- Get advice from a travel health professional.
Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects.
Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20-30% DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Make sure your water is purified
Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Consume only well-cooked food
Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Pre-fill your prescriptions
Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams
Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Take a basic first aid kit
Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions (Benadryl). Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Motor vehicle accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Purchase travel insurance
Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Travel Tip Category: Safety
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- Don't Confuse Your Airplane with Santa's Sleigh - Pack Light
It's the time of year when you are most tempted to travel with a lot of stuff, but it's the worst time of year to do it because every other traveler is doing the same. We can't emphasize this enough -- bringing more items, whether it be carry-on or check-in, significantly increases your odds of losing luggage, or getting items damaged when storing them in overhead bins or below seats. Packing light also saves time. Mail gifts ahead of time if possible, or buy gifts when you arrive at your destination. Be extra careful if you are traveling to the Caribbean, Latin America, and Mexico as additional baggage restrictions are in effect from December 1, 2007 to January 10, 2008.
SeatGuru.com
Travel Tip Category: Holiday Air Travel
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