Travel Planning

Illness from food-borne diseases, insect-borne diseases or human-to-human contact can be a real risk when travelling, especially in countries where such diseases are known to exist, where hygiene practices may be poor and where access to medical care may be limited.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Check that your childhood immunisations and boosters are up-to-date, even as an adult, because diseases like measles and whooping cough are more common in countries where childhood vaccination is not well coordinated
• Consult a specialist Travel Medicine GP for health advice and vaccinations specific to the areas you are travelling to and activities you are planning to participate in
• Learn some basic first aid and illness prevention strategies and consider getting a travel first aid kit specific to your destination – your Travel Medicine GP can advise you on all these things

WHILE TRAVELLING

• Practise safe hygiene habits to avoid food-borne illness such as Traveller’s Diarrhoea and know how to self-treat if you do become unwell
• Protect yourself from biting insects, such as mosquitos, sandflies and ticks, which can carry diseases like Malaria, Dengue Fever, Encephalitis, and Zika Virus
• Avoid contact with local animals, especially stray dogs and cats, monkeys and bats, which may carry Rabies and know what to do if you are bitten
• Be aware of the risks of swimming or wading in local freshwater streams, rivers and lakes that may carry parasites and floodwaters that may carry disease.

Serious injury most commonly occurs from road traffic accidents (as a pedestrian, passenger in a vehicle or driver of a vehicle), water activities and interpersonal violence (such as muggings and fights).

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Road traffic accidents account for one of the most frequent causes of death or injury to travellers, especially in developing countries where road conditions and driving practises may be poor.

• Follow common-sense road-safety practises – wear a seat belt, don’t drink and drive…
• If you are renting a vehicle be sure to check the condition of the tyres, headlights, seatbelts and brakes
• Make yourself familiar with the road rules of the country you are travelling to, including any informal rules used by local drivers
• Be extra cautious in countries where the traffic drives on the opposite side of the road – this can be a real risk as a pedestrian if you fail to look in the right direction before stepping out onto the road
• The risk of injury is significantly increased if riding a motorbike, moped or bicycle. If you do choose to ride a motorbike, moped or bicycle wear a helmet and suitable clothing, including sturdy shoes, to protect yourself as much as possible

WATER ACTIVITY ACCIDENTS

Water activities can also present a risk of drowning or injury, but can be avoided:

• Follow advice about tides, currents and the presence of dangerous marine life, such as box jellyfish (Irukandji) which can be deadly
• Be careful around coral areas – cuts and scratches from coral can result in serious infection – avoiding contact with coral will protect you and the marine environment – the perfect win-win!
• Sunburn is a risk anytime you are in the sun but around coastal beach areas UV reflection from the sand and water intensifies the risk of burn. To be safe, be sun smart!
• Don’t mix alcohol or drugs with water activities
• Check for submerged objects before jumping into any body of water, especially if the water is murky
• Wear a lifejacket when participating in deep water activities, and always for children
• Watch children at all times – drowning can occur in even very shallow water
• Keep hair away from suction inlets in spas and pools

INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE

Interpersonal violence is a significant risk in some countries due to theft, mugging, escalated arguments and alcohol-fuelled fights.

• Be alert to the possibility of muggings during the day as well as at night
• Keep jewellery, cameras, handbags and other items of value out of sight or well secured
• Avoid isolated and remote areas, especially at night
• Use taxis from authorised ranks only
• If you are driving a vehicle be aware of the potential for car hijacking – lock doors and windows, be vigilant when stopped at lights or in traffic and avoid driving at night

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or you are pregnant, you may need to take some additional precautions when travelling overseas – some airlines require documentation of your condition and certification that you are safe to fly.

Taking Medication With You

If you take regular medication carry this in your hand luggage and take a letter from your regular GP certifying your need for the medication and any associated medical equipment, such as syringes. If possible carry as much medication as you will need for the duration of your trip in case it is not available overseas.

Your Health History

Consider carrying a basic health summary (you can get this from your regular GP practice) showing information such as allergies, medications, and significant past medical history. Keep one in your hand luggage and one in your suitcase.

Mental Health

Travel can be exciting and fun but it can also be stressful. All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health changes such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and changes in behaviour. Alcohol and drugs (prescribed or illicit) can lead to mental health changes. Travellers with pre-existing Mental Health conditions should consult their usual GP before travel and check that travel insurance covers mental health care received abroad.

Yellow Fever Certification

If you are travelling to or from a Yellow Fever area be sure to carry your certificate showing vaccination.

Allergies

If you have potentially dangerous allergies or a significant illness consider wearing an Alert bracelet or using an allergy app on your phone that can show your allergies in various languages.

Travel Insurance

Remember that Medicare does not cover you while you are overseas so private travel insurance is highly recommended. Make sure you understand what your travel insurance covers and match it with the risks you may be exposed to.

Give Someone Your Plans

Consider registering your travel plans on the smartraveller.gov.au website or at least give a detailed copy of your plans and contact details to a trusted family member, friend or work colleague.

If you become unwell or suffer an injury while travelling and you need medical assistance you can contact your Travel Insurer’s assistance centre for advice on what to do and where to seek help. Most insurance companies offer a 24-hour emergency assistance call centre – be sure to carry the number with you. If you do not have insurance or you cannot contact your insurance provider, you can visit or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for advice on local medical centres (during business hours only). For 24-hour advice the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra can be contacted anytime on +61-2-6261-3305. In a medical emergency seek local help immediately and contact your Travel Insurer or Consulate for further advice and assistance.