TRAVEL TIPS

Things to Remember When Traveling Abroad

Many things are required if you travel abroad. Perhaps the most obvious is your passport. Then there are things like appropriate clothing and footwear and a phrase book and travel guide if you don't speak the local language. Do you want to film or photograph people and places? Camera packed? Have you got a well-charged battery in your camera?

Then there are medications. Are you on blood-pressure pills? Has your doctor approved your travel plan and provided you with any required medication? Have you checked that your medication is clearly labeled and approved in the country you plan to visit? You don't want to be stopped by customs who think you may have a suspicious item.

All these things are the basics of good travel. But arguably the most important thing to organize is your inoculation. Now many countries are deemed to be safe as far as contagious diseases are concerned but others are not. You need to know the state of play overseas.

Even in today's world of medical advances, certain serious diseases can still be caught with dangerous, even fatal, consequences. It is vital that you discover which medicines you need to take before you depart your homeland. You must never land in a foreign country and attempt to have your inoculation then. Preventative medicine is taken at home.

Prevention is certainly the best therapy and although you need travel insurance to cover your possible lost luggage and health insurance if you have an accident or fall ill, the best form of insurance is good preparation.

Of course common sense is free and a wonderful medical aid. If you aren't sure about the food or water, don't consume it. But before you travel, find out which diseases you might contract overseas.

And whatever you do, do it early. Don't think about inoculations the day before you depart. Start two months before you take off. Talk to your doctor about where you plan to go and what you plan to do. Your doctor will know your medical history and the possible dangers in your soon-to-be visited country or countries.