Travel Safety Can Be a Passport to Good Health

Just because it's a resort, doesn't mean precautions should be abandoned, experts note

Posted: February 28, 2009

SATURDAY, Feb. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Staying healthy while on a trip is as important as packing the right clothes.

"Just because it says resort or five-star hotel doesn't mean it's safe," Laura Gonzalez, a nurse with The Loyola University Health System International Medicine and Travelers Immunization Clinic, said in a news release issued by the school. "You still need to watch what you eat, protect against insect bites and don't go out at night alone."

The clinic offers these tips to help all travelers, regardless of their destination:

Practice good hygiene. Hand washing is critical. Rather than packing gels, bring sanitizing wipes so eating utensils can be wiped as well as your hands.
Bring or buy clothing and items to help protect yourself from insect and animal bites.
When going to new time zones or high altitude destinations, drink plenty of water and stay rested.
Watch what you drink and eat. In developing nations, avoid drinking tap water and using ice cubes in your beverages. In general, avoid buffets, and make sure meats and vegetables are thoroughly cooked. If you do develop diarrhea, treat with fluids, anti-motility agents and, when needed, antibiotics.
Minimize your risk. Leave expensive items home; avoid traveling alone, especially at night; use alcohol in moderation, and avoid risky behaviors such as getting tattoos, using drugs and having acupuncture.
When in the tropics, avoid swimming in fresh water.

More information

The U.S. Department of State has more about traveling abroad safely.

Travel

Travel is the one thing I refuse to give up, even in this economy. I have traveled to many countries across the world and do not find it that difficult to be safe. Common sense, as always, is the key. The only negatives I've had are getting upset stomach from,of all places, Hard Rock Cafe, in Cancun when my daughter wanted to go there. I never had problems in what , at the time, were eastern block countries, nor China, Egypt, South America, or anywhere in Asian countries such as Vietnam or Malaysia. As far as personal safety, only in London on the way down to the tube did I almost get pick pocketed. I noticed it happening and all it took was some harsh words to him and he fled. In Greece, my wallet had fallen out of my purse after I paid for a meal for dinner and I didn't notice until I got to the hotel. There was a substantial amt. of money as well as credit cards and my drivers license. Miraculously, I got it all back the next day from our waiter who waited to return it until the morning to the next manager. He said that the night restaurant manager never returns anything to anyone.

Chris S. of IL @ Mar 08, 2009 11:17:18 AM

Travel hygiene

I'm an European. I travelled all over Europe since I was 6 yrs old and parts of the Mediterranean since I was 16.Egypt, Morocco Turkey, Israel, Mexico at 30.
While it is important to take some elementary precautions concerning drinks and prepared dishes (don't eat cold or lukewarm in Africa or Turkey unless you prepared it yourself, trust only sealed bottles), the normal human adult can support quite an amount of inevitable bacteria with minimal discomfort. At home too, you are in contact with them, just a different strain of bacteria: an African tourist in the US is likely to get the "revenge of Montezuma", just because he meets unknown beasties.
I would never go as far as cleaning my eating ustensils, even in upper Egypt, Tanger, Tunis or Istanbul.
When In Rome, I drink tap water, which I'd never do in Firenze: just a question of knowing where you can trust it. In countries like Greece or Portugal I will eat anything I like. (in NYC too!)

Nic Deses @ Mar 01, 2009 17:54:10 PM

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