Preventing illness and injury while travelling and how to deal with them if they do occur.
63
votes
8answers
6k views
How to avoid drinking vodka?
This summer I spent some days in Moscow and St. Petersburg. There I also visited a friend at his home. We were there with its family and traditional they drunk a lot of vodka during the meal. We as ...
43
votes
6answers
1k views
How can I avoid or minimize jet lag?
From my personal anecdotal experience, I've found it worse when travelling east around the globe. I also tend to stay awake most if not all of the flight, so sleeping time doesn't tend to matter as ...
30
votes
5answers
766 views
Is it safe to travel in Japan considering the nuclear situation?
Are there any areas that should be avoided and are there any steps I should take to protect myself from radiation?
24
votes
7answers
2k views
How to prevent “Delhi Belly”?
Montezuma's revenge, Aztec two step, mummy's tummy, or Cairo two-step in Egypt, Kurtz Hurtz in Uzbekistan, Bombay belly or Delhi belly in India.
A case of the sh-- or Hershey Squirts or The McSh-- in ...
24
votes
3answers
2k views
What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?
Bed bugs have become a real problem recently, with more and more places reporting outbreaks. What can you do to avoid being exposed to these nasty parasites?
If you do get exposed, what can you do ...
23
votes
2answers
2k views
How to vomit during a flight?
Last time I travelled I wasn't feeling quite well just before boarding the plane. I either had eaten something wrong or a flu just appeared. The thought of having to vomit during the flight made me ...
22
votes
4answers
1k views
Is travelling to Chernobyl safe for tourists?
Recently I read in my Lonely Planet and on some news site like for example this one, that the site of the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe is open for tourists. There are also tour operators that offer ...
21
votes
4answers
5k views
Legalities and safety concerns of visiting prostitutes in Amsterdam
A friend of mine left his girlfriend after a long (~5 years) relationship. To cheer him up a little bit, we decided to go to Amsterdam, as they have liberal prostitution and drug consuming laws.
...
19
votes
7answers
3k views
How does one recover from a (personal) disaster while abroad, travel-wise?
I was watching the Bond flick Die Another Day last night. In it, Bond ends up in terrible shape, but manages to escape to the shores of Hong Kong, where he strolls into the lobby of a swanky hotel, is ...
19
votes
6answers
490 views
Preventing sea sickness?
I come from a land locked place (in Canada) where there are no oceans around and just lakes. Whenever I go on a boat in a lake in Canada, I never get seasick and I feel fine. Sometimes when I come to ...
19
votes
6answers
13k views
Best way to make my ears pop?
What is the best way to make my ears pop when landing on a plane? The hold-your-nose-and-pitch method is very painful; are there any other methods to pop ears?
18
votes
2answers
752 views
Dealing with the 'unclean hand' when travelling (if you're left-handed)
"Among Muslims, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and
considered unclean. Thus, the right hand should be used for eating.
Shaking hands or handing over an item with one's left hand ...
16
votes
3answers
1k views
Most radioactive places on earth
I recently visited Iwaki, Fukushima province to visit Spa Resort Hawaiians. Partially because it sounded interesting, and partially to buck the trend of overseas tourists avoiding Fukushima province.
...
16
votes
4answers
4k views
What are safe uses of non-potable water?
While traveling, you come across many different levels of water safety. In some countries you can drink the tap water, and in others you should avoid it at all costs.
Where do you draw the line when ...
16
votes
2answers
262 views
Do infants need their own seats on long flights?
What is the best way to approach a long (8+ hours) flight with a young child (1-2 years old)?
It seems I am not required to purchase a seat for a child under two years of age which would save some ...
15
votes
2answers
560 views
Travel health insurance that counts as “credible coverage”
I am taking a long-term international trip of around 11 months. I am quitting my job, and so will lose my health insurance.
I am looking at different travel health insurance plans such as World ...
14
votes
3answers
1k views
Where in Thailand should I be cautious about malaria?
We have found a magnificent offer to go with our children to Thailand. It is a two week holiday starting in Bangkok going south ending at a beach resort. It all looks very promising.
