...and away we go!

by Tony Romano 

Ready for your trip this summer? For a safe and healthy vacation, there are steps you can take to maximize your travel enjoyment.

First of all, in the days leading up to your departure, try to get plenty of rest. Traveling requires lots of energy, and the best way not to get worn down is to be well rested.

Common travel ailments

• Motion Sickness: While motion sickness can be treated with simple over-the-counter medications, you also can control it in other ways. In a car, sit in the front seat if you can, and avoid reading – it intensifies the motion sickness, and it’s bad for your eyes. On a plane, try to find a seat near the wing. Often on larger jets this is near the bulkhead, just behind first class.
• Dehydration: Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. While water, fruit beverages and clear sodas are best, you should avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which will only dehydrate you further.
• Diarrhea: Who hasn’t laughed at the guy in the commercials with diarrhea in the car (or hot tub, or…)? Probably the most annoying of all ailments for its occurrence at inopportune times, diarrhea can be avoided by staying away from uncooked meats and raw vegetables. Drink bottled water or water that’s been boiled for at least 20 minutes, especially outside the United States . And just in case, be sure to pack some anti-diarrhea medication before your departure.
• First Aid: Have a handy first aid kit with you for any emergencies that might occur on vacation. It should include all the basics: antibiotic ointment, insect repellent, antacid, antiseptic, aspirin, tweezers, scissors, antihistamine, sunscreen, cold and flu tablets, bandages, gauze and tape.

Personal safety tips

Stay in hotels with good security, on well-traveled streets of any city. A good online resource like www.fodors.com can educate you on the details of a particular city, such as the nice areas to frequent and the undesirable places to avoid. While staying on lower floors in case of a fire or other emergency is a good idea, you should generally avoid the first floor, which may be more accessible to burglars. Obviously, you’ll always want to close and lock your hotel room door, and don’t open it for anyone without verifying who it is.

Staying abroad

It’s no secret that some quarters of the world don’t like Americans as well as we like them. While in foreign countries, you should keep a low profile. Dress “down” whenever it’s appropriate, and leave any pricey jewelry at home. Never display large amounts of cash. With all the violence and mayhem in the world these days, a good idea in foreign places is to look like a person of modest means. (Rich folks make tempting targets for kidnappers, pickpockets and other thugs.) Blend in with the locals as best you can so as not to stand out. Without question, you should avoid disturbances, strikes and civil demonstrations, as these often turn violent. Keep your passport with you at all times. In taverns or restaurants, watch your drinks as they’re being poured, and never accept a drink from a stranger.

Travel insurance

Finally, the best thing you can do for yourself to stay happy on vacation is to purchase travel insurance, especially a policy that features 24/7 toll-free phone assistance (in English) and provides direct, immediate payment to medical providers.

For more information, check out…

Centers for Disease Control

American Society of Travel Agents

U.S. State Department

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