What you need to know about travelling safely
Ensure that your next trip doesn't turn into a tragedy by taking these important factors into account.
Travelling to a place you have never been to? Do you know what to expect and are you planning accordingly? ER24 urges travellers to research areas which they plan on visiting well in advance to ensure safety and health.
Dr Rolf Verster, a general and occupational health practitioner who also operates a travel clinic and travel health consultancy at Mediclinic Sandton, said travel, whether international or local, is not without risks.
Also read: Plan early for your next holiday
According to Verster, an easy way to remember the types of risks you could be exposed to, is the rule of “six I’s” which is as follows:
Insects
Often, travelling to unfamiliar surroundings involves exposure to insects that can cause or carry disease. Mosquitos transmit malaria, Zika, dengue and chikungunya fever. Ticks carry a host of spotted and haemorrhagic fevers as well as encephalitis. Flies transmit disease via food but can also bite and on occasion, lay eggs under the skin.
Ingestions
Food and water are essential, but are also a source of waterborne diseases. Unsanitary conditions and poor hygiene practices predispose to travellers’ diarrhoea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever and cholera. Numerous developing countries harbour so-called “superbugs” with limited antibiotic sensitivity.
Injuries
Injuries abroad frequently occur when travellers throw caution to the wind while engaging in adventure sports or unusual activities. A typical example is when an inexperienced biker/scooter rider explores unfamiliar roads without crash helmets. Eighteen to 24% of deaths among travellers to foreign countries are caused by injury.
Irresponsibility
Travellers engage in a variety of risky behaviours while travelling. This includes adventure activities, decreased use of a seatbelt, illegal drug use and sexual indiscretion. More often than not, these activities would never even be considered within the safety of the home environment.
Read more: What to do if you are a victim of holiday fraud and how to avoid it
Immersion
Drowning cases feature far too often while abroad. Swimming in unfamiliar waters, associated alcohol use and adventure activities are the main contributors. Children left unattended are sadly part of this group. It is estimated that over 300 000 people die from drowning every year. Remember to assess the cleanliness and state of the water before taking a dip. Numerous creatures, germs and parasites lurk within.
Insurance
The cost of medical services abroad, especially hospitalisation, can run into millions of rand. Do not assume that your travel insurance which is included in your credit card payment will be sufficient for your travel needs. Analyse your family’s needs critically and purchase top-up insurance as deemed necessary.
Also read: Avoid becoming a victim of holiday crime
“Before you travel, consider and assess the risks one may encounter. While away, be responsible, aware and take logical precautions in order to make your trip a pleasure and not a disaster,” said Verster.
