03/14/2024
When preparing to leave for vacation, most people put thought into wardrobe, foot wear and generally remember to bring sun screen, a hat and sunglasses. We check the weather for our departures & arrivals, have an emergency contact and heed warnings about eating mystery meat.
Below are some additional tips that can make a big impact on your health, safety and comfort when planning to go on vacation:
🩹 First Aid Supplies: Pack essential first aid items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wound cleanser, gauze, tweezers, and blister pads to address minor injuries and ailments while traveling! They don't take up much room; these small items can save you money and provide much-needed comfort for minor injuries during your trip.
🦟 Insect Protection: Depending on your destination, mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, Dengue, and Malaria can be a serious concern. Be sure to bring insect repellent containing Deet, mosquito netting, or even insect-repellent clothing to prevent bites and reduce your risk of illness. I've personally found mosquito repellent patches and clothing with Insect Shield technology to be invaluable in areas where bugs are prevalent.
🍲 Food & Water Safety: When choosing food from a buffet, opt for items that are freshly prepared and kept hot or cold as appropriate. Avoid dishes that have been sitting out at room temperature for extended periods, as they may pose a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Be cautious of water contamination while swimming or participating in freshwater activities, especially after heavy rain. Bottled water is best if you're unsure of the water source.Traveller's diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Taking salt tabs to help with rehydration (or to prevent dehydration) is a great idea.
🤢 Medications: Pack a supply of destination-specific medications, along with any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you regularly use at home, to manage common health issues such as allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and motion sickness. No one wants to have to go looking for anti nausea medicine when they're sick. Bring your prescription meds in their original containers, but buy a pill pack at the dollar store, label it and bring enough of each extra medication that you want to take as a precaution (cold & flu, peptobismol, antacids, tylenol etc - and don't forget the children's versions for you kiddos!)
📞 Contact Information: Always carry a contact card with important information, including the names and phone numbers of family members, health care providers, accommodations, and medical facilities at your destination. Don't forget to include the contact information for the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in case of emergencies. This may seem like overkill, but having this information readily available could be invaluable in an emergency or disaster situation. As a travel advisor, I'm here to assist in compiling this information for my clients before they embark on their vacation.
Lastly, look into making sure your vaccinations are up to date. Find more, reliable information about travel safety for Canadians at https://travel.gc.ca/destinations.
