While traveling health and safety are prime concerns. Do not neglect them.

Things to pack before traveling

Rule of thumb: travel light. That’s because of the movement involved during travel- from the airport to the taxi, to the hotel, to your room. And that’s putting it across minimally.

Make a list if you wish but there are certain things you simply cannot afford to overlook while packing. Your toothbrush and toothpaste, for instance. Leaving your reading glasses behind wouldn’t be a smart thing to do either as you would need them while reading restaurant menus, the newspaper, etc. Razors, hairdryers, brushes and combs come next followed by a stockpile of under clothing that lasts 10 days at least, or for the length of the trip. Paper soaps and shampoo in sachets would save space in your luggage as would a small make-up kit. Also, don’t forget to pack certain medicines that will help you combat illnesses like diarrhea, headaches and even altitude sickness.

Health concerns

Some countries can put real pressure on your immune system. Do not, therefore, neglect your health while travelling.  Before heading out to another country find out about the types of vaccinations you would require. Set up an appointment with your GP, ideally, some four to six weeks prior to travel. That’s because certain types of vaccines take time to have effect. Also, certain kinds of vaccines need to be administered serially, over a period of weeks sometimes. Travel health insurance is a good option and will prevent you from spending a huge amount on the doctor’s bills.

Air travel stress and strain

Pre-travel stress can be as debilitating as the stress you experience while being air borne. Wearing comfortable footwear is advised while checking into the airport. You don’t want to board the aircraft with tired feet as most terminals are enormous requiring plenty of walking. If you are taking a long flight try and take as many short walks as possible to avoid getting deep vein thrombosis, a painful condition occurring during flights. Rotate your ankles and move them back and forth.

During take-off and landing the sinuses and the ears are likely to experience extreme discomfort. Some of the pain may be taken care of by swallowing sweets, plugging the ears with cotton or pinching your nose.

On Arrival

Acquiring prior acquaintance of the airport prior to arrival would give you an idea about important locations like the bus stop or taxi stand. In certain countries – particularly if you are a woman – you would be well-advised to arrange for a hotel pick-up before-hand. If that’s not possible take a hired or pre-paid taxi.

Keep your wallet or money bag in your hand luggage. Try and get some money changed in the local currency beforehand so you don’t pull out a large wad of notes at the airport currency exchange counter for everybody to see.

Inside the Hotel

On checking into your hotel find out, first thing, about its in-room safe facility. Place all your valuables inside the safe instead of in your bags. Stuff has been known to disappear from bags and trunks that were securely locked.

While operating your in-room safe take care to wipe the touch keys with a moist cloth and then dry it before entering the secret code. Once you’ve entered the code and locked your valuables in, do not forget to punch in several other keys (which are not part of the code). Most people don’t know this but unscrupulous hotel staff members have been known to apply a light powder or solution to get an impression of the code.

Travel healthy and travel safe in order to savor your holiday!