According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is on the rise worldwide. Current statistics show a five per cent rise in travel despite current health and safety concerns among travels. There could be a number of reasons that travelers are currently setting aside their concerns, but the overarching reason seems to be the preparedness. More and more travelers are simply taking that trip or vacation because they have included precautions in their travel plans and learned some basic survival skills. These precautions, take into consideration two elements: health and safety. By improving your survival skills for a big trip, you can at least enjoy your travels in a more relaxed and carefree manner. Below is your simple survival guide to master as a world traveler.
Research Your Destination
Research is important, even if you are already familiar with the area that you will be visiting. Even if you have traveled there before, you may still be exposed to health threats not found at home. You can find out about the health threats at your destination by visiting the websites of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
If you’re planning on camping outdoors, you should be careful as to where you set up your camping location. Be aware of where all paths are and where you can find water. Scout the area for any hazards. Also, take a look at the ground where you will be setting up your tent. One thing you don’t want to happen is realizing that you’ve put the tent right on top of an ant hill!
Also, make sure you check the weather forecast before you go. The weather forecast is not always 100% accurate and conditions can change dramatically within just an hour. But looking at the forecast ahead of time will give you an idea of what you can expect. Even though being aware of the weather seems like a really common precaution to take, many people neglect to do so. It will let you prepare better by bringing the right equipment with you.
Make sure you are bringing the right gear with you
To master as a world traveler you need to gain all basic survival skills to have a safe and enjoyable camping trip, and bringing the proper gear with you is a definite must-learn skill. Don’t forget to have a change of clothing, the right sleeping bag, matches, flashlights and batteries, etc.
If you want to be safe wherever you are, and that includes knowing how to build a shelter in case you get lost and need to spend an unplanned night in the wilderness, you will definitely need the best camping hatchet you can get your hands on.
If you’re going to be fishing during your camping trip, check your fishing gear beforehand to ensure that you’re bringing everything that you need.
A small first aid kit is also a good thing to bring when you’re out exploring the great outdoors. Every world traveler’s first aid kit should include a variety of sizes of bandages and gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, alcohol wipes, hydrogen peroxide, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, insect bite treatment and antibiotic ointment.
Non-Conventional Items for a Travel Emergency
The best way to keep yourself healthy and safe during your travels is to always keep your essentials with you. According to LewRockwell, the essentials that you should be taking with you are items that are not conventionally mentioned, but that could prove to be quite useful. When you travel, it is advised that you take with you items like a bandanna scarf for wounds, duct tape to hold a splint in place, power bars for energy, tea bags to reduce inflammation, a Swiss army knife in case you’ll need to improvise and plastic bags to cover a wound. These items can fit into a small tote bag in your car or suitcase in case of medical emergencies. The items, especially come in handy when you are walking around in a remote area or if you are hiking and there is no medical professional in the vicinity.
Visit a Travel Clinic
Aside from having useful items at hand for your health and safety, you should also consider visiting a travel clinic. Travel clinics are run by medical doctors and staff. Their goal it to make sure that your travel health needs are met before your trip. According to Travel Doctors, travel clinics are able to provide you with a detailed and updated letter of recommendation regarding immunizations and other health related concerns. This letter is based upon your exact destination and the activities that you may partake in during your trip.
Also, before traveling, it is a good idea to see a doctor who is experienced in travel medicine. They will provide you with more information on which medications to take with you as well as how to take them. Additionally, they can advise you on which shots to get before visiting your destination. Your routine vaccinations should be up to date before you leave.
A primary care physician may be able to meet the health needs of their traveling patients, but one who specializes in travel medicine may be even better prepared. Because the needs of travelers are constantly changing and each itinerary is unique, a travel clinic may be better able to provide you with the health and safety services you need before your trip.
Think of Your Safety
Having emergency safety items with you and checking-in with a travel clinic can help you rest easy about your health. The next point of importance is your safety. To ensure that your travels are as safe as possible, there are a few precautions that you can take. For safe travels, make sure to learn about the laws and customs of your destination and also plan to utilize travelers insurance. Knowing the laws and customs can help you keep yourself safe in an emergency while travelers insurance can reduce your financial burden if a medical issue does arise.
Overall, your health and safety are two things that you should never compromise on. These two things are extremely important to consider when you travel because they can have a long lasting impact on you upon your return home. Taking the above steps are sure ways to gain survival skills to master as a world traveler, and happy during your next big trip.