Health Advice

      Basic First Aid Travel Kit

      Go Touring recommend taking a basic first aid kit on your travels, so you are prepared for any minor accidents whilst on tour.  Consider including the following items:

      • Painkillers
      • Calamine lotion
      • Insect repellent
      • Plasters
      • Water Sterilisation Tablets
      • Upset stomach medication
      • Antiseptic cream
      • Oral rehydration sachets (ORT)


      Staying Safe in the Sun

      Please do not underestimate the effects of over-exposure to the sun, which can result in sunburn, dehydration and even sunstroke. 

      Go Touring suggests that you try to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm. The safest way to get a suntan is by gradual exposure to the sun. Use sun cream starting with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and apply regularly, especially after swimming, as the reflection from water will increase the chances of burning.

      Whilst out and about in the sun, wear cotton clothing or clothing made of tightly woven fabric, a sun hat and sunglasses and drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration.


      Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

      Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs.  High blood pressure, heart condition, recent surgery, previous occurrence of DVT or a family history of DVT are the main factors which may increase susceptibility to DVT. If you have any concerns, you may wish to seek medical advice from your GP before flying.

      There is only a slight risk of developing DVT whilst flying. However, to reduce the risk of DVT, Go Touring recommends taking the following precautionary measures:

      • Keep moving - light movement, such as wriggling your toes and rotating your ankles regularly, and stretch your legs by taking a short walk out of your seat.
      • Try not to cross your legs when you are sat down.
      • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration.
      • Wear loose clothing.  You can also buy Special DVT socks, which offer graduated compression of the foot, ankle and calf muscle.


      Diarrhoea & Stomach Upsets

      Diarrhoea and stomach upsets often result from contact with contaminated food or water, which can last between 2 and 4 days, longer if more severe.

      If you are unfortunate to suffer whilst on holiday, one of the most important things is to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. We recommend drinking bottled water, flat soft drinks and squash diluted with clean water, weak black tea with sugar and soda water. Eat a bland diet such as bread, rice and biscuits.


      Food

      When travelling to a foreign country, be careful what you eat and drink - contamination can be caused through a variety of reasons.

      If you are unsure about the local water, use bottled water for drinking, cleaning teeth and washing food. Avoid ice in drinks - it may be best to stick to hot tea or coffee, wine, beer, packaged soft drinks or carbonated water.

      When eating out, avoid food which has been kept warm, cold buffets which have been left standing or uncooked or raw foods.  Be careful with fish and shellfish and ice creams from unreliable sources.  It is best to eat freshly cooked, hot food when dining out in a foreign country.

       

      High Altitude

      Altitude sickness can affect anybody, even the fittest of people.  It is caused by the lack of oxygen at high altitudes above sea level.  At altitudes above 9,500 feet, people with normal breathing function may become a little breathless and feel tired and nauseous. If you have  cardiac problems or respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or asthma ,  consult your doctor about possible difficulties.

       

      Insect & Mosquito Bites

      Insect and mosquito bites can be very unpleasant. Take precautions to try and prevent bites by applying mosquito repellant to exposed areas, such as legs, arms and feet.

      You are most likely to be bitten after sunset, so be extra vigilant at this time.  Wear clothing that covers your legs and arms, avoiding darker colours as they attract mosquitoes.  Do not wear perfume, aftershave or hairspray.  Avoid evening walks near rivers and ponds, as this is prime breeding ground for mosquitoes.

      In your accommodation, use a fan or air-conditioning if available.  If you are in a tropical country, it is advisable to sleep under mosquito nets, which have been treated with insecticide and repellant.  Go Touring also recommends checking whether you are visiting a malarial country, as you may need to take anti-malaria medicines.  A useful website to check is www.doh.gov.uk
      Medical Conditions & Medication

      Medical Conditions
      If you have any medical conditions, always carry a written record with you, detailing the medical condition affecting you and the full name(s) of the medication(s) you are taking.

       

      Medication


      Before travelling, please check with the relevant Embassy if there are any restrictions on taking any medication, including prescriptions, abroad. If you are travelling with medication, always carry them in a correctly labelled container. Alternatively, you may take a letter from your doctor or a personal health card with the details of your prescription.

      Please bear in mind that some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries and vice versa.

       

      Travel Sickness

      Travel sickness is thought to be caused by repeated changes in the balance of the inner ear. If you suffer from travel sickness, we recommend eating a light carbohydrate meal before travelling, avoiding greasy food and alcohol.  Anti-motion sickness remedies before travelling may be helpful - please follow the instructions carefully.

      Alternatively, there are a number of natural remedies available such as ginger and peppermint (includes peppermint flavoured sweets).  If possible, ensure there is plenty of fresh air around you.

       

      Walking Information

      If you are planning on any walking or hikes during our holiday, it is important to be prepared.  Footwear is important and hiking boots or shoes are essential. Other necessary items include a waterproof jacket, light rucksack and container for drinks (non-alcoholic).  We also recommend taking sunglasses, a hat and sun cream to protect yourself from over-exposure to the sun.  Wear appropriate, comfortable clothing.