How to Have a Healthy, Hazard-Free and Happy Trip Overseas

Get a load off your mind before travelling overseas with these essential tips

“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…” Cut the music! Before you go, keep these tips in mind.

Minimise stress before you depart. Too much stress suppresses immune function in a variety of ways and can affect the production of your disease fighting white blood cells. If this happens, your immunity will plummet, making you susceptible to catching illnesses (e.g. colds or the flu). Remember, science and research have already proven over and over again, that stress lowers immunity. Relax!
Carry water with you. Even more important, drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your planned departure. During your trip, drink from your portable supply of water to keep you hydrated. When flying at high altitudes, the low air pressure and low humidity outside the plane makes water evaporate from your body faster than it does at low altitudes. So to compensate for this you need to drink more water than usual.
You’re drinking alcohol like there’s no tomorrow. Is there a celebration? Can’t it wait until you get to your destination? Avoid drinking too much alcohol when you’re on an airplane. Like the low humidity of the air, alcohol can also dehydrate you. Alcohol and its effects are also magnified at high altitude. Less oxygen gets to your brain, so you feel the affects of the alcohol 2 to 3 times more. To cut a long story short, leave the alcohol drinking for when you land, okay wise guy?
Ambulate when you’re airborne.Try to move and exercise your legs. Wiggle your toes. Are you familiar with “economy class syndrome”? This was a former and common name for deep vein thrombosis in the past. They thought that the cramped seating arrangements in economy class was the cause for deep vein thrombosis. We now know that cramped seats are not the problem, as even first class and business class passengers can get it. The issue is immobility. Solution? Ambulate.Note: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the development of a blood clot in the deep veins of your legs. It’s also more popularly known as Traveler's’ thrombosis among frequent jetsetters. It can happen to those whose flight lasts more than 10 hours. In order to avoid this, ambulate! Mobilise yourself as much as possible!
5. Know the country or place you’re visiting. If you’re unsure of the water supply for where you’re heading, try to bring a portable water filter. It can be attached to that water bottle you’re carrying around. Refrain from asking for ice too. The ice could have been made with contaminated water.Many of the microorganisms causing infectious diseases are transmitted by drinking water. Contaminated water can spread water borne diseases like Giardia and Shigella among others. You don’t want to spend your trip abroad simply visiting toilets right?
Feeling local are you? There’s nothing wrong with that my friend. Street vendors are found along many streets in developing countries. However if you don’t have a trustworthy tour guide with you, avoid eating raw foods from these vendors. Your digestive system isn’t accustomed to their food and your immune system is not as well equipped to deal with the foreign microorganisms.Trying out exotic foods in a posh restaurant will always be on any traveller’s checklist. However exotic foods can be problematic for your digestive system and may lead to diarrhoea. To combat this take a probiotic with you. Take it daily because it will help your gastrointestinal tract to handle the unusual food better. A good probiotic supplement can also help to keep the foreign microbes at bay.
Sudden climate changes and cramped spaces inside public transport in developing countries expose you to environments and air conditions you’re respiratory tract isn’t used to. Bring all-around immune boosters such as: olive leaf, Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc.
Don’t go touching everything. Keep your hands to yourself and wash your hands whenever you can. If the area you plan to visit does not have water and soap readily available, bring a hand sanitiser with you.
Bring some nuts on long trips whether on land, air or sea. Nuts are a great snack to get you from point A to point B without you getting hungry and irritable. Just make sure they’re sealed well for the trip. Unless you’re allergic to nuts! Then you’ll need to find another handy travel snack.