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We don’t like to think about getting injured or sick when traveling, but when it happens, being prepared can save your vacation.

It is time to take your family vacation. Your bags are packed, your hotel reservations are confirmed, and the taxi to the airport is waiting, but are you really prepared? Inside your bags do you have all the medications you might need and received the proper inoculations for this trip?

Firstly consider some basic preventative measures. Before going to any destination, the first thing you should do is consult a physician to find out if any inoculations are advised? Malaria stays with you your whole life, and Cholera might kill you, don’t make the mistake in believing you are immune to the bugs that inhabit this world.  When planning your trip always assume the best and prepare for the worse. Get those shots, buy your medications and be aware of health warnings in every country you visit.

In some countries immunization is required before you arrive and in such instances, make sure you have your International Certificate of Vaccination. You can get this certificate from your local health department although many physicians can also provide you this form.

But even if you take all the immunization and recommended drugs before and during your travel, keep in mind that you may still become ill if exposed to contaminated water, food or insects. Bugs do mutate so regardless how prepared you became stateside, when visiting your travel location, you must still keep your guard up. Experienced travelers know this and take the trouble to boil water or buy trusted bottled water. They prepare many of their own meals, washing their foods carefully and making sure everything is well cooked. Mosquito netting is a must, preferably a full net for a bed, and a net-hat that covers you head and neck.

But in case you do become ill, make sure you have packed sufficient medical supplies. If you are in need of medications, bring a full supply that will last the entire trip. Medications overseas cannot always be depended on, either because the medication does not exist in that country or because the quality may be significantly different than what you are expecting.

The standards of medicine vary county to county but keep in mind that medical practitioners overseas sometimes don’t need a license and certainly don’t have insurance. ‘Oops’ is not an uncommon word in medical facilities in even many of the developing countries I have visited.

In short, here is my advice. Do your research, get those shots, pack all your medications and by all means, use your intelligence, keep aware, and have a safe and good trip.

While traveling by airplane is perhaps the fastest way to reach your vacation destination, it is not without its share of unpleasantness. Being aware of the common problems passengers of airplanes complain about and knowing how to deal with these can surely make your flying experience a little less disagreeable and perhaps even pleasant.

A vast number of those who partake in air travel complain about the lack of space on airplanes. Having to accommodate a profitable amount of people can often cause space limitations on airplanes and dealing with this lack of space is difficult for some. Having an isle seat is ideal if you need the legroom as it allows for stretching, but keep in mind these seats go very quickly. Many people find that traveling with a friend can help to alleviate some of the personal space invasion some people feel.

Many people get air sick on airplanes as well and while this experience can seem utterly unavoidable for those of you who are prone to motion sickness, there are ways to evade the effects of air sickness. Taking a motion sickness drug before hand can help but it must be taken before you get sick. Once sick, the best thing to do is perhaps to try and empty your stomach as this usually makes one feel slightly better. Most, if not all, planes are equipped with “barf bags” in case you do get sick.

Many other factors on airplanes contribute to the experience being less than enjoyable for some. The air quality on planes is significantly lower than it is at sea level. The air in the pressurized cabin is usually extremely dry and as such can cause great discomfort and possibly dehydration for many of the passengers. Thus it is advised you bring a lot of water with you on the flight and continue to drink it throughout. The temperature can also be rather cold and it is suggested that bringing a light coat onboard would certainly be beneficial.

Backpack or book bag – Be sure to bring some sort of backpack with you for everyday use. Since you will be doing so much walking you will need something of relatively good size to carry things over longer distances than you may be used to. For example, if you are likely to do your food shopping down the road from the hostel, you will probably want to carry your groceries back in your backpack rather than lugging them back in shopping bags (most foreign groceries charge money for their bags).

Walkman or Ipod – If you have one of these you are advised to bring it with you. It makes long journeys more bearable, and it means you can bring some music from home and enjoy some of the sounds you are familiar with. Don’t bring too many discs, though, or you may risk either losing them or having them stolen. Also, you may want to bring some extra batteries, since batteries tend to cost more in many countries overseas.

Toiletries – Be prepared to use different products from those you normally use. Even if you find the same name brands of shampoo or toothpaste you may discover that the product itself is different from the one you’re used to. If you use something that you feel you can’t live without, better take plenty of it along. Otherwise enjoy the adventure of trying new things. (Women: there are many countries where it is difficult or impossible to purchase tampons with applicators, as this is seen as wasteful or damaging to older toilet systems. If this poses a problem for you, bring a supply of your favorite brand with you but be sensitive to local plumbing deficiencies. You can get used to tampons without applicators by trying OB tampons in this country.)

Medications and prescriptions – If you are taking a prescribed medication you will need to see your doctor here before you leave and get enough to last your entire stay abroad. Don’t assume that you can get the same medication abroad with an American prescription. You will need to see a local doctor before you can get a prescription written and filled overseas.

