Tips for Maintaining Health While Traveling

During holidays and summer seasons, people often return to their hometowns or travel domestically or internationally. It's essential to pack thoroughly and adhere to safety regulations and principles to ensure a joyful, safe, and comfortable journey.

Tips for Maintaining Health While Traveling

Medication Essentials: When traveling, it's advisable to carry some essential medications such as fever reducers, anti-diarrheal, antiemetic, cough suppressants, a small bag of cotton, several packs of sterile gauze, a small bottle of povidone-iodine antiseptic (about 30ml), 2 bottles of saline solution, a small bottle of antibiotic eye drops, 10 adhesive bandages, a tube of anti-itch cream, and some specialized medications such as for asthma, hypertension, anti-seizure... especially when visiting rural areas with limited medical facilities or pharmacies.

When traveling abroad, it's crucial to carry both basic and specialized medications as medical expenses and medication costs are very high, and appointments with specialized doctors need to be scheduled in advance rather than available on short notice. Therefore, a few days before departure, it's advisable to visit a specialist if the trip is lengthy, especially if you're undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses.

Even if you prefer traveling by private car, it's still recommended to carry the basic medications mentioned above. When necessary, you can use them immediately without having to visit hospitals or pharmacies along the way.

Beverages: It's advisable to carry a small 333ml bottle per person, just enough to drink when you arrive at your destination. Remember to consume adequate water during travels (1-1.5 liters/day for children, 2-2.5 liters/day for adults). Dry lips, reduced urine output, and dark yellow urine indicate dehydration, so monitor the color and quantity of urine for young children.

Food: When traveling individually or in a group, it's best to choose reputable, hygienic restaurants to avoid food poisoning or digestive disorders.

Luggage: The lighter, the better, especially in hot weather. For short trips (a few days), a backpack is most convenient as it facilitates easy and convenient transportation. For longer journeys, consider using a wheeled suitcase with multidirectional wheels. Avoid carrying excessively heavy luggage to prevent spinal issues (back pain, herniated discs...). Encourage children to manage their own belongings by having each child carry their own backpack or small suitcase.

International Travel:

When traveling to Singapore, absolutely avoid littering as it's easily detected, affecting the country's reputation and resulting in hefty fines (several hundred Singapore dollars).

When traveling to Australia, refrain from bringing animal and plant-based products (fresh and dried), and when visiting the United States, avoid bringing dried seafood, shrimp paste, etc.

When visiting Thailand, it's important not to let coins featuring the Thai king fall onto the ground. If they do, absolutely refrain from stepping on them with your feet. If any local discovers this, you may face severe penalties for disrespecting the monarchy.

While traveling to the Middle East and certain Muslim countries (such as Malaysia, Indonesia...), avoid making direct eye contact with women wearing face veils, especially when in close proximity. Additionally, refrain from shaking hands with Muslim women. When using restroom facilities at airports, public areas, or hotels, be mindful of cultural differences, eating habits, and varying amenities, especially regarding personal hygiene items. Pay particular attention to toilet facilities, as designs may vary.

Once adequately prepared with provisions, a relaxed mindset, hygienic food, enjoyable meals, restful sleep, and exploration of scenic wonders, you'll enjoy moments of happiness, stress relief, relaxation, improved health, and enhanced productivity.

Emergency Skills

Emergency preparedness skills are crucial but often overlooked by most people, such as coping with incidents like fires, natural disasters (such as storms, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes...) while traveling, especially at night.

Develop the habit of mentally mapping out your surroundings, including where you sleep, dine, the direction you face, your proximity to large doors, windows, exits, how far exits are, cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), your right or left hand side, what's in front of or behind you...

By Dr. Mai Van Bon/Youth Health

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References: Travel Handbook by Mytour