Paris – France

Paris is the most visited city in the world with estimated 15.6 million visitors a year

Paris one of the first cities that come to mind of every traveler when talking about visiting Europe. Consider the most “chick” city in the world, Paris is full of stunning architecture, old churches, romantic cafes, spectacular monuments, art galleries and much, much more. Famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame are a must visit for every traveler. And let’s not forget my personal favorite – the catacombs.

Paris - The Most Visited City in the World, Photo: agaw.dilim, Flickr

London – United Kingdom

London is the 2nd most visited city in the world with estimated 14.8 million visitors a year

Someone once said that when you get tired of London, you got tired of life. Life in London simply never ends. With sights like London Eye, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Soho, Piccadilly Circus, etc this city can’t possibly be a bore.

London - 2nd Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Anirudh Koul, Flickr

Bangkok – Thailand

Bangkok is the 3rd most visited city in the world with estimated 10.84 million visitors a year

Bangkok is a city where ancient world meets modern lifestyle. Scattered among skyscrapers are breathtaking Buddhist temples housing statues of Buddha offering quiet refuge from the hassle of the life outside. Iconic Khao San Road is perhaps the most notorious backpackers street in the world.

Bangkok - 3rd Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Stuck in Customs, Flickr

Singapore – Singapore

Singapore is the 4th most visited city in the world with estimated 10.1 million visitors a year

Singapore is on its way to becoming a tropical tourist hub that embodies the best of Paris, London and New York all in one. After separating from Malaysia and embarking on the path of independence in 1965, Singapore has been a textbook perfect example of a successful city.

Singapore - 4th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Merlion444, Wikipedia

New York City – United States of America

New York City is the 5th most visited city in the world with estimated 9.5 million visitors a year

The City that Never Sleeps has a personality of its own. Life cannot be complete without at least one visit to the Big Apple. It’s a mindboggling experience and it really doesn’t matter how much time you spend in New York, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

New York City - 5th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Stuck in Customs, Flickr

Hong Kong – China

Hong Kong is the 6th most visited city in the world with estimated 7.94 million visitors a year

When it comes to “East Meets West”, Hong Kong is the city. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Honk Kong is considered one of the safest large cities in the world and the city with the best public transport in the world.

Hong Kong - The 6th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Sprengben, Flickr

Istanbul – Turkey

Istanbul is the 7th most visited city in the world with estimated 7.05 million visitors a year

Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Voted the 2010 Capital of the European Culture, Istanbul is home to some of world’s finest architectural gems, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.

Istanbul - 7th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Oberazzi, Flickr

Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the 8th most visited city in the world with estimated 6.9 million visitors a year

Built out of nothing and into the business hub of the Middle East in just a few decades, Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building (Burj Dubai), world’s most expensive hotel (Burj al Arab), world’s largest man made islands (Palm Islands), the indoor ski slope built in the middle of a desert and much, much more.

Dubai - 8th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Michael Foley Photography, Flickr

Shanghai – China

Shanghai is the 9th most visited city in the world with estimated 6.66 million visitors a year

Being the largest city in China, Shanghai is a bull on steroids that’s become East China’s international hub. Chinese traditions get intertwined with Western customs in a blend that will make the memories of your stay unforgettable.

Shanghai - 9th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: le niners, Flickr

Rome – Italy

Rome is the 10th most visited city in the world with estimated 6.12 million visitors a year

Rome personalizes thousands of years of human history. Roman Coliseum, The Forum, the Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon – I could go on forever. And let’s not forget Vatican City and great Italian wine.

Rome - 10th Most Visited City in the World, Photo: Storm Crypt, Flickr

Visiting a place that’s on the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World has both its advantages and disadvantage. The fact that so many foreigners travel to these locations means that there truly must be something worthwhile to see. But at the same time it also means that there will be thousands upon thousands of tourists there, making it rather overrun. They each still count as must visit before you die cities. I definitely have each one of them on my personal “my visit” list.

