Travelling well

Staying healthy while travelling can help to ensure your trip overseas is a happy and enjoyable one. The following information and health tips have been put together to help you have a healthy journey.

Before departure

• If you are prescribed malarial medication, take it as prescribed – prior to leaving, while in risk areas and when you return.
• Purchase and take with you enough medication to cover the length of the trip as it may not be available overseas.
• If your trip will involve increased physical activity such as walking and you do not exercise regularly, gradually build up your fitness (after receiving clearance from your doctor) weeks, or preferably months before you depart.

While flying

• Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing.
• If you’re scuba diving, don't travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
• To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT):
• Drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol and caffeine).
• While seated, stretch your feet and lower legs.
• Walk around the cabin at regular intervals.

While travelling

• Don't over exercise, especially in hot climates.
• Where local tap water is not safe, drink plenty of bottled water (also use this to brush your teeth) and always check the seal on the bottle.
• Avoid ice in cool drinks – freezing preserves germs, it does not kill them.
• Beware of uncooked food including salads and fruit that you cannot peel.
• Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen for sightseeing.

Visit http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/ for more information and handy travel hints.