6 Things To Remember When Traveling To Warm Countries
Autumn and winter are a time when the inhabitants of our latitudes dream of a vacation in warm countries: a vacation under the sun can really improve not only mood, but also health.
Unfortunately, people in Latvia receive too little sunlight during the cold season, which contributes to vitamin D deficiency and increases the production of melatonin in the body, which can lead to problems with both emotional and physical health. However, before heading to distant lands, it is important to properly prepare!
1. Vaccination
“The first thing to do before traveling is to find out if you need to get vaccinated before visiting a specific country. In addition, to avoid unnecessary hassle in the event of a sudden illness or injury, you should purchase a travel insurance policy before traveling.
2. Prepare the first aid kit
When going on a trip, you need to make sure that there is a sufficient supply of medicines necessary in everyday life for chronic diseases, for example, for the treatment of heart diseases, asthma, diabetes mellitus. To do this, you should go to the doctor in time, inform him about the planned trip and look at the pharmacy.
OTC medicines should also be placed in a travel kit: pain relievers, anti-allergic medicines, and cold remedies.
Due to changing environmental conditions and dietary habits, stomach problems are also likely. Enzyme preparations are useful to improve digestion, while probiotics and absorbents such as activated charcoal can help with diarrhea. Inexperienced travelers rarely think about such a misfortune as constipation, but it is imperative to include in the first-aid kit drugs that stimulate intestinal motility.
In case of injury, disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide can come in handy, and you shouldn’t forget about plasters.
3. Sunscreen
It is dangerous to be in the sun without sunscreen: the skin can redden, burn, and painful sensations appear. In the long term, however, this way you can earn more serious health problems. The most suitable creams for skin not accustomed to the sun will be creams with a maximum protective factor – SPF 50, and it can be lowered only when the skin is already used to the sun. If you are planning to relax by the water, it is recommended to give preference to waterproof creams, but keep in mind that they must be reapplied after bathing. It is better to opt for a well-known cream, the action of which has been tested. Dexpanthenol-containing creams are also useful to help restore skin after sunburn.
4. Choosing the right clothes
While this may seem like a small thing, it is very important to choose appropriate clothing and footwear, as this can affect both your well-being and health. One of the most common mistakes is putting freshly bought shoes in a suitcase, which is fraught with calluses that can become inflamed and cause a lot of unpleasant moments. A headgear is also required to avoid overheating, as well as sunglasses to protect the eyes. It is impossible to predict the weather conditions, and there may be air conditioners in the premises, so even in the south it is better to take something warm with you.
5. Preparing to fly
On long-distance flights lasting five or more hours, when there is no way to move, the legs may swell. To avoid this, while sitting, it is recommended to move your feet and stand on your feet at every opportunity. During the flight, compression socks can also come in handy, in which, unlike conventional socks, the pressure is stronger in the ankle area, average in the calf area and the weakest in the thighs of the legs. Compression socks improve blood flow in the veins in the legs, the veins do not dilate, the valves close better, so that blood does not flow back and excess fluid does not accumulate in the legs. Aircraft have very low humidity levels, so you need to drink plenty of water.
6. Drink water only from purchased bottles
It is recommended to drink water exclusively from store-bought bottles, and not from a tap in a hotel or other public places: the quality of such water cannot be checked and it may contain various viruses, bacteria and toxins. It’s also best not to use tap water to brush your teeth. It is imperative to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, and it is best to eat them without the skin. It is necessary to wash your hands several times a day with soap or use wet wipes and hand sanitizer gels.