Related Vacation Ideas

• Null Stern Hotel – A Zero Star Hotel in Sevelen, Switzerland
• Tour Montparnasse in Paris, France
• Bhangarh Fort – Ruins in Rajasthan, India Haunted by Ghosts
• Bhutan Tourism Information
• Tuscany – Holidays in Italy

Holland America Cruise Ship SS Zaandam Sailing in Sitka, Alaska. Photo: controltheweb, Flickr

Five Major Cruise Lines Cut Back Alaska Cruises

Following cruise ship operators have announced this year that they will cut back on Alaska schedules in 2010:

• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
• Norwegian Cruise Lines

Global economic slow down forced cruise line operators to lower their prices significantly, but after state of Alaska announced that they will be changing Cruise Liners a $50 per-passenger fee, the decisions to discontinue Alaska cruises were made and ships that sail in Alaskan waters will be redirected to serve in more profitable European waters come 2010.

Vancouver Facing $38-million Loss

Because many Alaska cruises start their itineraries from Vancouver, the largest city in Canadian British Columbia is facing a 9% drop in number of tourists visiting the city, which will result in $38-million in lost tourism revenue per year.

Alaska Bound Cruise Ship Leaving Vancouver, Photo: Patrick Doheny, Flickr

Now Is the Time for Cheap Last Minute Alaska Cruise

Cruise vacation prices are at a long term low right now. That makes for a perfect opportunity to take a cruise vacation. And since there may be fewer ships serving Alaska in 2010, the competition won’t be as tough and cruise line operators will be able to give their prices a bump, if you hesitate, you will miss out on an opportunity to cruise to Alaska for cheap. Look at sample prices as of this very moment:

Name of the ship: Celebrity Millennium
Operator: Celebrity Cruises
Cruise duration: 7 days
Itinerary: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Seward
Prices from: 439.00 CAD per person, plus tax

Name of the ship: Norwegian Sun
Operator: Norwegian Cruise Line NCL
Cruise duration: 7 days
Itinerary: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and back
Prices from: $399 US per person, plus tax

Name of the ship: Carnival Spirit
Operator: Carnival Cruises
Cruise duration: 7 days
Itinerary: Anchorage (Whittier), Cruise Prince William Sound, Cruise College Fjord, Sitka, Juneau, Cruise Lynn Canal, Skagway, Ketchikan, Cruise Inside Passage, Vancouver
Prices from: $309 US per person, plus tax

Sample prices are based on double occupancy in an interior stateroom.

Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska as Seen from Holland America Westerdam Cruise Ship, Photo: dbaron, Flickr

Go book your Alaska cruise now for July or August. Those are the best month to sail to Alaska and prices are right. It doesn’t get any cheaper than that. If you compared 2009 prices with same cruises in 2008, you’d see four digit numbers. This is the best time to go on a cruise and seeing how cruise line operators are cutting back on Alaska itineraries, there is no reason to hesitate.

Furthermore – Alaska cruise is better in summer than the Caribbean one. Summer if a hurricane season in the tropics so you’d be taking chances with your cruise, plus if you are to go to Alaska, you wouldn’t want to do it in the middle of winter when it gets so cold you won’t be able to hold a camera in your hands. Timing is perfect; the price is the best it’s been in years. Take Alaska cruise, I’m sure you won’t regret it. You can laugh at your co-worker who decides to wait later, after prices sky rocket back up to their normal level.

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Haggling Tip #1 – Talk

When haggling for best price, speaking is the key. Don’t let the person you are talking to take control of the conversation. If it’s you who talks first and them who answer to you, chances of negotiating a better deal increase. Keep in mind that fewer people travel during recession so vacation providers, especially when it comes to All Inclusive Vacations will likely be willing to negotiate as their sales are lower than normal.

While verbal haggling may seem outdated, it is as valid today as it’s been for centuries. Albeit nowadays it’s becoming a dying skill but it’s still deep within us and can easily be done. This is how it’s done:

Haggling Can Get You The Best Price for Your Ultimate Vacation, Photo: muha... Flickr

How to Haggle for Best Price on Vacation – Practical Tip

Assume for one second you want to stay at Scottsdale Princess Resort and you’re also interested in The Sanctuary nearby. Both cost US$250 a night. Do some research and work out the price that’s lower than regular rate, but not unreasonable. Once you got that down, pick up the phone and get ready to haggle your best price. You can do it easily by telling them that the other hotel has offered you a price which is much better than what they are offering (the one you have worked out in your mind as well priced, but reasonable). It’s easy and doesn’t take special acting skills to manage.

