Firstly, I am not a doctor (but I play one on TV). Therefore, I am not qualified to give . . . → Read More: General Medical Information]]>

Firstly, I am not a doctor (but I play one on TV). Therefore, I am not qualified to give any advice on health or medicine.

This section is just a list of things I found out about travel and health whilst reading about various countries around the world. It also serves as a checklist of things to do before I go travelling and the order in which I need to do them.

For all travel-related health advice consult an expert (your doctor or travel clinic, for example). You can also read books and browse websites, but remember that health advice changes all the time, epidemics come and go, new diseases appear, drugs become resistant, more effective vaccines are developed, and so on. And some of those websites may just be plain wrong.

It is a good idea to become familiar, in general terms, with what are the possible health risks in each country you intend to visit. Some of these risks should not be taken lightly but, on the other hand, you shouldn’t allow the fear of health problems to put you off travelling.

It is all a question of perspective. Whilst you hear about all kinds of horrible diseases in the news, like Ebola and Plague, travellers don’t get them. In fact, one of the deadliest viruses of all is found in the developed world and is far more widespread.

That said, in most countries in the developed world you will probably not have any health problems at all, just those you get at home, such as coughs and colds, diarrhea and constipation, and hangovers. Everywhere else in the world the worst you will probably get is a stomach upset from unfamiliar microbes.

As stated above, consult an expert, follow their advice, and take sensible precautions. Knowledge and prevention will greatly reduce the risks of falling ill anywhere in the world.

The Main Health Risks for Travellers

The main cause by far of preventable deaths and injuries among travellers is accidents. These include being run over by, or crashing in, a moving vehicle.

Thus the best advice is to do what you do back home; always wear a seat belt (or helmet on a bike), always look both ways before crossing a street, at the same time standing well back from the curb.



Studies have shown that around 50% of deaths while travelling are from heart attacks (which you probably would have had at home anyway), another 20% or so due to injuries, with the rest made up of such things as cancer, suicides and homicides.

Only around 1% of deaths are due to the infectious diseases and illnesses listed elsewhere on this website. Also, most deaths while travelling occur in Europe (where most people travel), and not in developing countries.

On Being Your Own Doctor

When you are at home and get a sniffle or cough you can either ignore it or hope it will go away. Others may try to treat it or at least ameliorate the symptoms. Doing this while travelling in the developing world, however, can have serious consequences.

You should never ignore symptoms or try to diagnose yourself (or anyone else) while travelling. Seek professional advice as soon as you can. Doctors in developing countries may not seem as well-qualified as those back home but they are usually familiar with local health problems, and the knowledge base they use to diagnose will be far more extensive than yours which will probably have been gleaned from books or the Internet.

After getting advice from a health professional, try to get to the best care available whenever you can, even if it means travelling long distances.

Upon Returning Home

If you feel ill after returning from the developing world, go and see your doctor and let them know you have just come back from there. You may be referred to a tropical disease specialist. Some people get tests to see if they might have picked up something, even if they have no symptoms.

One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at . . . → Read More: Clothing]]>

One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at home and that which you wear when travelling?

Certainly, if you live in the UK or the USA and you are travelling to Europe for a week, then you can just wear what you normally wear. In fact, you might look out of place if you don’t walk around in jeans, tshirt, a hoodie and running shoes.

Travelling further afield does involve some additional considerations, however, mainly to do with the varied climates you will encounter. But there are also cultural differences of which to be aware.

The best advice, wherever you go or whatever you choose to wear, is to try to look relatively neat and tidy. Also, especially if you are female, try not to wear clothes that are too revealing (showing skin other than your face and hands). Even if you think you should be able to dress however you want, not only is it objectionable and sometimes rude in some countries to do so, it is often unsafe and can put you in real danger.

Dress neatly and consider the environment and culture you are in and you will find that people will think better of you, will talk to you more often, and even offer you their hospitality. You will get fewer hassles, both from the locals and from officials such as customs and border police.

