Healthy tropical travel tips

by Jess Spate
(Cardiff, UK)

When most people from the temperate zones of Europe and North America first visit the tropics, they encounter a very different kind of climate. It's a lot hotter and usually a lot wetter, and there are health concerns in tropical zones that just aren't a problem at home. Of course, that's no reason not to go- if you want to experience the wonder of the rainforest or the incredible diversity of marine life on a tropical reef, you're going to have to go there. Just take a few precautions before you go and while you're in the tropics:

-Find out if you need any shots, vaccinations, or preventative medicines well before you go. Malaria is a particular problem in some parts of the tropics and sub-tropics, but the risk varies widely from place to place. Your family doctor will be able to advise you best.

-Pack appropriate clothing. Loose, breathable clothes will feel much cooler than tight, restrictive ones. They'll also dry faster- a must if you're going to the rainforest or to a monsoon zone. Waterproof clothing can be useful, but in extreme heat you may find that you sweat so much inside a waterproof jacket that you get wet anyway. Cheap plastic rain ponchos that allow plenty of airflow are ideal and they only cost a few dollars.

-If you're going to a place where a high standard of medical care might be hard to come by, consider taking along a travel medical kit that contains things like clean needles and emergency dental filler.


-Be very careful about what you drink. Bacteria thrive in hot damp conditions and unfortunately, water-transmitted illnesses are still very common in some places. Never drink from taps and choose bottled water. If a glass of water has been sitting for more than a short time, pour it out and get a new one. This will help you avoid stomach upsets and more serious conditions.

-Staying hydrated is important in warm weather, damp or dry. Take a bottle of water with you if you go for a walk and keep sipping. Remember, if you feel thirsty your body is already low on fluids.

-If you're going to eat street vendor food (it can be cheap and delicious) in South East Asia, South America, India, or Africa, it's a little safer to go vegetarian.
-Anyone who has suffered from athlete's foot, jock itch, or another fungal infection in the recent past may find that hot, wet conditions cause a flare-up. Get some ointment from the drugstore before leaving home, just in case.

-Sunscreen is vital. When it's damp you'll feel less of a stinging sensation even when you're being quite badly burnt, so make sure to cover up, wear a wide-brimmed hat, or use plenty of sunscreen. The more you sweat, the more frequently you'll need to re-apply.

Jess Spate has travelled in the rainforest, the desert, and to the tropical islands of the Pacific. She writes for Hotels Fairy, a leading place to find accommodation and hotel deals, and runs a small SEO consultancy.