Once you have suggested that a competitor is able to offer you a better rate than a place you are calling, the most common response will be an attempt to match the price. Or a person you are speaking with might put you on hold to speak with their supervisors and see if they are able to offer yet better price to gain you as a customer. The key is to remain reasonable. Don’t call a top class hotel and try to get a price of a cheap hole in the ground. Haggling ends the moment reason is abandoned.

Car Rental Haggling Tips

Haggling for a car to rent works in a similar way. Start up your internet and do a search for the cheapest rates available in your area. Try all the big companies, such as Avis, Thrifty, Budget, National, Discount Car, Enterprise, Hertz, etc and see what specials they’re currently running. You can find their websites by typing their name along with “car rental” plus your location in the search engine.

Next look up some independent car rental places that are not part of any big company. Yellow Pages would be your friend on this one. You may be surprised how many “Joe’s Car Rental” places you might find in your area. These do not get the exposure and recognition of large car rental chains and as such will likely have more reasonable prices. Call them and find out with them what they have to offer on the type of car you need. The call big guys and tell them that Joe’s Car Rental only charges this much for that car and they will also drop the car in your driveway for free.

Car Rental Counter, Photo: mrkathika, Flickr

Success here hinges firmly on the power of persuasion and your ability to speak well, however anyone can do it. You won’t have direct face to face encounter, you can do whatever you want on the phone. And if it doesn’t sound like it’s working out, just tell them you got to go and will call them later. Hang up and move on. Remember, this little bit of haggling can land you the best price. And the best price saves you money you work so hard for. It’s worth it every bit of the way.

One more thing – it helps if you can get someone with authority to make decisions on the other end of the phone line though.

Airline Haggling Tips

Of all the haggling efforts, trying to get a significant drop in price from the Airline operators is more challenging, but not impossible. As a general rule, booking early is the key to cheap flights although sell offs can save you more.

I think the best way to haggle for the best price is to engage in a cheerful and warming conversation with the person on the other end of phone line. If you end up with a moody and uncooperative telephonist, it’s best to hang up and call the same number again in a few minutes. Phone number for reservations usually lead to call centers with several operators. If one gives you hart time, simply hang up and call again. You will likely reach a different operator so try with them. If it doesn’t work out, hang up and call again. Keep trying until you get a person who sounds like they are in a good mood, happy and content and ready to listen. They are the one to talk to and haggle with.

If it sounds like the call center you are reaching with this number is an overseas operation, it’s best to give up and try a different airliner. The operators in some thirst world countries which are outsourced by the airliner have no experience and always fail to give a deal. They are generally very difficult to talk to, not very friendly and fail to understand that you are potential customer who doesn’t have to spend their money with them, but can give their business to somebody else.

Once you got right person on the line, try small talk to engage in friendly and courteous conversation. Compliment the agent and remember to thank them for speaking to you when you’re done. But that’s all when you’re done. First you need to get yourself the best price possible. Do it this way:

Ask questions such as “Is there a way to get a cheaper fare?” or “If I travelled at a different time or date, would it get me a cheaper fare?” A good one, probably the best is “If you were to fly to (your destination here), how would you go about getting yourself a plane ticket?”

I save myself money using above mentioned haggling tips all the time. it’s really not that difficult. Have the confidence to haggle and you’ll breeze through the recession without once feeling its bite. Think of the amazing places you’ll visit – drum up the motivation then pick up the phone and talk yourself into the deal you deserve.

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• Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
• All Inclusive Vacations – Get Best Deals in 2009

To Keep Their Business Going, All Inclusive Vacations Providers Are Offering Excellent Deals on their Packages to Balance Out Tight Global Economy

The savings for all inclusive vacations are remarkable. It actually involves entire travel industry. Luxury cruise lines offer all inclusive cruises for under $75 per day per person. Hotels are coming with their own incentives – some hotels in Las Vegas are offering rates as low as $25 per night. Parks, ski resorts, airlines – they all have adjusted their prices making 2009 the year of best deals.

An important factor to keep in mind is that even though the world is going through an economic recession, many people as much money as they did before. It doesn’t mean that you should go berserk on spending, however if you were considering an all inclusive vacation and somehow never got around to taking one, 2009 could be a great year to do is as you are certainly likely to score the best deal ever.