Also bear in mind that many religious buildings require skirts for women, trousers for men, (and sometimes long sleeves for both), and that you remove your shoes.

Tempting though it may be, in some places it helps not to try to dress like the locals, as they connect religious and/or cultural significance to what they wear.



The main criteria when choosing clothing for travel include whether or not it provides sufficient protection from the elements, and its lightness and compactness due to your space and carrying considerations.

In hot climates your clothes mainly function as sun and insect protection. Long sleeves and collars on loose-fitting shirts, baggy trousers, and a hat with a wide brim (at least 3 inches, 7.5cm) will work better than skimpy tops and shorts for keeping you cool and protected.

Jeans are not a good idea as they are hot to wear, hard to wash, slow to dry, and heavy to carry.

In the cold it is best to layer clothing and look for fabrics that are wicking, insulating, and wind blocking. The new, thin, purpose-made synthetic fabrics are best, worn in layers. They are light, wash well, dry with body heat and are most efficient in terms of weight, bulk and functionality.

A windproof coat or rain shell, long underwear, insulating layers of clothing, gloves, heavy socks, and hats are essential in the cold.

If possible, try to get clothing that has a dual purpose, but without compromising. Find things that can be used both in the daytime and the evening. Keep it simple including the colours. Black, navy, and white are good choices.

A rough guide is to take three outfits, including the one you are wearing. This way you wear one, can wash one, and have a spare set. If everything mixes or matches you should be fine for a long time. If you need a change, or if things wear out, you can always buy replacements (cheaply, usually) wherever you are. Also, clothing you buy overseas will be appropriate for the climate or conditions in which you find yourself.

The next few pages list things to consider when choosing travel clothes, working from the inside out, top to bottom.

One of the most useful pieces of advice I ever got about packing for travelling is that you should . . . → Read More: Bags]]>

One of the most useful pieces of advice I ever got about packing for travelling is that you should decide before you leave what kind of trip you are going on. This may seem obvious but there are some items that you simply don’t need on certain types of travel.

For example, an extended vacation to the less developed parts of the world should not be considered as a camping trip. You take a backpack with you as your would when going hiking in the woods or camping, but the similarities pretty much end there.

You won’t need a tent, stove, pots, freeze-dried foods, sleeping bag or a rolled-up sleeping pad.

Certainly, in Europe you can save some money by camping out and cooking your own food on a stove, but this isn’t necessary in other parts of the world where accommodation and food is cheap.

For the cost of a good tent and sleeping bag you can live for months (including meals and accommodation) in the less developed parts of the world.

Plus, if you do take loads of gear there is always the temptation to try to use it all just because you brought it with you, camping out and cooking where it isn’t necessary (outside hostels, for example).

This way you tend to isolate yourself from the locals, trying to reproduce your home life, instead of finding out what it is like to live in the country in which you are staying.

You can always rent, borrow or even buy camping equipment if absolutely necessary or if you find you need it when you arrive, but for the number of times you will actually use it it is just not worth bringing it from home and hauling it around the whole time.

And anyway, you won’t find many designated camp grounds in the less developed parts of the world, plus, you can’t just leave a tent around to go exploring the cities (as you would in Europe) as it probably won’t be there when you return.

As well as the possibility of having it stolen, there is also the problem of losing or breaking something. You may spend hundreds on equipment you won’t use, have to carry around for months, and then leave it somewhere and never see it again, or it breaks when you most need it.

Additionally, the problem with a lot of camping gear is that whilst it will last for the few weeks every year when you go on vacation, it won’t last so long on an extended trip. Hard use and the passage of time will take its toll, and if it isn’t up to the job it may need repairing or even replacing.

All that said, if you are going trekking in remote areas, far way from shops and villages, then there is certain equipment you will need, good hiking boots, waterproofs, emergency gear, etc. And for other types of trip (e.g. mountaineering, climbing), good, reliable, functional (and heavy!) gear is essential. Look for items that are made from sturdy materials that are easy to maintain (with locally bought parts, preferably).

