Most travellers take time to plan for their much-awaited adventure overseas. This planning includes preparing itineraries, researching the destination, and understanding the culture as well as the tradition of the foreign land. However, most, if not all, overlook the possibility of contracting a bug that might ruin or cut short your stay.
1. Get and complete your vaccines
Conditions such as Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus can be prevented by getting your vaccine shots. It is best to complete your shots (especially if you think need boosters) and consult your medical practitioners for other important vaccines that you may need to have before you embark on your dream destination.
Vaccines from A to Z (hepatitis A to zoster) are available to your medical providers and an important protection to a risk-free holiday.
2. Use only bottled water
Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most plaguing diseases that one may encounter when travelling. To avoid and lessen the risk of contracting ‘unlimited visits to the loo’, better use bottled water. Safe drinking water may be limited especially in far-flung areas and highly advised that you bring with you enough bottled water. This is particularly important when going for an adventure in areas where no safe drinking water is available.
Apart from this, drinks that you think are made from unsure water sources should also be avoided as they may be vehicles for bugs that cause diarrhoea such as cholera and gastroenteritis.
3. Avoid uncooked foods
Another cause of unexpected diarrhoea is uncooked food. Salads and fresh seafood may be appetizing, at first; but may lead you to Salmonellosis or even acquiring flukes and roundworms. Don’t risk foods that are undercooked as well, even though you think that you wanted to try that ‘Fear Factor’ in you.
4. Use insect repellent lotions
It is best to bring with you insect repellent lotions especially in areas where mosquito-bite diseases such as dengue and malaria are endemic. Most arthropod bites may be harmless at first, but may cause dreadful haemorrhagic fevers and encephalitis. Having an insect repellent lotion that you can apply regularly can lessen your risk of these bites.
Additionally, refrain from using scented lotions as insects can be attracted with the scent, increasing your chances of bites.
5. Avoid risky sexual encounters/Practice safe sex
Risky sexual encounters can also give you unwanted bugs. It may be an experience but do practice safe sex as you don’t want that sexual encounter to be a regret in that travel.
6. Wash your hands regularly
Influenza, E. coli and cold virus can be avoided by regularly washing your hands with soap and clean water, especially when someone uses the toilet. From flights to cruises, washing your hands frequently may decrease your risk of these bugs.
When travelling, a great experience can be completed as long as one sticks to preventive measures. Besides, prevention is the key to a remarkable healthy travel!
THE BUDGET WANDERERS 
On point on all your tips. These are things we sometime fail to be prepared of when we go travelling.
Posted by Dwight | January 20, 2014, 1:29 PMThanks for reading mate! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | January 20, 2014, 1:38 PMIn the millions of miles that I have traveled in my lifetime, I never drank bottled water and I never had traveler’s diarrhea. It probably has something to do with growing up in South Texas eating hot and spicy foods. My digestive system can handle anything!……lol
Posted by Russel Ray Photos | January 20, 2014, 3:24 PMWell you’re probably one of the few people around who have a great immune defense against it. You’re lucky! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | January 20, 2014, 3:47 PMReblogged this on mapsworldwide blog.
Posted by joyofmaps | January 20, 2014, 11:54 PM