Occupancy is down which means that as a traveller you’re gonna get luxury for less. Five star Arizona hotel that charged $300 per room last year, now offers the room for $250 with complimentary spa treatment and a dinner for two. Luxury is on sale right now, all inclusive resorts are offering the best deals ever. 2009 could really save you on your vacation. Just exercise sound thinking. Only take vacation if you could take it if the world wasn’t going through recession. Even though prices are nice and low with best deals on all inclusive vacations, getting yourself in debt just so you can take advantage of it may not be the best idea ever. On the other hand if you’ve got some savings and can take an all inclusive without getting yourself in financial trouble – 2009 is your year.

Related Vacation Ideas

• Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
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• Haggling Tips for Best Price on Vacations

Without further ado, here’s your Travel Checklist for Perfect Vacation:

Essential Travel Items Checklist

• Passport – ain’t going no where without one
• Foreign Currency – Credit Cards often work fine, but you do want to have some local currency as well
• Alarm Clock – if your plane leaves early, don’t rely on wake-up calls
• Swiss Army Knife – preferably one with tweezers and scissors, but pack this in your check-in luggage not your carry-on
• Plastic Bottle – to carry water around. Was without one in Cuba – bad idea!
• Pocket Flashlight – easily the most used item on my travels
• Digital Camera – you have got to be kidding me if you would leave without one. Make sure you have enough batteries and big enough memory card
• Ziploc Plastic Bags – so you can store your used underwear and shampoo/soap/toothpaste in the same bag as the rest of your clothes safely
• Rain Poncho – doesn’t take much space and helps a lot in bad weather

Toiletries Travel Checklist

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste – dental floss is also very handy
• Shampoo
• Soap – get your own soap box too
• Deodorant Stick
• Body Moisturizer/Lotion
• Shaving Gear
• Towel – nothing can beat your own cozy one

Medical and Personal Supplies Travel Checklist

• Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution, or Glasses – copy of prescription will come in handy should you lose them
• Sunglasses – hat and umbrella also come in handy
• Sunscreen with at least 30 SPF
• Insect Repellent – make sure it contains DEET
• Latex Condoms
• Medic-Alert Tags – it’s smart to get them if you suffer from allergies or medical conditions. Canadians can get them from MedicAlert.ca)
• Your Personal Medications in original bottles and enough to get you through chronic conditions
• Insect Sting Rescue Kit – emergency allergy kits
• Malaria Pills – if you’re visiting areas with malaria prevalence, pills require prescription from a doctor
• Hand Sanitizer – Purel ®, Microsan ®, One Step ®, or similar
• Medicinal Charcoal – you’ll eat lots of dodgy food during your travels

If You’re a Female

• Feminine Products – tampons, sanitary napkins
• Vagina Infection Medication – if you’re susceptible

Taking Care of Your Body Pre-Travel Checklist

• Physical Check Up – if you’re traveling long term
• Dental Check Up
• Eye Check Up – if your vision is not the greatest or have other vision problems
• Consult Travellers’ Health Clinic in your area to learn about health risks in your travel destination and what vaccines are recommended

Personal Secret Travel Checklist Items

• Oil of Oregano – saved my behind on countless occasions. Sports massive anti bacterial properties yet it’s a natural product so you can’t develop resistance to it. Also gives your immunity an instant boost. I can’t even begin to express how many times it saved me from getting sick. Make sure you get the 100% organic one, preferably from Greece, since that’s where best wild Oregano grows
• Ear Plugs – once I spent a night sharing the room in a hostel with a guy who snored like he was paid for it. Ear plugs saved my night.

My personal travel checklist also includes my laptop. If you don’t have one, you can still enjoy the vacation, camping, backpacking just the same. If you’re taking a longer trip, do get up to date with 21st century and get yourself a laptop. Also make sure you open an online journal so you can upload pictures and boast about your adventures as they happen. It’ll keep you going and will give you more steam to enjoy your travel.

One thing I don’t need on my travel checklist but you may is a comb. I’d rather have hair and have to carry a comb than have no hair and not have to carry one, but since latter is my case, I’m spared from worrying about that part.