You won’t need as many things on a business trip where you will be staying in hotels and eating out in restaurants. You can leave behind universal sink plugs, shampoo and soap, hair dryers, etc., as you can find all of these at the hotel and, if not, within a short walk at the local store.

And on a two-week beach holiday you really just need swim suits and flip flops, plus a few outfits for the evenings. For both business trips and short holidays you won’t be doing much walking around with your bag either, maybe from the train to the plane then from the airport to the taxi, then into the hotel, and you can always get someone to carry it for you in all these cases (if you can afford it!).

Selection criteria

All of the above considerations will determine what kind of bag you will want to take.

They fall into a few categories; backpacking (including mountaineering and hiking), business and urban travel (including 1-2 week beach/resort vacations), and world/extended travel.

You can get one bag to cover all of the above but you will always end up compromising (I have three bags, one for each kind of trip I go on).

When buying a bag for long-term travel you should consider the following criteria:

Size

The size of the bag you buy will determine how much weight you will be carrying around for your whole trip.

You should buy the bag first then decide what to take, not the other way around.



A good idea is to try to buy one that is ‘airline carry-on’ size. You may never travel on a plane with it but you will find that it fits under seats in buses or in the luggage racks on trains and other small places.

They say that there are two kinds of luggage: carry-on and lost. So if you do end up taking your bag on the plane you will also ensure that you save time at the airport, plus it is far more secure (and convenient) to keep your bag with you at all times.

The emphasis, however, should be on trying to travel light, not to avoid checking bags on flights. You are not trying to pack as much as possible into one small bag, rather to learn to manage living with the things you can pack in a single bag. Also, airline carry-on is probably the maximum size you should consider carrying (smaller is better).

Finally, you will be the one who will carry it most of the time so buy it according to your needs, not the airlines’.

The official FAA carry-on size is 45 linear inches (115 cm), determined by adding the height, width and length. So a bag that is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm (equal to 2880 cubic inches or 47 liters) should qualify.

It should be no larger than this, which means no pockets sticking out further, no other bags hanging off, and no big bulges in the middle or top.

Airlines are constantly changing the carry-on restrictions, so check before leaving.

Here is a rough guide to various restrictions on carry-on bags (number of items allowed (the second item usually being a purse, camera or laptop), size and weight). This list is probably out of date so check with airlines first and don’t rely on it, it is just used as an illustration of the variation in airline allowances.

TOD = ‘Total Outside Dimensions’

Also these things also dependson who you deal with at check-in and what mood they are in, so even if your bag complies with the regulations you still may not be able to carry it onto the plane. Smaller planes may also make you check your bag due to limited cabin space.

Construction

There are two basic types of luggage construction; soft-sided made from high-tech fabrics (an example of which is shown left), and hard-shelled made from fibreglass, hard plastics, or even metal (shown right).

The soft-sided bags are usually made of industrial nylon, such as ballistic nylon or Cordura. You can get cheaper nylon bags made from inferior fabrics but they will be heavier or thinner and less durable.

Both Cordura and ballistic nylon have their advantages and disadvantages. Cordura is more abrasion resistant, while ballistic has higher tear strength. Ballistic is smoother but doesn’t dye well so usually comes in black. Cordura has the rough feel of cotton canvas and can be dyed easily and therefore comes in different colours. Cordura also make a ballistic nylon.

Hard-shelled bags are heavier and, surprisingly, are not as good at coping with long trips. They are however, more secure as there are no zips to break into and they can’t be slashed with a knife.

A soft bag will not get damaged by bumps and knocks as much as a hard bag, and because they yield (even a small amount) they can also be squashed into smaller and more uneven spaces.

