Travel Tips

Travel Tips for Southeast Asia Traveling in Southeast Asia may bring you into contact with things that you are not used to, such as the tropical climate, the exotic Asian food, the water, and air. Such a new environment can, at times, lead to sickness, so our team would like to offer some tips for ensuring you stay as healthy as possible so you can fully enjoy your travel experience:

1) Vaccinations: The first thing you should do before heading to Southeast Asian countries is to find out whether you need vaccinations, so please check this with the relevant doctor, clinic or hospital.

2) Altitude sickness: This is a common problem experienced when visiting high altitude areas. Caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen and low barometric pressure, it can result in headaches, dehydration and a shortness of breath. Please find out whether you are traveling to a high altitude area before you travel to see if altitude sickness may be a problem for you during your trip. A drug called acetazolamide can help relieve and prevent symptoms of altitude sickness, but it is always better to discuss it with your doctor before you travel.

3) Diarrhea: Also known as turista, this occurs when foreign bacteria enters the digestive tract after eating contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent diarrhea is to be very mindful of what food you eat and water you drink.

4) Water: One of the most important things to remember when wishing to stay healthy during your trip to Southeast Asia is to only drink bottled water. A range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites can commonly be found in the region’s tap water, so if you really cannot buy bottled water, be sure to boil the tap water first, then purify it with an iodine tablet if possible. Keep in mind that even when brushing your teeth, rinsing contact lenses, drinking small amounts of water to wash down pills, or ordering a drink with ice in a café/bar, be sure to take precautions to ensure the water is safe.

5) Food: Any food that has been boiled is generally safe, but fruit and vegetables should be washed and/or peeled before eating. It is also best to avoid eating uncooked or undercooked meat. Stay away from food that requires a lot of handling before serving, and if you wish to sample an exotic dish such as spiders or cockroaches, be sure to have eaten and have a full stomach first.

What to take with you: 

1) If necessary, bring your own medications, those used on a daily basis, as it may be hard to find them in the remote areas of Southeast Asian countries. Even if you do find them on sale, the formulations may be stronger or weaker than those you are used to using. Always take your own inhalers, allergy medications and insulin, as well as contact lens solution. Remember that the different climate, environment and food may cause allergies and reactions that you do not expect, so it’s always best to prepare for such scenarios.

2) Before leaving your country, take a copy of your medical history with you and be sure that it includes the following information:

– Your name, address and passport number

– Emergency contact information: Names and address of family members, relatives and friends.

– Medical contact information: Name and address of your doctor or clinic

– Insurance contact information: Name, address, telephone number of your insurance provider, your blood type, and a list of immunizations and vaccinations

– A list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, AIDS etc.

– A list of allergies to food, medications, insects or animals

– A list of any medications you are currently taking, with receipts

– A prescription for glasses or contact lenses

Personal Safety Be aware of your surroundings because Southeast Asia can seem chaotic to a first-time traveler. Road rules are not the same as they are overseas; traffic, and the way people drive is different. However, it is nothing to be worried about, as long as you are careful and follow the ‘rules of the crowd’, you will be fine. Avoid isolated locations and, as elsewhere, it is better not to walk alone after dark. Always keep an eye on your bag, phone or other electronic equipment, and never keep all your cash in one place. Be aware of street robbers.

Follow these tips, and we are sure you will be able to focus on the culture and scenery, and enjoy your journeys!