Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
screened, and don't get a tattoo or piercing until you're back home and can check out the
tattoo shop properly.
Asthma and allergies
Whether you are an asthmatic or have an allergy to chemicals in the air, food, stings, or
antibiotics, ask your GP for advice before you go. You will be able to take some treatments
with you.
Allergy sufferers: if you suffer from severe shock reactions to insect bites/nuts or any other
allergy, make sure you have enough of your anaphylactic shock packs with you - you may
not be able to get them in some parts of the world.
Chronic conditions
Asthmatics, diabetics, epileptics or those with other conditions should always wear an ob-
vious necklace or bracelet or carry an identity card stating the details of their condition.
Tragedies do occur due to ignorance, and if you are found unconscious a label can be a
lifesaver. See
www.medicalert.org.uk
for information on obtaining these items.
You should also keep with you a written record of your medical condition and the proper
names (not just trade names) of any medication you are taking. If you are going on an or-
ganised trip or volunteering abroad, find out who the responsible person for medical mat-
ters is and make sure you fully brief them about your condition.
Contraceptives
If you are on the pill it is advisable to take as many with you as possible. Remember that
contraceptives go against religious beliefs in some countries, so they may not be readily
available. Antibiotics, some malaria treatments, vomiting and diarrhoea can inhibit the ab-
sorption of the pill, so use alternative means of contraception until seven days after the ill-
ness.
Condoms: unprotected sex can be fatal, so everyone should take them, even if they are not
likely to be used (not everyone thinks about sex the whole time). Keep them away from
sand, water and sun. If buying abroad, make sure they are a known brand and have not been
kept in damp, hot or icy conditions.
Dentist
Pretty obvious but often forgotten: get anything you need done to your teeth before you go.
Especially worth checking up on are wisdom teeth and fillings - you don't want to spend
three months in Africa with toothache.