Make sure the zips are good quality. There are two types; chain and coil. Chain-type zips are stronger, keep out dirt and sand better, and are harder for prying fingers to break into, but they are more expensive as a result (but worth it). Look for bags with YKK brand zips if possible.

Design

Try to get a straight-sided bag instead of one with curves, as the former gives a greater internal volume.

Compression straps are very useful (both inside and out). External pockets can either be useful (for quick access to small objects) or a security risk (when in crowded train compartments).

Carrying straps need to be comfortable and sturdy but unless you are hiking or walking long distances you won’t need anything too complicated.

Wheels are not usually a good idea for bags for long-term trips, the mechanism that allows a bag to be wheeled is very heavy (a few pounds minimum), and unless you spend all your time in airports and hotel you will never use them.

Appearance

This is a purely personal choice, but remember that an expensive looking pack may attract unwanted attention in poorer countries, whereas a plain looking pack may not attract a second glance.

Choose dull or neutral colours if you can, and don’t hang loads of expensive gear on the outside.

Undershirt/base layer

Good as a first layer in cold weather, a long-sleeved silk, cotton, wool or synthetic undershirt can . . . → Read More: Underwear]]>

Undershirt/base layer

Good as a first layer in cold weather, a long-sleeved silk, cotton, wool or synthetic undershirt can be bought quite cheaply. You can also use it as a thin shirt on its own in hot weather.

Boxers/shorts/undergarments

Whichever you wear (some travellers don’t wear any!), look for fast drying fabrics and choose comfort over style. Nylon is not so good in hot weather as it doesn’t breathe and this can cause infections.

Cotton underwear is good, as are some of the new synthetics. Some travel underwear is designed to be washed in the sink in the evening and will be dry by the morning.

Choose darker colours (not white), beige or off-white are good, as white will eventually go that way anyway. You can buy good quality underwear anywhere in the world (cheaply too) so don’t take more than 2-3 pairs to start with.

When I am at home in the States or in Europe I wear cotton boxers but when I am travelling, especially in hot countries (or far from a laundry) I wear Magellan’s boxers (shown here) as they meet all of the above criteria.

Long (thermal) underwear/long johns

You can buy high-tech, lightweight (polypropelene) underwear (leggings) which are good for layering. Try to get some dual-use ones that can also be worn on their own as trousers.

These combined with a similar top can, in terms of weight, be as useful as an extra sweater or down jacket for keeping warm.

You can also get leggings made of very thin merino wool. Icebreaker make the Bodyfit 150 which is the lightest pure merino base layer available. They make thicker models but the 150 is their all-weather model.

You can buy them from Blacks in the U.K., although they have stockists worldwide.

Swimsuit/bathing suit

Shorts can sometimes be used as a swimsuit (for men) and vice versa. Those with pockets are better for use as shorts.

Be aware that, despite their infrequent use in the USA, Speedos are worn all over Europe and are mandatory in some swimming pools there, they just won’t let you in if you are wearing any kind of shorts. But you can buy them (and shorts) locally wherever you are.

For women, a one-piece bathing suit or tankini can also be adapted for day wear.

Socks

Don’t wear cotton socks, even if you do them at home and are happy with them. Far better to use one of the new synthetics in hot countries, such as CoolMax, Capilene, and PolarTec. Socks should ‘wick’ (draw) moisture away from your feet, something that cotton does very badly which can mean blisters, infections, and bad smells. Cotton is also slow to dry if you wash your socks (or get them wet).

Make sure they fit your feet correctly and avoid one-size-fits-all socks.

You must wear socks with boots but you don’t have to if you wear sandals or running shoes. Bear in mind, though, that if you choose not to, your shoes will eventually smell (very badly).

Also, the right socks can help you avoid blisters and will stop your shoes and sandals from getting and feeling sweaty. You can get very short socks for sandals which are cooler and look like you aren’t wearing any.

Choose off- or non-white colours. Remember that socks can also be bought anywhere in the world so only take 3-4 pairs to start with.