A friend who is ...
13
votes
5answers
846 views
When visiting urban areas in Australia, do I need to be worried about deadly insects / animals?
Australia is known to have more than its fair share of deadly insects and animals. These would obviously be a concern when, say, you're off in the wilderness but is there any reason to be worried ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Istanbul?
Is the water from the tap/faucet potable in Istanbul or must I buy bottled water? If not, what are the specific contaminants in it?
13
votes
4answers
651 views
Should I bring sufficient anti-mosquito lotion to China?
We're going to travel around China, visiting mainly major cities.
We'll be taking a river cruise in the south and probably visit some rice fields, so I expect we do need some protection.
We ...
13
votes
3answers
732 views
Avoiding air travel sickness without Dramamine/Dimenhydrinate or other drugs
My wife is very prone to motion sickness, especially on air flights. In the past we've handled this with Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate), which helped quite a bit.
Unfortunately, my wife's reaction to ...
13
votes
2answers
3k views
Is it recommended to get vaccinations before visiting India?
I'll be travelling to India soon. I'm not sure if I'll have to time to get vaccinated since it usually takes 2 weeks to kick in. Lonely Planet suggests a bunch of vaccinations. Have any of you guys ...
13
votes
1answer
265 views
Is there an EU law that a hotel can't kick you out if you're sick?
Someone told me that there was an EU law that said that if a doctor certifies you as sick (to some degree) and you're staying in a hotel, that the hotel cannot kick you out of the room.
Update Just ...
12
votes
5answers
307 views
Strongest travel sunblock?
A friend who burns easily is travelling to Africa during the dry season. What is the strongest sunblock on the market, and is it actually sensible to use - that is, would it potentially prevent ...
12
votes
5answers
1k views
Why do I feel pressure in the ears in a plane?
Normally you feel pressure in your ear, if the air pressure changes, e.g. if you're ascending or descending very fast. But why do I feel this pressure also in airplanes where the pressure in the ...
12
votes
5answers
2k views
Is it necessary to take malaria pills when travelling in South India?
Sources seem to differ on what precautions are required. Is there an authoritative source I can check, or is it better to drug-up anyway (or not to)?
12
votes
4answers
423 views
Claustrophobic - travelling for the first time long RSA to USA
I am trying my best to prepare for my upcoming flight to the USA, the trip is all under control, its just the flight that I'm terrified of. I am very claustrophobic and do not even ride in elevators, ...
12
votes
1answer
174 views
What happens if you become seriously ill during a flight?
I've read about people getting sick on-board a flight (or worse) - say a heart attack, or choking, or seizures or something that really requires urgent medical attention that isn't available from the ...
12
votes
2answers
161 views
How to choose a good travel insurance policy?
When looking for travel insurance, there is a dizzying array of companies, policies, plans, restrictions, and conditions. What should a short-term traveler look for in an insurance plan? What things ...
12
votes
1answer
87 views
Taking large amounts of strong medications on holiday
Not quite narcotics, but not far off. I'm hoping to go on holiday soon with someone that suffers from major depression and anxiety. She's on a daily dose of a strong anti-psychotic (not quite ...
11
votes
4answers
4k views
How do you prepare for long haul flights?
I'm always feeling a bit unwell during and after long haul flights. I lose my appetite, can't sleep in the plane, food has no taste no matter what. However, I'm pretty sure it's not the flying itself, ...
11
votes
4answers
366 views
How can I translate medicines?
I know that if I have stomach issues I can take an Enterogermina or an Imodium if things get severe. I know that if I have throat ache, I can take a Benagol. I know that if I have a strong headache a ...
11
votes
3answers
344 views
To how much radiation are you exposed on a transcontinental flight?
You often hear people object to being scanned because of the "radiation" argument. I find this always quite amusing from people just being exposed to higher radiation levels during the average ...
11
votes
1answer
200 views
Warfarin in Tajikistan
I've run into a major problem, requiring urgent Warfarin. However, am in Khorog, Tajikistan, and there's NONE in town, and the pharmacist at the hospital believes there to be none in the country, ...