Other Great Vacation Ideas

• Preikestolen Norway Pulpit Rock
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• Love Land Theme Park on Jeju Island, South Korea (NSFW)
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Hepatitis B is far more serious viral infection that Hepatitis A. Like its less dangerous brother, Hepatitis B attacks the liver but Hep B can cause serious complications that could lead to death. While risks of contracting Hepatitis B by travellers are not high, it is a serious illness and everyone who likes to travel to different parts of the world should take precautions to avoid infection.

How is Hepatitis B Transmitted

Hepatitis B is transmitted through exchange of bodily fluids, which is pretty much the same as with any STD. You can contract Hepatitis B by having unprotected vaginal or anal as well as oral sex with an infected person. That goes for both heterosexual and homosexual contact. You can also contract it by sharing needles used for injection of drugs. Prevention is always the best key to staying illness free during one’s vacation or holiday.

I myself travel a lot but I don’t concern myself with Hepatitis B, because I do not engage in unprotected sex with strangers and I don’t do drugs other than smoking weed. Use of condoms significantly reduces chances of contracting hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Hepatitis B – Map of Prevalence

Hepatitis B is most prevalent in Southeast Asia, parts of the Middle East, the South and Western Pacific, Central South America and most of Africa. Northern and Western Europe as well as most of Eastern Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico have the lowest Hepatitis B infection rates. Canada is generally considered safe, but the map somehow shows northern parts of the country having high prevalence, so we’re gonna consider it the reason to play it safe in those areas. Otherwise Canada is safe. The detailed map of prevalence is below:

Hepatitis B - Map of Prevalence, Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers' Health Yellow Book

Hepatitis B Symptoms

30% of people infected with Hepatitis B experience no symptoms and the younger the age, the higher a chance of no symptoms.

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice

Hepatitis B Vaccination for Travellers

Hepatitis B vaccination is given as a series of 3 injections over 6 month period. As such, it is recommended to go for the new vaccination that provides combined protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B and is also taken over the period of 6 months. Since you’d have to go through the same procedure anyway, it’s smarter to take this combined vaccination and it’ll give you protection against both strains of Hepatitis for the period of 20 years. You wouldn’t have to worry about getting Hepatitis A shot by itself.

You can get more information about Hepatitis A on the Hepatitis A – Information for Travellers with Map of Prevalence page, however it is much better to get a Twinrix ™ vaccination instead and gain protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B at the same time. Read the paragraph below for more information:

Hepatitis A and B Combined Vaccination for Travellers

New vaccination called Twinrix ™ is now available and is a recommended since it offers long lasting protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Twinrix ™ vaccination is taken the same way you would take Hepatitis B vaccination – over the period of 6 months. You’d get your first shot, then a month later your second and then the last one in 6 months. That’s it – you’re protected against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B for 20 years.

Keep in mind – Hepatitis A is far easier to contract. All you need to do is eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water. Hep A virus dies in high temperatures so if you cook your food, you won’t get it, but it’s still the easiest to contract Hepatitis. However Hepatitis A is not as damaging to liver and will not kill you. On the other hand, contracting Hepatitis B is not as easy. If you don’t engage in unprotected sex while you’re travelling, or if you don’t take illegal drugs that require injection into your vein, the chances of contracting Hepatitis B are low. However if you do get infected, you could get yourself cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer or complete failure of liver that could lead to death. Hepatitis B is no joke. I highly recommend getting Hepatitis A and B vaccination as described in this paragraph. It offers rather strong and reliable protection for 20 years. It’ll give you peace of mind and could save your life. Do it!

Related Reading:
Hepatitis A – Information for Travellers with Map of Prevalence
Avoid Holiday Illness – Tips on NOT Getting Sick on Vacation
Medical Advice Disclaimer

Related Vacation Ideas

• Hepatitis A – Information for Travellers
• Avoid Holiday Illness – Tips on NOT Getting Sick on Vacation

Hepatitis A is a liver damaging disease caused by a virus. It is transmited fecal-orally which means it can be contracted by food or drink. It is wise to take preventative measures when travelling and visiting foreign countries to avoid contracting Hepatitis A. As a traveller, there are simple preventative measures you can take to avoid getting infected by a Hepatitis A virus: wash your hands with soap before handling food and after using the bathroom, don’t eat raw food, cook your vegetables and meat thoroughly, peel your fruit and only drink beverages from sealed bottles or cans.

