Tips for Making Trips Easier, Safer and More Fun
Traveling is one of
life’s adventures. Seeing new and exciting destinations,
visiting far-flung family members and relaxing in
the sun are all great reasons to leave home. And mature
travelers often can take advantage of special fares
and discounts -- one of the privileges of age.
Whether your travel plans include flying the friendly
skies, driving cross country in an RV or cruising
the high seas, a little advance planning can make
the trip more pleasant. To help ensure a healthy,
enjoyable, stress-free vacation, Donnica L. Moore,
M.D., a leading health expert, columnist and television
personality, recommends travelers consider the following
tips before leaving home:
* Carry all prescription medications
in your carry-on bag. This way you’ll have them
in the event your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
It’s also a good idea to carry a couple of days
extra supply in case you’re delayed coming back.
Since there are strict laws concerning narcotics throughout
the world, it’s wise to bring along copies of
your prescriptions, which ideally mention the indication
for the drug. This is also helpful in the event that
you lose your medicine and need to replace it while
away from home.
* Keep important medical information
in your wallet, including your insurance company’s
name and address, emergency contact person, blood
type, list of current medications with their generic
names, and a list of any allergies. If you have allergies
to certain medications, food, or insect bites, or
serious medical problems such as diabetes, consider
wearing a medical alert bracelet.
* If you’re traveling
abroad, leave plenty of time to obtain a passport
and to get any necessary immunizations.
* Don’t carry large amounts
of cash. Traveler’s checks are a safer way to
pay, and with ATM machines in just about every corner
of the globe, you’re never far from your bank
account. Check with your bank before you leave regarding
using your ATM card in other countries.
* Pack comfortable clothes and
good walking shoes, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
* Stay well hydrated. It may
be difficult to get enough water, especially on long
fights. Remember to pack additional bottled water
in your carry-on bag.
* Don’t ditch your diet
completely. While it’s O.K. to stray, be sure
to get enough fruits and vegetables, choose whole-grain
breads and nonfat foods when you can. Drink plenty
of water, watch your sodium intake and moderate alcohol
intake.
* Be prepared. Changes in diet
and routine can aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms.
Be sure to pack antacids, antidiarrheal medicines
and a gentle stimulant laxative like Dulcolax to treat
symptoms that may cramp your style.
* Leave your travel itinerary
with a friend, neighbor or family member in case of
emergencies. Ask someone to look in on your house
or apartment from time to time while you’re
gone.
* Most importantly, have fun.
Remember to be safe, be healthy and enjoy your trip.
