1. Insect Bites
Most bugs can transmit various diseases, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and even flies. Unfortunately, some of these diseases can’t be prevented through advance vaccination. Below are measures on how to handle such situations.
For starters, buy insect repellent with at least 20% DEET, which can last for several hours. Products containing DEET include brands like Off, Cutter, and Ultrathon. DEET is effective in preventing tick and mosquito bites.
Be sure to read the product instructions carefully and use as directed. If you want to apply sunscreen, do that first, then spray the insect repellent.
Eating unhygienic food or drinking unsafe water can lead to diarrhea or other illnesses. These situations typically occur when traveling in less developed countries, but depending on individual health conditions, they can happen anywhere.
Reduce risk by consuming safe food and drinking clean water.
Food: Make sure to eat fully cooked hot meals. This may sound obvious, but it means you shouldn’t have salads. Uncooked foods can carry many bacteria, posing a threat to your health.
Always eat fully cooked eggs. Sometimes restaurant cooking methods can differ from how you cook your own over-easy eggs at home.
If you enjoy eating raw steak, it’s better to choose something else. The level of doneness in meat varies from country to country.
Make sure anything you drink comes in a bottle. If you like ice in your drinks, ensure the ice is made from bottled or sterilized water.
2. Jet Lag
For travelers crossing multiple time zones, jet lag can be a hassle. While not a serious issue, it can leave you exhausted during the first few days of your holiday.
Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise well, eat healthily, and get plenty of rest before your trip.
In the days leading up to your departure, try adjusting your sleep habits. If you’re traveling west, try going to bed one or two hours later each day; if going east, go to bed one or two hours earlier. This is a good way to adjust your biological clock.
During the trip, try to avoid overeating, and stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Be sure to drink plenty of water and try to rest on the plane.
Once you arrive at your destination, eat meals according to the local time. Also, drink lots of water and avoid caffeine.
If you feel sleepy during the day, take a short nap. Make sure it doesn’t exceed 30 minutes to avoid disrupting your nighttime sleep.
3. Motion Sickness
Motion sickness occurs when the motion you’re experiencing is different from what your inner ear senses. It commonly happens when traveling by car, train, airplane, or boat.
Motion sickness isn't life-threatening, but it can definitely ruin your trip. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid.
When traveling by car or bus, sit in the front seat. If possible, driving yourself is best. When you're driving, you focus more on the road and stay alert to changes in speed and bumps. Compared to sitting in the back, being in the driver’s seat reduces unnecessary movement.
When flying, choose a seat over the wings. Seats over the wings experience less turbulence. Sucking on a hard candy can also help prevent nausea.
On a boat, sit in a cabin in the middle. Then close your eyes and try to focus on the horizon. Stimulating other senses can distract you from the motion.
4. Sun Exposure
The joy of summer vacation often involves playing in the water under bright sunshine. But spending too much time outdoors can be dangerous, as UV rays from the sun can harm your body.
While outside, take breaks in the shade from time to time, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. A wide-brimmed hat can effectively shield your head and face.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to be effective. If you have children, look for bottles labeled “protects against UVA and UVB” or “broad-spectrum sunscreen.”
Applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going out is more effective. This allows the sunscreen to bind to your skin so it can protect you when you’re exposed to the sun. Reapply every two hours.
Have a safe and pleasant trip on your next adventure !