As Australians, it’s no secret that we love to explore the world. Whether we book a relaxing getaway, an adventure-seeking experience or a scintillating city escape, there’s no shortage of Aussie travellers visiting different locations across the globe.
However, travelling abroad requires planning to help you get the most out of your overseas experiences while prioritising health and safety.
With this in mind, we wanted to share some important health and safety tips that might be worth considering before and during your international adventure so you can enjoy what matters most while travelling abroad – that euro-beach sun lounge with your name on it!
1. Check Travel Advisories, Health Alerts, and Local Health Risks
Preparation is key! Before you embark on your trip, always check the latest travel advisories and health alerts from the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website. By doing so, you can discover important information about safety conditions, potential health risks, and required vaccinations for your destination.
Additionally, research specific health risks, such as mosquito-borne diseases or pollution levels, which may be prevalent in your destination.
2. Stay Informed About Local Customs and Laws, and Health Guidelines
Understanding local customs and laws can help you avoid unnecessary health risks and legal issues while travelling. Some countries have strict regulations on certain medications, so it’s crucial to ensure that any medication you bring is legal at your destination.
During a recent experience in Southeast Asia, we highlighted the importance of checking local regulations regarding over-the-counter medications, as what is legal in one country might be restricted in another.
3. Get Travel Insurance
According to Smartraveller, travel insurance is as important as your passport. Travel insurance is useful for Australian travellers heading overseas as it may offer financial protection against unforeseen disruptions that could affect your trip.
It’s important to do your research and determine which policy best suits your situation, as well as compare different travel insurance plans to find the cover that will most benefit your travels.
4. Pack a Health Kit and Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Perhaps not the most exciting item in the suitcase, it’s a good idea to prepare a health kit that includes basic medications, first-aid supplies, and any prescription medications you may need. It’s also wise to carry a copy of your prescriptions and medical records in case you need to visit a local doctor.
Keeping a list of emergency contacts, including the local embassy or consulate, local healthcare facilities, and your travel insurance provider is also a good travel tip.
5. Be Mindful of Food and Water Safety
It’s important to be aware of food and water safety in different areas. Some places have different standards than we might be used to in Australia and it’s important to keep this in mind when consuming food and drink.
In Chiang Mai, Thailand, we emphasised selecting food from busy street vendors to ensure freshness and recommended drinking bottled or filtered water to avoid illness.
6. Stay Connected to keep updated
When travelling in unfamiliar destinations having reliable internet access is essential. Not only for keeping in contact with loved ones back home, but also to keep up to date with global news or unfolding events that may impact your travel plans.
While public Wi-Fi may be available having your own internet connection is far more reliable and safer. If you are travelling with a smartphone or tablet device a cost-effective solution is to pre purchase an eSim prior to travel so when you arrive your connected straight away without the need to purchase physical Sim cards at airports.
Often eSim providers have packages for regions such as Asia or Europe that work seamlessly within multiple countries. Not only are these easier than changing Sim cards as you travel to different countries, but they also give peace of mind knowing that you will automatically connect as soon as you land.
To keep your internet access private during your travels especially if you need to connect to public Wi-Fi, it is advisable to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on all devices that have direct internet access.
This ensures your internet connection is protected, and sensitive information cannot be accessed while online especially if you need to access online financial accounts.
While there are free VPN providers that offer basic protection using an established VPN provider such as ExpressVPN will offer you peace of mind knowing your online internet access is private and secure.
7. Stay Alert and Trust Your Instincts
In any situation, your instincts are one of your best tools for staying safe. If something feels off, trust your gut and take action, whether it’s avoiding a certain area, seeking help, or changing your plans. Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert can make a significant difference in staying safe and healthy while travelling.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly enhance your health and safety while travelling abroad.
Remember, preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, enjoy your adventure. Safe travels!
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