Hepatitis A – Map of Prevalence

Canada, USA, Western Europe and Australia have very low occurrence of Hepatitis A. On the other hand Mexico, whole of Central and South America, entire Africa, Middle East and South Asia have high prevalence of Hepatitis A so getting vaccinated when travelling to those regions is highly recommended. The map below shows the prevalence of Hepatitis A in different parts of the world.

Hepatitis A - Map of Prevalence, Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers' Health Yellow Book

Hepatitis A Symptoms

If you get infected with Hepatitis A, you could experience one or more of following symptoms:

• Fever
• Malaise
• Abdominal Pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Jaundice

It is not unusual for Hepatitis A infection to go without any symptoms – aka it is asymptomatic.

Hepatitis A Vaccination for Travellers

You can get 1 year of protection against Hepatitis A after first dose of vaccination. Taking second dose is recommended 6 – 12 months later and then the protection gets boosted to 20 years. It is well worth it. There are hardly any adverse reactions to Hep A vaccination. I was experiencing tenderness in my shoulder at the injection site but that was entirely gone in less than 24 hours. My nurse told me that Hepatitis A vaccination starts providing protection shortly after the injection – stating that one could get it at the airport and by the time you reach your vacation or holiday spot, it would be protecting you, however that information doesn’t match other information I found on the internet. Some professionals say full protection against Hepatitis A may not be acquired until 2 – 4 weeks since vaccination.

Moral of the story is – get your Hepatitis A vaccination a few weeks in advance of travelling just to be on a safe side. However, since Hepatitis B is far more dangerous infection that could potentially lead to death (unlike Hepatitis A), it is strongly recommended to take Hepatitis B vaccination as well. A modern vaccination method called Twinrix ™ is now available which offers 20 years of protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B at the same time. Read more about Twinrix ™ vaccination on Hepatitis B – Information for Travellers with Map of Prevalence page.

Related Reading:
Hepatitis B – Information for Travellers with Map of Prevalence
Avoid Holiday Illness – Tips on NOT Getting Sick on Vacation
Medical Advice Disclaimer

Related Vacation Ideas

• Hepatitis B – Information for Travellers
• Avoid Holiday Illness – Tips on NOT Getting Sick on Vacation

Avoid Holiday Illness - Tips on Not Getting Sick on Vacation, Photo: assbach, Flickr

Travellers’ Diarrhea

Travellers’ Diarrhea is one of the most commons holiday illnesses a traveler could contract during their vacation. E.coli seems to like travelers more than any other bacteria and it could take you down for two or three days. Taking bismuth subsalicylate regularly reduces risks of contracting Travellers’ Diarrhea, but you should always exercise smart travelers eating habits.

How NOT to Get Travellers’ Diarrhea – Easy Tips Anyone Can Follow:

• Don’t eat raw vegetables (or other raw food). Make sure what you eat is thoroughly cooked. Remember – salad is raw food
• Peel fruit yourself before eating
• Drink bottled water (that you open yourself) and canned soft drinks
• Avoid ice cubes

When I leave for abroad, I ask my doctor to prescribe me Ciprofloxacin and have it on me in case I manage to contract Travellers’ Diarrhea. Ciprofloxacin is a safe antibiotic used for treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea. You can also use Lopericmide which is available over the counter in your local pharmacy.

Sunburn

If you’re taking sun vacation and going to one of the hot spots, it’s easy to get excited and enjoy the beautiful, scorching sun a little bit too much. It happens to all of us, and trust me, it’s happened to me in Mexico after spending half of year in Eastern Caribbean. Do not underestimate the power of sun. Have a waterproof sun block in your backpack at all times. It is recommended to get a sun block with at least 30 SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Majority of sun rays will be blocked if you use one of the 30 SPF sun blocks but even so, if you stay on the sun longer than your skin can manage, you’re gonna end up sunburnt.

