While every traveler has to plan carefully to ensure their safety and health issues while away, women have a few extra concerns to cope with. Like men, women too love visiting exotic locations, but unfortunately disease and unforeseen incidents can ruin the trip of a lifetime. However, with a bit of an effort, taking some simple precautions can make your trip enjoyable.
Get insured
A must for every trip, get adequate travel insurance cover before you go. Read the fine print carefully and check if you are covered should an emergency arise. If you have an underlying health condition or are pregnant, get it covered in the existing insurance.
First aid kit
Medication, sanitary products, contraceptives and prescriptions. If you wear glasses, carry an extra pair. Take mosquito repellent that contains at least 30% DEET.
Reduce impact of jet lag
Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and try and get as much sleep as you can while on the plane. Wear loose clothes and move around when possible. Once you reach your arrival destination, try and spend some time in the sun to help reset the body clock.
Avoid getting infected
Some Asian, African, East European and South American countries may not have good standards of hygiene. Refrain from piercing or getting tattoos to avoid infection. These countries have high HIV/AIDS rates, so always practice safe sex. Regular STD check up’s are an integral part women’s health regime.
Maintain proper hygiene
It is important to maintain hygiene on the road. Follow these easy tips to stay clean and healthy at all times when on the road.
- Wash hands regularly: You are a hundred times more likely to catch any infection while in air than on ground as germs spread faster in such conditions. Keep your hands clean by using a hand sanitizer or washing with soap and hot water whenever possible.
- Keep the face clean: Knowing your skin type and the climate of your destination is important. Lip balm, sunblock and moisturizer is essential as you will be spending most of your time outdoors. Don’t forget to carry make up wipes and face cleaning tissues, preferably waterless, so that they can be used on the road as well.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking a lot of water will not only keep you hydrated but will prevent infection also, especially where more physical activity is involved. You can intake some juices like cranberry, which is beneficial for females as it prevents UTI, an infection which could be quite irritating if on the road. Keep some orange juice handy as well, as it contains many useful vitamins.
- Carry soap alternatives: While a warm shower should always be the main criteria, there will be times when you despirately need to clean up in a water free environment. Buy soap products that can be used without water, especially for hiking and camping trips. The product can be applied straight on the skin and no rinsing is required.
- Maintain dental care: Prevent bad breath and maintain oral hygiene on the road by using toothbrush alternatives. Pack a pocket size Listerine mouthwash to keep fresh on the trip.
Maintaining proper health is of primary concern during transit, and surprisingly it doesn’t require much of an effort. There are many substitutes to help you throughout the trip, and if you tick everything off this list, you can be assured of a healthy vacation.
