Embarking on a gap year adventure is an exciting milestone. Exploring new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and experiencing the world beyond your comfort zone is invaluable. However, it’s crucial to prioritise your health while travelling. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you stay healthy and make the most of your gap year journey.
If you have any underlying conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, it is always a good idea to get yourself checked before embarking on a trip lasting more than a month. You may need to discuss any prescriptions that you might need, as it is common to only be dispensed a month’s supply of medication.
Females may want to bring forward any cervical screening that is due when they are travelling and discuss contraceptive medication with the practice nurse.
Dental checkups should be booked before the trip to ensure good dental health. Visiting dentists abroad can be expensive and pose a high risk of infection.
Investing in a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers health emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations is essential. Be sure to double-check and make sure it includes provisions for medical evacuation, as that can be pretty costly.
A common mistake that gap year travellers make is travelling on their parent’s family travel insurance. If you are planning to do this, check that your parents do not need to be with you when you need the insurance. Most family travel insurance packages state that the policyholder needs to be present on the trip.
Along with travel insurance, you should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC); this helps you access state healthcare at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free in some countries.
As mentioned earlier, you must ensure that you bring enough prescription medications for your trip. Also, pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any other personal health items you might need.
When travelling off the beacon track on your gap year, you may be unable to source plaster, painkillers, etc., as quickly as you can in the UK. If you need to visit a medical facility, they may be using their low stock of resources on you that could be used on the local patients. We should consider our impact on the country we travel to if we become unwell. Keeping your first aid kit stocked up with items you can use in an emergency reduces your impact on your host country.
Your first aid kit should contain sterile needles, syringes, and a suture kit. This will protect you against blood-borne diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, that can be transmitted by hospitals using contaminated instruments.
Once you have decided on your departure date and destination, the next thing on your list should be to book a consultation with a Travel Health Specialist. Your practice nurse should be able to inform you about what vaccinations you may need for your trip. A lot of the Practice nurses, though, may not have enough time to go through all the countries you may be visiting in one sitting. Also, if your practice is busy, you may have to wait for an appointment with the nurse.
If you book a consultation early, you can easily budget for your vaccinations. Many vaccines for long-term travellers require 2 – 3 doses to complete a course over a month. If you have started these early enough, you could budget for a course of vaccines, one or two a month.
You can get vaccines for free at the GPs, and if you have already travelled, you may only need a booster rather than the whole course.
Fit for Travel is a good resource to start researching what vaccines you may need. You can also look at malaria maps to check if your destinations are at high risk of malaria.
Malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus are prevalent in certain areas. Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets if necessary.
Engaging in activities like getting tattoos, body piercings, using illegal drugs, and having unprotected sex can expose you to serious illnesses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. If you’re considering getting tattoos or piercings abroad, ensure that sterile, single-use needles are used and properly disposed of after each procedure. Be aware that safety standards may differ from those in the UK.
Avoid touching, petting, or feeding wild or domestic animals, as small mammals may carry the rabies virus. If you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with animal saliva, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water and seek urgent medical attention.
Always carry your own condoms and practice safer sex. If you suspect you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), get screened as soon as possible.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing light, loose-fitting clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Apply a high-factor sunscreen (at least SPF 30 with a UVA rating of 4/5 stars) frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.
Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) can affect 85% of travellers. This is due to a few factors such as different food and water, not washing fruit and veg adequately, and drinking the local water. Taking precautions with your food and water can reduce the risk of this annoying illness. Including anti-diarrhoeal medication, Imodium®, and electrolyte replacements, Dioraylte®, in your first aid kit will help you get through a bout of TD.
It is never too late to book a consultation with a Travel Health Nurse to discuss your options for last-minute vaccinations. We can advise you on more than just vaccines.
While trying local cuisines is one of the joys of travelling, be cautious about food hygiene. Eat at reputable places and avoid street food unless you know the vendor’s cleanliness. Opt for cooked food over raw, and peel fruits and vegetables before eating.
In many parts of the world, tap water is unsafe to drink. Stick to bottled or purified water, and avoid ice cubes in your drinks unless you know they are made from safe water. Also, use bottled water to brush your teeth and shut your mouth in the shower ( harder than you think!).
Please be mindful of how much alcohol you consume, and avoid purchasing alcohol from unlicensed vendors. Never accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended, as there are cases of fake alcohol being sold in some countries, which can lead to severe or even fatal poisoning. It’s essential to recognise the signs of alcohol poisoning and know what to do in such situations. Quick action could save a life. For more information about methanol poisoning, visit ‘Know what is in your drink?’ Also, keep in mind that alcohol reduces inhibitions and can increase the likelihood of accidents or risky behaviour. Never drink and drive or swim after consuming alcohol.
Carry hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content and use it frequently, especially before eating or touching your face. Wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible.
Stay fresh by showering regularly, especially in hot and humid climates. If you’re travelling for an extended period, learn how to do your laundry or find local laundromats.
Stay current with local news and weather conditions in your travel destinations. Register with your embassy if necessary, and know the location of the nearest hospitals or medical facilities.
Check out the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for advice on safety and security issues, entry requirements and travel warnings for your destination.
Use money belts or hidden pouches to keep your valuables safe. Be cautious with your belongings in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing.
If travelling alone, share your itinerary with someone you trust. Avoid venturing into unfamiliar areas at night, and be mindful of local customs and dress codes.
Remember to be careful around balconies and water. Never dive into a swimming pool from a balcony. Follow local advice about tides and avoid swimming alone. Always wear a helmet when riding a horse, bicycle, or motorbike/moped. Also, it’s best to avoid driving at night.
Travelling for the first time can be daunting and exciting. The culture will be different, you may not know the language, and travelling alone can quickly make you homesick.
Travelling can sometimes be lonely. To stay in touch with family and friends back home, use social media or messaging apps or make regular phone calls.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of travelling, relax and reflect. Practice mindfulness, meditate, or engage in activities that bring you joy. Journal your adventures.
If travelling with friends, ensure you are all doing activities you all want to do. Do not feel pressured to do something you do not want to do. Stick together, share your location, and always arrange a time to meet back up.
If you experience anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Many countries have resources for travellers needing psychological support.
In conclusion, embarking on a gap year journey is an exhilarating and transformative experience, filled with opportunities to explore new cultures, meet diverse people, and step out of your comfort zone. However, maintaining your health and safety is paramount to thoroughly enjoying this adventure. You can ensure a healthy and memorable gap year by thoroughly preparing before departure, staying informed about necessary vaccinations and health precautions, and practising safe habits during your travels. Prioritising your well-being allows you to make the most of this unique time, embracing every moment and returning home with cherished memories and invaluable life experiences. Happy and safe travels!
Speak with us, and we can get you started on your Travel Health Preps!
Malaria: 10 common questions we get asked about Malaria | Travel Jab Guru
International Volunteer | Travel Jab Guru
How to Avoid Insect Bites | Travel Jab Guru
Before You Travel – Fit for Travel
NaTHNaC – Summer travel: advice for students and young holidaymakers (travelhealthpro.org.uk)
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