Travel health and safety tips

We all love travelling to new and exotic places, but unfortunately illnesses and unforeseen events can ruin the trip of a lifetime. With a little effort, take a few of these simple precautions to make your trip enjoyable.

Protection against infection

Six to eight weeks before your trip, see your doctor for a general check up and to organise any vaccinations and medications. If you don’t have a doctor, Travel Clinics Australia (Tel 1300 369 359) can help. It’s also a good idea to have a dental and optometry check too.

Insure to be sure

Take out travel insurance before you go. Always read the fine print and check you are covered for evacuation to a suitable hospital should an emergency arise. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, organise insurance with pre-existing cover.

Pack a medical kit

Take a medical kit. Include medications, sanitary products, contraception and anything to self-treat common ailments. To be on the safe side, have a prescription for back up. If you wear vision lenses, take an extra pair of glasses. A letter from your doctor is a good idea if you have a health condition or disability.

Pesky mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can carry serious illnesses, such as malaria, Zika virus, yellow fever and dengue fever. Take prescribed medication and wear a repellent that contains at least 30 per cent DEET. Avoid going outside between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are feeding. When outdoors wear clothing that covers the body, such as socks, long pants and long-sleeve tops. Stay somewhere with air-conditioning, screening and bed nets.

Avoid gastro

Keep clear of poorly prepared foods and untreated water. Busy restaurants and hotels are best rather than street stalls. Food should be well cooked and eat fruit and vegetables that can be peeled. Stay away from shellfish and unpasteurised dairy products. Drink bottled or boiled water. Always practise safe hygiene.

Be travel savvy

Keep up to date with the latest travel advice. Check out the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website – which has details on the safety of travel destinations and emergency contacts. Take a photocopy of your passport and important travel info – make sure to keep them in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to keep the contact details of the Australian embassy with you at all times. If there is no Australian embassy, find out which other embassy may be able to help.

Don't be an easy target

Try to blend in as much as possible. If you look like a tourist, you’re more likely to receive unwanted attention. That means don’t wear expensive jewellery or keep cash, traveller’s cheques and cards visible. Use ATMs during the day. It’s a good idea to wear valuables on a belt under clothing. Always keep passport and travel plans to yourself. If you are robbed or mugged, don’t fight back.

Be vigilant

Collect your luggage as soon as it arrives on the carousel. Ask the staff where you’re staying the safe places to visit and make sure you know what to do in an emergency. Always lock doors of rooms and hire cars. Don’t hitch hike and don’t invite strangers to your room.

Be sensitive to other cultures

Dress modestly and try to keep to a style the locals wear, especially when visiting places of worship. Women who are travelling alone can be more vulnerable to unwanted attention. If you are used to breastfeeding in public, be mindful that some countries find it offensive. If someone is harassing you in any way, try to leave the situation and if concerned, contact police.

What to do when travelling alone

Keep in close contact with people as much as you can. When on public transport for instance, don’t sit in a carriage by yourself. Don’t invite strangers to your room or share a ride in a taxi with someone you don’t know. If you feel vulnerable when going out, let the staff know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Reduce the impact of jet lag

It's hard to cope with jet lag. Try to get some sleep on the plane, drink lots of water and avoid alcohol. Wear loose clothing and move around the plane when you can. This may also reduce the risk of DVT or blood clotting in the legs. Once you arrive at your destination, spend some time in the sun if possible, it helps reset our body clock.

Don't be an infection risk

Tattoos or piercings done overseas may not be safe, as many countries do not have the same hygiene standards as we do. Particular countries where the risk is greater include Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and South America. Always practise safe sex, especially in places such as Africa and Southeast Asia where HIV/AIDS and STIs are endemic.