When traveling

When travelling

Shimon Rumelt

1. Immunize yourself according to your destination.

2. Do homework before leaving and prepare a detailed plenary. Read about the places that you are going to visit, the climate conditions, local law, habits, and possible hazards. Leave a copy at home.

3. Leave a plenary with your family before leaving home.

4. Let your family know where you are staying and with whom you are traveling.

5. Take a flashlight, spare batteries, first, second, and third aids (see below), rope, mobile phone, and maps/GPS.

6. Always keep your passport and money in safe places.

7. Adjust your wear to the weather. Be prepared for extreme conditions.

8. In hot weather, protect yourself from the sun. Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreens; wear sunglasses, long sleeves, light shirts, and pants.

9. In cold weather, wear warm clothes. Sunglasses are important to protect from snow burns.

10. Take enough water and food. For a day tour, 3-6 liters are required. Drink regularly even if you are not thirsty.

11. Consult your physician regarding the medications that you should carry. Avoid any drugs that may cause you allergic reactions. In remote areas, doxycycline (Doxyline) 100mg, one tablet a day, is effective for most gastrointestinal (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain/discomfort) and urinary (urinary stinging) infections. If no improvement is seen within 2 days, metronidazole (Flagyl) 250mg, 2 tablets (or more according physician's prescription) a day, may be added for 5-7 days. If there is still no improvement, a physician consultation is mandatory. For head and neck infections (including upper and lower respiratory tract infections), Amoxycillin and clavulinic acid (Augmentin) 875mg, twice a day for 7-10 days, is effective. Ciprofloxacin 125-250mg, twice a day for 3 days, covers resistant microorganisms.

12. Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes.

13. Follow only marked trails and watch your steps.

14. Do not walk at night or when there is fog.

15. Do not lift rocks, logs, etc., because of the risk of snake, scorpion, and spider bites.

16. Do not drink unsafe water (pools, lakes, rivers, wells, etc.).

17. When climbing to heights over 3,000 meters, rest for a day or two every 500 meters. When flying at heights over 3,000 meters, it may be useful to take tablet acetazolamide 250 mg twice a day or half a tablet 3 times a day, two days before departure, the day of departure, and the following day. Consult your physician before.

18. Be sure that it is safe to swim and dive. Do not enter the water unless you can swim. Do not jump into pools.

19. If you do not know the area, use a local authorized guide or the services of a travel agency.

20. Be polite but vigilant. Do not disclose where you are heading to unfamiliar people.

21. Avoid highly dangerous sites/areas.

22. Keep the area clean. Take the garbage with you and dispose of it properly.

23. Do not disturb wild animals and do not harm the environment.

24. A medical travel kit may contain the following: Paracetamol for pain or fever. Antibiotics (as listed above, including their prescription). Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide for nausea and vomiting. Papaverin for abdominal pain. Muscle relaxant (e.g., orphenadrine) for muscle pain. Antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl) for allergic reactions, insect bites and stings (some may cause dizziness and should not be used with alcohol consumption). Antiseptic agent (povidone iodine or chlorhexidine) for cuts and wounds. Calamine lotion or aluminium sulfate spray for irritation relief after stings or bites. Antifungal cream, bandages, thermometer, throat lozenges, decongestants, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, water-purification tablets or iodine, syringes and sterile needles/veinflon (with accompanying letter from your physician).

Have a safe trip!

The author is not responsible for the application of any of the suggestions appearing or not appearing on this page, and these cannot be a basis for any claim whatsoever.