Backpacking has become an increasingly popular vacation choice for many people who want to experience something they have never experienced before, and who want to experience an adventure trip of a lifetime.
What more fun than backpacking around India, Australia or Nepal . However, these adventures come hand in hand with major health risks that could potentially ruin your trip of a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your backpacking holiday.
Personal health
It is essential to ensure that your health is adequate for the planned trip. If you have a serious medical condition, it is important to discuss this in detail to ensure you are not taking any unnecessary risks.
Safety and protection
Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Do not wear items of sentimental value. Do not flaunt personal wealth. Never carry anything for anyone else and do a very careful check before going through customs.
Location and duration
In many countries, backpacker facilities are excellent - if you stick to the 'usual' routes. Medical facilities in remote regions are usually poor or lacking. Try to have a good basic itinerary and follow your itinerary whenever possible. Any change could invalidate the health care advice you received before your departure (or your travel insurance).
Food and water
Backpackers tend to travel cheaply and buy poor quality food. Remember that your body needs fuel, good food and water. Allocate adequate resources to ensure they are maintained. Just because your travel companions like to experiment with their food intake doesn't mean you should. Know that all tap water is probably not drinkable and always use boiled or bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Many backpackers develop various intestinal parasites abroad because of eating unwise food.
Mosquitoes and bites
Many backpackers will choose cheap accommodation and often there will be no mosquito nets over the beds, holes in the net in front of the windows and also many bed bugs. Remember to bring a good mosquito repellent, a mosquito net, if you are traveling in an area where mosquitoes can be a problem, and to buy a can of insect repellent on arrival in each area. Spray your room every night, especially around the door and window frames and under the bed. Treat any bites early and don't let them fester. Rabies is a common disease in many regions where you may travel, so be mindful of contact with all animals. Treat every bite very seriously and get competent medical help as soon as possible.
Malaria prophylaxis
If you are traveling in regions where malaria is a problem, you will probably be advised to take adequate prophylaxis before leaving home. Please be sensible and careful before changing the medical advice you received before leaving home. If you are not sure, use the contact facilities you have been given to ask for further advice.
Vaccinations
The backpacker abroad is at greater risk of a variety of diseases and will generally require a more extensive vaccination program. Make sure you have enough time to complete the necessary vaccination program before you leave, if at all possible.