Camera – By all means, take your camera with you, but guard it carefully. If it is an expensive model it will be a target for thieves. If it is extremely expensive you may want to have it insured before you go, or even leave it home. You can buy film overseas for slightly more than you pay for it here, while developing costs will be about the same, but it is probably far easier to take a digital camera. It may be a good idea to develop your film before you return, just to prevent the possibility of damaged film from ruining all your memories (or buy a protective film carrier), or download all your digital photos onto a CD or laptop. Most airport x-ray machines won’t damage film under 1000 ASA, but at least in the States you can ask that your camera and film be handed through the baggage inspection area. You may not be able to do this in some airports.

Other stuff – Be sure to bring along a small alarm clock for those early train departures (and classes, of course). You may also want to bring some photos from home of your family and friends to share with interested natives, or just to decorate your room. And it’s a good idea to bring one or two small gifts from your home town or state in case you are invited to anyone’s home or in case you meet someone you really like. Gifts from your part of America and from your home school will mean a lot to those you meet.

Tips on packing

* Passports and other documents should be carried with you securely yet readily accessible at immigration and other border checks.

* Put your address inside as well as on the luggage tag in case the suitcase breaks.

* Distribute the weight evenly; breakables and light-to-medium-weight clothing in the hard-sided suitcase(s); heavy sweaters, shoes, etc., in the packs or duffels.

* Double check all container caps. Better yet, put shampoo, toothpaste, etc., in sealed plastic bags. Airplane pressure can open bottles. Aerosol cans should not be carried on board. They can explode if checked in a decompressed luggage compartment.

* Sharp objects such as knives, scissors or letter openers are likely to cause luggage to be delayed or thoroughly inspected, even though they are now allowed again on most airlines. Airline regulations change regularly since September 11th, so call your airline to make sure about specific items.

* Luggage straps that may be belted around the outside of a suitcase will help save zippers or latches and may help you avoid having to salvage your belongings if your suitcase breaks.

How you pack for overseas travel always depends on where you are going and how long you will be gone. Here are some general rules of thumb that can be applied for most overseas trips and adventures.

Less is Better – The number one rule to remember is that you will be responsible for carrying everything that you bring, so only bring what you can carry! This includes carrying luggage up and down flights of stairs, in and out of taxis, cars and buses. Also remember to pack a carry-on bag with a change of clothes, essential toiletries (remember to check latest ruling on liquids over 3 ounces in your carry-on) and all of your documentation (passport, travelers checks, letter of acceptance into your program, health insurance card, International SOS card), because sometimes checked-through baggage doesn’t arrive at the same time as it’s owner.

A good method of packing for a long stay is to lay out everything you think you will need, and then put half of it back. You will be surprised at how easy it is to get along without half the clothes you think you need. Besides, most countries have clothing shops, and you are bound to purchase a few things for yourself (and others!) while you are there. Remember that whatever you buy overseas you will have to find room for in your suitcases and lug back with you. You really don’t need to take more than two or three pairs of trousers, shirts and shorts. Learn how to get along with less. The lighter your baggage, the more pleasant your journey will be.

You will find that washers and dryers might be more scarce overseas than in America, so bring clothing that won’t require too much care. Be prepared to wash clothing out in a basin if necessary.

Be culturally sensitive – Another point to remember is that many people in other countries are astonished and put off by how many clothes Americans have. You may think that it’s normal to change your clothes everyday – or even more than once a day – but in other parts of the world people may wear the same clothes several days in a row. In some cases this is because they can’t afford to buy clothes in the same quantities as Americans, but it is also partly because there isn’t as much room to store clothes overseas.

Be aware of how other people dress, and how often they change. You might notice that your own clothes appear new and expensive next to those worn by other students. Try to fit in a little by dressing like your hosts. Avoid wearing university logo attire, if possible, as this immediately singles you out as a foreigner (and a target for pickpockets and other criminals). The more you make the effort to follow the examples set by your hosts, the more you will start to feel a part of your environment, and you won’t stand out like a ‘loud American’.

Closets are small – You will probably find that in other countries the closets or wardrobes are considerably smaller than what you are used to, so if you take a large amount of clothes with you, you won’t have anywhere to put them. You will probably also have to buy hangers once you arrive, as these usually aren’t provided.

Rain Gear – You will definitely need some rain gear no matter where you go. A thin waterproof coat with a hood is better than thick ski jacket-like clothing. Umbrellas can be useful, but they are also often awkward to carry along narrow streets and sidewalks. Take a hat, or buy one over there. Avoid cowboy hats and baseball caps, as these types of headgear will immediately identify you as a US citizen, which may not be safe at times.

Layers for warmth – If the climate in your host country is likely to be cold and damp, you will probably need a couple of good sweaters, preferably the kind that will fit inside your coat or jacket. Layering clothes is especially effective in cold, damp weather, but you don’t want to end up looking like the Michelin Man. Long underwear can be quite useful for both men and women, and it can double as sleepwear. You’ll also want some gloves and a scarf, and probably a good pair of hunting (wool) socks in colder climates for wearing around your room.