bring US dollars, which are widely accepted and then change a little into foreign currency when you get to your destination. In most cases, hotels can change money or your tour manager will be able to advise you. In some countries, you can pay the whole way with dollars and you will even get your change in dollars (small change might be given in the local currency). In many countries outside Europe, Sterling is not widely accepted or welcomed although the Euro (surprisingly enough) is more widely accepted. Dollars are the way to go, however.
3. Care for your digestive system! Bring plenty of medication in case you get a stomach upset. This is very likely in Asia, especially in India but also countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Uzbekistan etc. Immodium instants are very useful to carry in your hand luggage and are very effective. Indigestion remedies and anti-nausea pills are helpful too. Boots do a travel acidophilus pill called "Biobalance Travel" which you take once a day for a week before you go, twice a day while away (once a day if within Europe) and once a day for a week after you get back. After suffering in India, I took them for my next tour to Vietnam and was much, much better. Activated charcoal can be helpful to speed up the passing of toxins through your system if you do get a bad upset. Wash your hands thoroughly and bring anti-bacterial hand gel and use before eating and after handling the local money. For the first day or two, eat more lightly than usual and drink plenty of water throughout your holiday; it is so easy to become dehydrated without realising it. Any hotel used by JY and any restaurant they bring you to, it will be safe to eat fruit and veg and have drinks with ice. Elsewhere it would be safer to avoid them.
4. General health and safety issues: Most countries do not have the same legislation as we "enjoy" in Europe, so beware of uneven ground, broken steps, no hand rails etc. Beware of steps in your hotel rooms, especially into the bathroom etc. Also beware of slipping in the shower. I almost had a very, very nasty accident in a hotel in Buenos Aires, when I stepped on the bath mat in the shower and it went flying, despite having the appearance of being well secured to the bottom of the bath/shower. If I hadn't grabbed the hand rail, I would have cracked the back of my skull off the rim of the bath!
5. Most of the long haul tours have a hectic itinerary, so that you get great value for money and see the best of each destination. This means that unless you have boundless energy, you need to pace yourself and get a good night's sleep. Herbal remedies can be helpful in relaxing you in a strange environment so that you awake refreshed for the next day's sightseeing.
6. Don't be afraid to ask your fellow travellers for advice and if you're not well or worried about anything, tell your tour manager: that's what they're there for! They will also give you advice on where to eat when meals aren't included and local safety/security issues e.g. some areas where it mightn't be safe for tourists to go. Don't flash your wallet, passport or jewellry in public and be sensible!
Until a couple of years ago, I'd done very little travelling outside Europe and although I wanted to see the world, I was a little daunted by the prospect - don't be! A little preparation beforehand and a sensible attitude and you should have a brilliant time discovering this beautiful and fascinating planet of ours.
Happy travelling!
Bob
