The long summer holidays are looming large and you're off to an exotic summer destination with the family. Here are some hot travel topics supported by good travel advice ranging from "holiday risks worth thinking about" to "travelling with small children" and "what to pack in terms of medication" as compiled by Netcare Travel Clinics.
Holiday risks worth knowing about
The medical risks of a planned holiday are often the very last thing you think about, if at all - but travel can pose healthcare risks for you and your family - particularly in a strange country where nobody speaks your language.
Travel-health advice should always be individually tailored according to the needs of each traveller. An elderly couple on a five-star sojourn in the Serengeti will have very different needs to the travel-health requirements of a 20 year old about to climb Kilimanjaro - even though both are in Tanzania!
Some examples worthy of consideration when planning a vacation include the following:
Certain destinations may have specific medical risks such as malaria, yellow fever, meningitis or hepatitis. Most of these diseases can be avoided by vaccination, prophylactic medication and proper food and water care.
Are you white-water rafting, diving or going to be in the scorching sun on the beach for hours every day? Are you backpacking through rural Asia or bicycling through Spain?
If you currently suffer from chronic medical conditions, you must make sure that it is not aggravated by your planned trip; that you will be able to get the necessary medical attention if needed and that replacement medicine should not pose any problems should yours get lost or damaged. Can you walk long distances with your chronic medical condition if needed? Do you require regular meals or do you have special dietary arrangements?
Your accommodation
If you will be staying in a five-star air-conditioned beach resort in Mombasa, you have a different risk profile than when staying in a hut in rural Brazil with the locals, or on a houseboat on Lake Kariba.
If you will be spending long hours on an aeroplane, bus or train, you might be at risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis.
Wherever you go or stay and whatever you plan to do, it is always better to be prepared. For more information regarding health risks at your destination or during your trip, contact your nearest travel clinic. The personnel are trained to identify risk factors in your itinerary and to advise you on how to minimise these risks.
The prospect of air travel with babies can be nightmarish, not only for mothers, but for fellow-passengers. Airlines, not wishing to discourage either from travelling, go to great lengths to provide maximum comfort and convenience, so mothers need not fear the possibility of embarrassment or even humiliation caused by babies' requirements.
It is important to notify the airline at the time of booking, and at least 24-48 hours prior to departure of the presence of a baby and its age. Some airlines are more flexible than others and require a shorter notice period - check with your travel agent for maximum reassurance.
Children under the age of two are not required to pay for a seat unless seated in their own car-type carry-seat attached to a fare-paying seat. Some airlines offer baby basinets for babies up to nine kilograms and generally it is well equipped with baby linen. If you are holding the baby on your lap, the flight attendant will assist you to secure it to your own seat belt by means of an extension belt.
Remember that no airline will permit adults to accompany more than two babies, and for safety reasons, only one baby may be carried on the lap of the accompanying adult. A separate seat must be reserved for the second child.
Most airlines today make provisions for babies on both local and international flights. Drinks or sweets on takeoff and landing are frequently offered to assist in relieving the pressure on babies' ears. However, there are still airlines, which are insensitive to this need, so ensure that you have something to give your baby at this time.
Food requirements must be specified at the time of booking, and ensure that you inform the flight attendant, as soon as reasonably possible, of the time you wish your child's meal to be served. Airlines generally offer a wide assortment of baby foods for infants up to two years' old. Bottles of sterilised milk and cans with special products for babies are available from cabin staff. However, you are also welcome to bring your own baby food.
For older children, there are generally small entertainment packs to keep them amused. These might contain a variety of healthy snacks and drinks and a game or colouring set. Specifying the age of your child at the time of booking will help airline staff to be prepared.
There will always be cases when tired, fretful or ill children cause disturbance. Cabin staff have been trained to assist in these cases, so do not hesitate to call on them for help.
Also have copies of your prescription or the generic names of your medication, should your medication get lost and needs to be replaced as it can be very difficult to obtain medication in a foreign country with a foreign language and different medication.
Always make sure the items comply with airline requirements, or pack them into your check-in luggage. Always remember that the most important part of your holiday is to enjoy it, and to come home healthy!
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