Remember Me
forgot your password?

Tips For Travellers To The Tropics

I went on my first holiday to the tropics recently. I was afraid of catching a disease, so I did a bit of research, and took some precautions. Here are some tips I found useful.

1. Get your shots.

I spent a short time in areas relatively free of mosquito-borne disease. The key word is 'relatively'. A two week holiday in an urban area is probably alright. If you're staying for months, or in an area flagged as dangerous, get your shots well in advance. Don't leave it until the last minute, as by then it'll be too late! The drugs need some time to 'kick in', and your doctor may have to order them in advance.

2. Get an insect repellent.

I made one for mosquitoes by mixing citronella with olive oil. Citronella is an essential oil (an essence). I rubbed the mixture on all exposed areas morning and night, and after washing. Seemed to do the trick. I put too much oil in, I think, so it smelled a bit. Better that, than being bitten, I say!

3. Wear long sleeved shirts and trousers.

I also wore socks in bed. Give pests no purchase! Mosquitoes are just doing what comes naturally; they need your blood to live. It's just unfortunate that they can pass on parasites when they bite. Deny them a meal, and the only things you'll bring back from your holiday are a silly hat and some souvenir photos. To wear long sleeved garments in bed, you'll need a room with a fan and air conditioning. No need to set them to freezing; just cool, with a slight breeze.

4. Air conditioning.

Air conditioning and fans are supposed to deflect mosquitoes, which is good. Avoid 'going native', and thinking you're as hardy as the locals. They get malaria and dengue as well, be sure of that.

5. Use mosquito nets.

Do what you can to keep them at bay. Paranoia is good!

6. Avoid ice and salads

Ice can have faecal coliforms. It depends on what water it's been made from. Salads can be prepared by low-paid workers who've forgotten to wash their hands. In Muslim countries, they often don't use toilet paper, just a hose, so if the staff haven't been scrupulous about their personal hygiene ...

You may feel self-conscious about refusing. Would you like your holiday to be spoiled by a spell in hospital, in a Third-world country, just for the sake of avoiding embarrassment? People like people who are forthright, so stick to your guns.

7. Don't drink the water.

A country can have a veneer of modernity, but what separates the men from the boys is the sewage system. The tap water may not be filtered properly. Drink bottled water, or water you've boiled yourself. Get a kettle, and boil it up every day, then put the water in your water bottle in the morning. Easy.

8. Drink plenty of water.

A few sips every so often, rather than a litre in one go. You'll save on trips to the lavatory!

9. Stay out of the sun.

There's a reason the locals are laid back; it's too hot to run around like you do at home. Sun tanning is actually skin damage. Due to ozone layer depletion, you may be getting more than a golden tan. Who cares if you don't come back home bronzed? Ladies especially will appreciate this in later years, when their sisters have leathery skin from roasting on the beach. Nothing less 'cool' than a white man with sunstroke, either.

When travelling in the tropics, it's best to be paranoid. I hope you can still enjoy your holiday!

T. O' Donnell

T. O' Donnell http://www.tigertom.com/chat_rooms.htm is an internet entrepreneur in London, UK. His latest project is an ebook on mortgages in the UK, available at http://www.tigertom.com/mortgages-uk.shtml

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Travel Articles
  • More from T. O' Donnell

Used Houseboats for Sale: What You Need to Know Before Buying

By: Icamm Pilin | 30/11/2009
Today, the internet has made searching for used houseboats for sale a whole lot easier. Use your favorite search engine and you will be able to find several houseboats that are on sale.

Why travel to Vietnam now

By: boylangthang | 30/11/2009
For the past decade, Vietnam has turned to be among the fastest growing economies in the World. The country has been known as one of the safest and the most friendly destinations in Asia. This is just the right time to travel to Vietnam: it saves you money most while it gets you the once-in-a-life-time experience.

Revolutionizing Jewish Travel with a Kosher Safari

By: Tomer Harel | 30/11/2009
This article talks about an African safari with a Jewish twist.

Get a Cruise Ship Job - Best Ideas

By: Neil Maxwell Keys | 30/11/2009
Getting a job on a cruise ship is very competitive. Moreover, the cruise ship recruitment agencies are very busy; plus they receive hundreds of resume's that they have to attend to. So if you want that cruise ship job, then read this art9icle that highlights a few key rules to getting that dream job.

AMERICAN PATIO - Patio Umbrella products for America's favorite vacation destination

By: Patioumbrella09 | 30/11/2009
AMERICAN PATIO Selection and Quality of American Patio you'll find an extensive selection of top quality patio umbrellas. Like Sunbrella Patio Umbrellas, Verona Patio Furniture, 6X6 foot Cafe & Bistro Wood Patio Umbrella, Lighted Patio Umbrella, 9' auto tilt Patio Umbrella with L.E.D lights, Tilting Patio Umbrella, 9' Deluxe Auto Tilt Aluminum Patio Umbrellas etc.

Branson’s Nantucket Helps Local Masonic Lodge with Donation

By: pv12785 | 30/11/2009
Branson’s Nantucket the premier lakefront resort helps local charity with donation for Local Freemason Lodge

Egypt Tour: Travel Company

By: righttravelegypt | 30/11/2009
Egypt has been one of the hot spots for vacationers. It has a lot to tell & a lot to offer. It is a general advice to get a tour organized by a travel company. Now, it may seem to be a marketing article, but I will let you know hoe a travel agency or a travel company can offer you the best out of your tour

Rajasthan Tour- Tour to the Royal State of India

By: Michael smith | 30/11/2009
Dipped in the sensuous royal beauty, Rajasthan the state in the north western part of India is visited by tourists all the year round. Teemed with dazzling royal attractions, rich and heritage beauty, colourful fairs and festivals, enchanting cities, wonderful monuments, enjoying holidays in Rajasthan will be an out of this world experience.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.27, 8, w1)