TRAVEL CHECKLIST TO STAY HEALTHY
TMVC TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Below are a few important things to think about before heading out on your trip.
This is not a comprehensive list.
It’s a list designed to get you thinking about general health and safety when travelling abroad.
Pack a basic travel health kit
Check with your credit card company prior to travel to see if you’re covered and what you’re covered for.
Find out exactly what conditions will invalidate your insurance policy.
Consider buying primary or extra travel medical coverage from a private insurance provider.
Make sure you understand the key or important parts of your policy.
Ask yourself “what is my worst case travel scenario” and insure yourself against it.
Remember to take your prescriptions if you take regular meds
If something happens to your medications while abroad this will allow local medical practitioners to safely replace them.
Think of them the same way you think of your passport.
They’re that important.
Drink bottled or filtered water when possible
Pay attention to what you eat
This does not mean you have to avoid local food or can’t eat street food.
Get the right vaccinations before you go.
Pay attention to local hygiene standards.
Avoid food that isn’t fresh.
Make sure foods like meats are thoroughly cooked.
Eat fruit that can be peeled such as bananas, oranges, pineapple, and mango.
Plan for jet lag
Switch your phones and watches to local time when you get on the plane.
Get up and go to bed at your normal time.
Exercise and eat when you usually would at the destination.
Expose yourself to bright lights and the sun during the day at your destination.
Melatonin taken when you go to bed at your destination can help you adjust.
In hot climates always apply and reapply sunscreen
Sunscreen and sunblock are an absolute must for those heading to sun, sea, and surf destinations.
But some kind of sunscreen is advisable for all travellers.
SPF 15 is the TMVC recommended minimum.
Always apply and reapply sunscreen particularly if you are in marine or desert locations.
A hat sunglasses and UV-resistant clothing are also a good idea especially if you are light-skinned.
Don’t forget to drink lots of bottled water to keep hydrated.
Do not touch or feed wild animals including feral cats and dogs
If you do you could be injured or end up with a serious disease like rabies.
Even animals that look healthy can have rabies or other diseases.
Supervise children carefully when they are around animals.
Be cautious when entering caves or other places where bats might nest.
Be sure you are up to date with your tetanus vaccination.
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog, bat, or other mammal, wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor immediately.
Wear protective gear when taking part in adventure tourism
The list here is endless but think helmets and flotation devices.
Our main advice is to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Your insurance policy may have a clause that invalidates injury claims related to adventure activities when you are not wearing protective gear.
Make sure to acclimatize when visiting high-altitude destinations*
Climb mountains or hills gradually.
Altitude sickness can kick in over 2400m so take medical advice about this specific to your itinerary.
Sleep at lower altitudes when possible.
Avoid alcohol.
Get prescribed altitude sickness medication when appropriate.
Stay warm.
*The wrong advice can be fatal so get specialized medical advice for your high-altitude trip.
