Top 10 Travel Tips for Travellers
- Plan ahead
Try and arrange any immunisations or vaccinations at least 6 weeks before you travel. Some vaccines are not fully effective until about 6 weeks after having the vaccination. You can arrange a telephone appointment with one of our practice nurses who can give up to date travel and vaccination advice for your destination - just call the surgery (01442 874784) to book your telephone appointment. We are a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and will be able to provide all of the other vaccinations you may need.
For full details see Travel Vaccinations available at this Surgery PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE REGISTERED WITH THIS SURGERY TO USE OUR TRAVEL SERVICES.
- Medication
Discuss any medication requirements with your Doctor. Allow enough time before your trip and carry enough of your regular medication to last you for at least 2 weeks more than you need in case of emergencies. If you are travelling to some remote areas, it may be worthwhile taking some antibiotics along with you in case of infections. Anti-travel sickness medication, Anti-diarrhoeal medication, Rehydration salts, Antihistamines, Antiseptic wipes or cream, simple Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) can be purchased from your local pharmacist.
- Travel Insurance
Arrange an appropriate Travel insurance policy.
Ensure that it will repatriate you (i.e. return you to the UK) in case of severe medical need. If going to Europe, carry your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which has replaced the old E111 with you (application forms can be obtained from https://www.ehic.org.uk/InternetRes/home.do )
- Malaria
Consider anti-malarial medication. If you are going to an area that has a risk of Malaria, you may need to take anti-malarial medication. Remember to take it regularly, start it PRIOR to going, and continue it for the recommended time AFTER you return. Also take precautions whilst on holiday – wear long sleeves after dusk, apply insect repellent, and if in a high-risk area, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitos like areas of stagnant water, so the risk is highest near there.
- Food
Eat carefully to try and minimise the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea. Well-cooked food is usually safest. It is probably safest to avoid eating food from street vendors, and to avoid raw or undercooked seafood.
- Bottled water
Remember that if it is unsafe to drink the water in the area to which you are going, you should also avoid using ice in drinks, and eating anything that has been washed in local water e.g. salad. It is also a good idea to clean your teeth using bottled water.
- Swimming
Swimming in lakes or rivers may possibly increase the risk of water-borne diseases so check with locals or your tour guide as to safe areas for bathing.
- Sun protection
This is vital. You are at greatest risk from sunburn in your first few days, so avoid sitting in the sun during the hottest part of the day, and use high factor sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and remember to reapply it regularly. Sitting in the shade is best. Remember if you have a skin that burns easily, you are more at risk of skin cancers in later life. (There is a lot of information about this on the NHS choices website on: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Sunprotectioneyesandskin.aspx )
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
If you are travelling long haul, you may be concerned about the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). You can reduce your risks (which are likely to be small anyway) by:
- wearing loose, comfortable clothes.
- Using flight socks (compression stockings).
- Doing anti-DVT exercises. (Raise your heels, keeping your toes on the floor, then bring them down. Do this 10 times. Now raise and lower your toes 10 times. Do it at least every half an hour (you can do it more often if you like).
- Walk around whenever you can.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take sleeping pills.
- First Aid Kit
Consider taking a first aid kit along with you. These may be able to be bought from your Doctor’s surgery or your local pharmacist. If you are travelling to remote areas you may also wish to consider taking your own sterile needles and syringes with you. This should be discussed with your Doctor.