Thorlo or similar are good for hiking or walking. These are padded and are made of CoolMax. They come in a variety of thicknesses depending on how they are used. For general use (for example, walking around cities in hot weather), I wear Thorlo Light Hiking Mini Crew socks (above). I also have a few pairs of Brasher socks, also made of CoolMax.

The Medical pages list the various diseases and vaccinations available. This section gives information on where and when to . . . → Read More: Vaccinations]]>

The Medical pages list the various diseases and vaccinations available. This section gives information on where and when to get them, how long they last, whether you need boosters, possible side-effects, and so on.

Don’t rely on the information given below. Try to get to a specialist travel clinic, or seek advice from a qualified professional.

Some clinics will give you a free consulation, other charge a fee (usually refunded if you then have the vaccinations at the clinic).

In the UK you can get vaccinations from your GP (usually for free), or go to one of the specialist travel clinics, such as the Nomad Travel Clinics, or The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London.



Or do a basic search on the Internet in your country to find one. For example, this website has a list of directories for other countries, including the USA.

Check the Links – Websites page for more links to health information by country.

Remember to start your vaccination programme at least six weeks before departure.

Polio

How – usually given as a childhood vaccine. Recommended every 10 years for travel to areas outside of Europe, Australasia or the Americas.

When – anytime before departure.

Tetanus

How – a routine childhood vaccine. Boosters needed every ten years for travel to areas where immediate treatment may not be available, or after a cut or injury.

When – anytime before departure.

Diphtheria

How – a routine childhood vaccine. Boost every 10 years.

When – anytime before departure.

Hepatitis A

How – vaccination protects initially for one year and then a further injection boosts immunity to 20 years, possibly life.

When – two to four weeks before travel.

Hepatitis B

How – a course of vaccines is required, three injections over six months although more rapid schedules can be done for those leaving with less time available.

When – ideally six months before travel.

Typhoid

How – available as a single shot or as a combined vaccine with Hepatitis A. Provides approximately 80% protection for three years.

When – two weeks before travel.

Yellow Fever

How – vaccine with immunisation lasting for 10 years.

When – 10 days before travel.

Meningitis A, C W135 and Y vaccine

How – vaccine covering four strains of Meningitis.

When – two to three weeks prior to travel.

Japanese Encephalitis

How – a course of three vaccines.

When – six weeks prior to travel.

Rabies

How – a course of vaccines over one month. Further treatment is still required after a bite but both reduces the amount of treatment needed and changes the treatment required. In some developing countries there are no guarantees as to the quality or availability of treatment.

When – four to six weeks before travel.

Tick Borne Encephalitis

When – six weeks prior to travel.

Cholera

How – a course of two oral vaccines. Gives 80% coverage for two years.

When – a minimum of three weeks prior to travel.

Below is a list of just some of the books that I have bought and found useful on . . . → Read More: Books]]>

Below is a list of just some of the books that I have bought and found useful on my travels. I usually read these before I leave and try to memorise as much as I can, as carrying even just one book with you when you travel adds considerably to your load. (That said, I do carry the first book on the list with me as it is tiny).

To be honest, these days I tend to listen to audio books on my iPod mainly, as I can fit a considerable number of books onto it and listening in this way also keeps your hands free when walking around. You can buy these online or in major bookstores on CD. Just search online for audio books.

(Click for US supplier) (Click for UK supplier)

Travel Health

Bezruchka, Stephen. The Pocket Doctor: A Passport to Healthy Travel. Mountaineers Books; 3 edition (March 1999). The classic reference for international travelers – completely updated.

Dawood, Richard, M.D. Travelers’ Health: How to Stay Healthy All Over the World. New York: Random House, 1994. With six hundred pages of advice from sixty British and American travel medicine specialists, this is the most complete travelers’ health guide.

Dessery, Bradford L., and Robin, Marc R. The Medical Guide for Third World Travelers: A Comprehensive Self-Care Handbook. San Diego: K-W Publications, 1992. This is a good health guide by two nurses with practical experience.

