Originally published on medium.com
Travelling can be one of the most exciting things you can do. But, as Jako Hall explains, it can also be nerve-wracking as you seek to stay healthy while you’re away.
It’s critical that you know the key dangers of your destination and how you can avoid them. This includes water cleanliness, bug bites, sun exposure, and food poisoning, to name a few.
Here are some ways that you can prepare for your trip so you can avoid major dangers and enjoy your time away.
Research Your Destination
One of the great things about travelling today is there is plenty of information available on the internet. Use this tool to research all the potential problems you may face before you go.
Is it safe to drink tap water, or should you always opt for bottled water? Are there bugs and insects you need to prepare for? Are there foods you should avoid?
Knowing the potential dangers of the specific place you’re visiting is essential.
Watch What You Consume
What you eat and drink, and how you eat and drink it, is important, too, especially in less developed countries.
While you may eat your beef medium rare at home, it’s typically more advisable to have all meat thoroughly cooked in certain countries. You should also probably avoid eating any vegetables that aren’t cooked or consuming any dairy products that local vendors sell.
Even in developed countries, you should be conscious of what you’re putting in your body. You may want to try everything under the sun in your destination, but overeating and overdrinking can end up ruining your fun time.
Bring a First-Aid Kit
No matter where you’re travelling, it’s always a good idea to have a well-packed first-aid kit with you. This should be packed with pain-relieving medication and creams, adhesive bandages, insect repellant that contains DEET, antibacterial gels or wipes, a disinfectant as well as anti-diarrheal medicine.
Of course, you should always have your personal prescription medication. But, having this first-aid kit well-stocked with everything you might need for your trip will help remedy most situations you find yourself in.
Cover Your Skin
Most people spend a lot of time outdoors when they travel. In many cases, this results in overexposure to the sun, even in non-tropical destinations.
Never forget that you need to protect your skin when you travel. This should include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and possibly even long-sleeve shirts and pants, depending on where you’re going.
Stay Hydrated
Your body works at optimum performance levels when it’s well hydrated. So, Jako Hall always recommends that travellers should stay well-hydrated when they are away.
It can be easy to forget about drinking water when you travel, but it’s essential that you drink your daily recommended amount. Again, be careful how you consume this water. While it’s safe to drink tap water in some countries, it can be quite deadly to do it in others.
About Jako Hall
Jako Hall is an experienced mariner and a former naval officer known for his strong work ethic and ability to lead and motivate crews. He pursued Maritime Studies at the University of Technology in Cape Town and has received the highest level of training in Navigation and Seamanship during his years in the Navy. After 13 distinguished years in the Navy, Jako joined the superyacht industry, following his passion for creating unique and exclusive experiences for high-net-worth clients. He’s managed multi-million euro projects that required attention to detail and efficiency and has a proven track record of operating at sea in remote and unsupported areas.