11
votes
2answers
127 views
Precautions taking the Tren a las Nubes
I would really like to once ride with the tren a las Nubes. Wikipedia says the tour takes 15 hours, but I can't find any information on where to buy tickets and if reservation is necessary. And how ...
11
votes
1answer
134 views
Long Term Travel - what insurances can / should I get?
I'm a freelancer in the field of software development and I'm planning to travel to different places, but also continue working. I'd expect to stay at a certain place (country) for 1-3 months. Pretty ...
11
votes
1answer
222 views
Vaccinations for Beijing
I'm travelling to Beijing on the 3rd of september.
Although China does not require any mandatory vaccinations to visit, It is recommended that I recieve a Hepatitis A vaccination.
I have less than 2 ...
11
votes
3answers
557 views
Is it safe to drink tap water in Morocco?
Over the next week I'm travelling around in Morocco and I wonder whether buying bottled water is essential or tap water is safe enough to drink. According to the Wikitravel entry:
As a rule, do ...
11
votes
1answer
175 views
Gluten-free eating in Peru
For travellers going to Peru, I imagine from what I've seen there that being gluten-intolerant (or even vegetarian) may be quite difficult.
Are there any local foods and meals readily available ...
11
votes
1answer
170 views
Are there any medical conditions I should be expecting after years of air-travel?
Many people (including me) travel a lot by planes, sometimes 3-6 times a month or even more some thing around 30+ hours of actual flying time but I have done 70+ hours per month for 7 years when I was ...
11
votes
3answers
257 views
Is MSG prevelent in Malaysian food?
I've got a trip up-coming to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Yay! But I have a severe allergy to monosodium glutamate (MSG). Boo! It triggers severe migraines so I normally avoid it at all costs, but that's ...
10
votes
6answers
450 views
Is the tapwater safe to drink in Albania generally and Shkodër specifically?
So I've arrived in Shkodër, Albania. If there are other tourists here they're all hiding. I don't have a guidebook and wikitravel doesn't tell me.
Can I drink the water from the tap like in nearby ...
10
votes
3answers
330 views
Any special way to mark penicillin allergy on my passport?
I'm allergic to penicillin, the antibiotic. I just got a new (European) passport. Is there some 'best practices'/common way to mark this allergy on my passport? I filled in the emergency contact & ...
10
votes
4answers
325 views
For fear of flying is drinking alcohol a healthier option than pills?
I have a series of flights ahead of me and I have a fear of flying. I usually drink in excess prior to boarding. I have had people recommend pills. I have also heard a mix of opinions on which option ...
10
votes
4answers
346 views
What immunisations, if any, are required / recommended for Thailand?
A member of my family is headed to Thailand shortly (and I'm considering it as well, haha) and wondering what immunisations are required / recommended for that area?
10
votes
4answers
291 views
How to avoid getting motion sickness?
My travel mate has a big problem when we are traveling together. He gets travel sick very fast. Obviously there are medicament which you can take to avoid it, but aren't there any other ways to avoid ...
10
votes
5answers
363 views
Avoiding or minimising altitude sickness
From my personal anecdotal experience, I've seen firsthand some horror stories with altitude sickness. I will always tell people now to acclimatise, drink fluids, and follow the local tricks like ...
10
votes
3answers
193 views
What first aid material and medicines are absolutely essential when traveling?
When you arrive into a new place / city country / etc. it can be difficult to find some essential goods. Everything is new. First aid material and medicines are sometimes forgotten when planning a ...
10
votes
3answers
356 views
How to cope with dry hands and cracking skin when travelling in cold locations?
So I'm from a pretty warm country, Australia but now I've spent my first month in cold Tbilisi Georgia and I lack the local know-how and intuition of how to cope with some aspects of cold winters. I ...
10
votes
3answers
776 views
How should I schedule my medication when traveling through multiple time zones?
Suppose that I have to take some medication three times a day. One in the morning, one at lunch and one during dinner. Now when I take a plane to go to vacation and cross multiple time zones, how ...
