Traveling is a very exciting and glamorous privilege but one must remember how important it is to stay healthy and safe.  Achieving this requires some planning and preparation for which I would like to provide some insight in the paragraphs to follow. 

First, let’s touch on the staying safe side.  In most destinations, personal safety is a matter of staying alert and taking the same precautions you would at home.  Listed below are some suggestions that everyone should follow especially when traveling in foreign countries. 

Do not just disappear.  If you choose to travel alone, make sure you make plans to check in with family and friends back home and leave them a copy of your itinerary.  It is also a good idea to leave your daily itinerary with your hotel. 

The risk of trouble varies from country to country.  Taking advice from tour guides and personnel at the hotel about the areas to avoid, especially at night, is always wise. 

Make sure you:

Carry the minimum amount of cash and don’t flaunt valuables, such as cameras/video equipment or jewelry.  In fact, leave that expensive jewelry at home! Costume jewelry can be just as attractive. 

Consider wearing a money belt to avoid having your purse taken or cut from you.  It would also be a good idea to carry enough money in your shoe or pocket to get out of a tight spot.  Almost every tourist destination could be a pickpocket haven. If that’s not bad enough, sometimes groups of people (even kids) will work together to distract you or pull a con.   

Trust your instincts.  If you feel something is wrong or strange you’re probably right!  Avoid it! 

Never leave your drink unattended in bars and use good judgment when accepting food or drink from anyone. 

You may want to consider hiring a tour guide to take you around.  You will likely learn more because the guide is a local and his presence will help ward off any potential trouble. 

Let’s not forget water safety! 

*  Never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

*  Check local information for details of tides, currents and pollution. Follow the    

    warnings. 

*  Remember, pollution can make some beaches hazardous areas for swimming or     

                even wading. 

Staying healthy can also be challenging when traveling, but these suggestions can minimize your chances of getting sick and may allow you to get the most from your holiday. 

Keeping those HANDS CLEAN helps avoid bacteria.  Purse/pocket sized sanitizers and wipes are highly recommended purchases. 

Eat and drink wisely. You should avoid overindulgence as too much alcohol or food can lead to several potential problems becoming a reality. 

As you know, exercising is great way to stay healthy.  Consider a jog/walk on the beach or around the town. Explore but be conscious of staying within the boundaries of what are considered safe areas. 

You hear a lot about “drinking the water” in foreign countries. Our experience leads us to recommend that you drink bottled water in the countries that don’t have purified water.  Most of the top resorts have water purification systems but still provide bottled water in the rooms for the use of drinking and brushing of teeth. We feel it is better to be safe than sorry.  We definitely recommend using bottle water at all times.

Sunburn is one of the most common travel ailments that can ruin a vacation. Sunscreen and wearing a hat is crucial.  

Don’t forget your pills!  Pack all medications in your carry on luggage.  Don’t stow them in your checked luggage and risk that lost or delayed baggage compromise your health.

Bring along either the original labeled medication bottles or copies of your prescriptions in case you are stopped at customs or by other officials.

If you happen to get ill while abroad, ask the concierge at the hotel for some assistance.  Most large hotels have access to their own doctor who is always on call.  Fees will likely be payable in full at the time care is rendered. 

Most travelers are not prepared for an emergency that might strike during travel and that’s why I recommend always buying vacation insurance that has “during travel” coverage; especially if you are traveling out of the country.  Travel insurance provides peace of mind at a reasonable cost.

When leaving your resort ALWAYS travel with someone and if you are taking a cab from the resort, have them set up the transportation. Pay attention to your surroundings. In old European towns, for example, there are all kinds of tiny streets and alleys that should be avoided.

Another hint that I find very helpful would be to carry copies of your most important documents such as credit cards, tickets and especially passports.  You may want to email them to yourself so you can access them online.

As always, remember to be a good guest.  It is always nice to learn how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you in your host country’s language. A little effort on your end can go a long way.

I could keep going on with tips but the best way to get informed is to use an experienced travel agent.  Someone that is familiar with your needs and your destination.

The experienced staff at LaMacchia Travel Agency is one of the best in the country, and is ranked as a top producer for a variety of the nations top tour operators.

Let us help you plan the perfect vacation, stop by or call for a free consultation.