Schroeder, Dirk G. Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Chico, CA: Moon Publications, 1993. Another good travelers’ health book.

Equipment

Fletcher, Colin. The Complete Walker. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984. Dubbed the “hiker’s Bible,” this is a highly detailed look at the gear and philosophy of a wilderness backpacker who has also written several other books.

Working Abroad

Griffith, Susan. Teaching English Abroad. Oxford: Vacation Work, 1994. This is over three hundred pages on the subject, including numerous personal accounts. Distributed in the U.S. by Petersen’s Guides, Princeton, NJ (tel. 800-338-3282).

Communication

Hall, Edward T. The Silent Language. Garden City, New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1959. A groundbreaking work on nonverbal communication.

Pei, Mario. Talking Your Way Around the World. New York: Harper & Row, 1971. Interesting reading on languages by the popular linguist, although you won’t quite be speaking Indo-European come page 288.

Miller, Stuart. Understanding Europeans. Santa Fe: John Muir Publications, 1990. This is an incisive book by an American former professor of European comparative literature who has lived and worked extensively in Europe. It also helps you understand Americans.

Write lists of phone numbers and addresses of emergency contacts, friends you will be visiting, numbers to call if . . . → Read More: Contact Information]]>

Write lists of phone numbers and addresses of emergency contacts, friends you will be visiting, numbers to call if you lose things and need to cancel services or get replacements sent to you (your cell phone and credit cards, for example), phone numbers and addresses of embassies/consulates, and perhaps addresses of useful travel-related websites.

Similarly, for any hotels or lodging you have arranged in advance, make a note of addresses and phone numbers.

Enter all the phone numbers into your phone’s address book and maybe even email a copy to yourself. Another idea to keep it safe is to print out the list on a small piece of paper and laminate this (thus waterproofing it).

Try to get local numbers. These will be cheaper to call from within the country where you are staying, and besides, most home country toll-free numbers can not be accessed from overseas.

There are ways around this, however. One is to use the AT&T USADirect service, which gives access to a limited number of 800 numbers. Or a similar service from MCI where you can call the number listed for the country where you are currently located and ask the operator to make a collect call to the number you are trying to reach (my bank in the US uses this service, for example).

However, the best way to keep in touch while abroad is to use Skype.

I have been using this service for a few years now, calling between Europe and the States (and occasionally to France and New Zealand), a lot of the time for free, and at other times for just pennies. It is also the best way to call 800 numbers in the US from Europe (and for free).

Click on the ad above to check them out.

If you need to buy gear, get it from the classifieds, craigslist, ebay, buy it used, or borrow it . . . → Read More: Tips for Saving Money]]>

If you need to buy gear, get it from the classifieds, craigslist, ebay, buy it used, or borrow it from friends.

Stay in hostels, rather than hotels. Stay in a tent, rather than a hostel.

Take a train instead of a plane. Walk or get the bus instead of taking a taxi. Hitchhike instead of taking a train or bus.

Don’t buy water, use a plastic bottle filled and topped up with tap water.

Don’t eat out in restaurants every day, especially in Europe. Supermarkets and bakeries are so much cheaper and the food is often better (than McDonalds, for sure).

You can cook for yourself in hostels, and, if camping, you can use a stove to make some great meals.

Useful discount card for students and people under 26, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a money-saver in . . . → Read More: International Student Identity Card (ISIC)/International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)]]>

Useful discount card for students and people under 26, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a money-saver in Europe. You get discounts on admissions and other fees.

The ISIC is available from STA Travel UK, Council Travel, Travel Cuts, and other travel agencies specializing in budget and student travel. You must have proof of student status and £9 (about $18).

If you are no longer a student bring along whatever old student ID you may have (or a friend’s), you might be able to use it somewhere.

Read all about ISIC here: ISIC/IYTC, or buy it here.