Health and Safety

Travel Insurance – Insurance is essential. Make sure you have travel insurance to cover you for any personal losses or medical expenses. If you are intending to take adventurous activities, make sure you check the details of your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for such activities. Talk to your travel agent about obtaining travel insurance that suits your needs.
Personal safety – Travel with a partner or group. If you are travelling alone, remember to inform family and friends of your travel itinerary and keep in touch regularly.
Personal belongings – Never leave your valuables unattended. Always place your valuables such as passport, money and travel documents in a secure place.
Health check-up and vaccinations – Check with your doctor if there are any medical concerns before you travel. You may require vaccinations when you travel to some countries. Keeping fit and healthy will allow you to enjoy your travel experience with good memories. Visit www.thetraveldoctor.com.au for further information on healthy travel.
Eating and drinking – Be aware of the types of food you are able to consume. Avoid certain foods that can potentially cause you to be ill. In some countries, certain meats can cause sickness (Bird flu, diarrhoea etc). Uncooked foods can contain germs that cause you to be ill. Ensure that the drinking water is safe. Bottled water is always recommended. Be cautious of drink spiking.

Preset your biological clock five days before you leave. If flying east, try to go to sleep and arise earlier each day, if flying west, stay up and get up later

As soon as you board, change your watch to the present time at your destination and try to eat and sleep by that time.

Drink lots of fluids to fight dehydration which can retard the process of resychronization.

Avoid alcohol, which is more potent at higher altitudes, as it accelerates dehydration and disrupts REM sleep.

Adjust to your destination time ASAP - getting out in the sunlight will help reset your body clock.