Tips to Relieve Vacation Sunburn:

• Apply cold compresses for immediate local relief. Wrap ice cubes in a towel and press against burnt skin
• Use pain killers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to relieve discomfort and suffering
• Apply aloe – aloe will keep your skin moist after sun dried it out
• Drink crap loads of water. Keep yourself hydrated – or better yet, over-hydrated. Drink way more water than you would otherwise

Protecting Children from Sunburn:
If you’re travelling with little babies, be especially cautious and do not expose them to tropic sun much. Little children should wear sunglasses, hats and liberal amounts of 30 SPF sun block at all times. It’s best to use a sun block that’s not waterproof on children, as they rub their faces a lot and could get it in their eyes, making it rather difficult to get out afterwards. Some merchants also offer specially designed swim suits for children that filter out UV rays.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis causes serious damage to liver so it is not to be taken lightly. As a traveler, you are the most susceptible to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. There are other strains of Hepatitis, but when it comes to avoiding travel illness, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are the two you need to give a thought. Hepatitis vaccination is routinely performed in many countries – check with your local health center to see if you already have protection.

A vaccination to protect against Hep A consists of a single shot that you should take few days before departing to your travel destination. More complete Hepatitis vaccination that gives protection against Hep A and Hep B is also available but needs to be taken as a series of three shots over the six month period.

More Information on Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A – Information for Travellers with Map of Prevalence

More Information on Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B – Information for Travellers with Map of Prevalence

Malaria

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquito bites are unpleasant on principle, so use of an insect repellent with DEET is highly recommended in any area with these parasiting critters. I also recommend buying inexpensive mosquito netting that can cover your bed and block them suckers from getting to you while you’re sleeping. You can buy one of those in a dollar store and they don’t take much space in your backpack.

Malaria is no fun at all. It’s actually a dangerous disease that could lead to coma and death. There are pills a doctor can prescribe to you that you should start taking before your vacation and continue taking during vacation as well. That goes especially if you’re travelling to areas with high prevalence of malaria.

Peasants used to sleep with pigs. Why? Because pigs have a higher body temperature than humans. They slept with their pigs so the mosquitos would bite the pigs, not the peasants? If you are going to mosquito areas avoid soaps or lotions with floral scents (no scents is best). Eating massive amounts of garlic and vitamin B also makes you less tasty.

Motion Sickness

If you’re taking a cruise you may experience motion sickness. Good thing is that most (pretty much all) cruise ships have on board medical professionals and guess what they deal with most – Motion Sickness. They are always well supplied to deal with vacationers who experience symptoms of Motion Sickness so even if you manage to forget your anti-nausea medication, you can get it on board.

I’ve heard of some people having good results using Motion Sickness Discs behind their ears, but I’m not too fond of that solution. Accu-Pressure wristbands that rub anti nausea spots on people’s wrists sound like a much better solution, but those may not work for everyone. Over the counter antihistamines can help since the center of motion sickness is the middle ear. Ginger is a wonderful cure for motion sickness and almost any other form of intestinal distress. Whether in the form of fresh, pickled (for you sushi fanatics), tea, or just plain old ground it works. I nibble ginger candy for good luck and to prevent a plethora of tummy troubles.

Pack Your Own Medication!

This happens all the time and I really must stress it – when going on holiday, make sure you pack enough of your own prescribed medication. Make sure you have full supply and some more. Don’t assume you will find a pharmacy with the medication you take at the vacation spot you’re travelling to. That goes in particular if you’re travelling abroad. It’s often rather difficult to find drugs you need at a dose you need in foreign countries. Even if you’re travelling to a country similar to your home country (for example Canadian travelling to the US), pack enough of your own medication. You may be surprised how difficult it is to find, let’s say, anti-cholesterol medication in certain areas. Avoid disappointment, avoid holiday illness and make sure you have enough of your own medication to last you your whole trip and over, should there be delays for whatever reason.

Check With Your Travelers’ Clinic

Consult your local Travellers’ Health Clinic and tell them where you’re travelling. They will have up to date information on the location and will inform you on necessary or suggested vaccinations and whatever other precautions you should be aware of. If you’re a Canadian, go to Health Canada website for a Travel Health Clinic near you. If you live in Alberta, you can go directly to Capital Health website.

Traveller’s Anti-Illness Checklist

• Aloe Vera Gel
• Anti-Diarrhea Pills (Ciprofloxacin)
• Anti-Nausea Medication (Dimenhydrinate)
• Band-Aids
• Birth Control
• Condoms
• Eye Drops
• Insect Repellent with DEET
• Mosquito Netting
• Painkillers – Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
• Sunblock with 30 SPF
• Your Prescription Medication

Full Travel Checklist for Perfect Holiday, Camping, Backpacking

Related Reading:
Medical Advice Disclaimer

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