No one likes to study. But here’s a class you’ll want to pass with flying colors: Knowing your Destination Country 101. By the end, you’ll feel like a native, with information to help you tackle your assignment safely and successfully … no matter where your travels take you.
Ready to start cramming? Here you go:
Assignment #1: convert currency
Money, money, money. No matter where you go, you need it. And it’s a good idea to know the exchange rate – and where to go to exchange it — before you travel. This can help you stretch your travel dollars to the maximum, while also stretching your safety. Some tips:
- Exchange just enough cash to cover your travel expenses. In most countries, you must transfer unspent money into your own currency, so you could face a loss.
- Avoid hotels and airports for money exchange. You can get the best rates at banks in town.
- Try to exchange cash over traveler’s checks. Usually you’ll get the best rate this way, since the checks come with a commission fee.
It’s easy to know the exchange rate before you go. Tools found on sites like Bloomberg.com, RatesFX.com, GoCurrency.com and Expedia.co.uk make it easy.
Assignment #2: learn the lingo
Every country has different nuances to its language — even if it’s a language you already understand. But when it comes to your health, knowing those unique differences is critical.
Imagine you’re in a Bolivian hospital, and you can’t articulate a condition widely known in the U.S. as “hay fever” to your treating physician. Or maybe you’d like to refill your prescription, but the pharmacy doesn’t know of a foreign equivalent for it. There are plenty of tools to get up to speed.
Just stop by the secure AGB member website to check out our translation databases. You can find out the name of your prescription in another country, get medical translations for various conditions and much more.
Assignment #3: know the 3 “R”s of immunizations
Don’t let a fear of needles keep you from asking the right questions — and getting the right immunizations. Before you take flight, get in the know about any vaccinations you need, whether they are routine, recommended or required.
- Routine: Many diseases are still common in many parts of the world — even if non-existent in your own. To stay safe, visit your doctor or check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to find immunization schedules for adults, young children and infants.
- Recommended: The experts recommend other vaccines to protect you from illnesses in other parts of the world and prevent the spread of infections across international borders. Which ones you need depend on where and whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status and previous immunizations. Get up to speed at the Destinations page on the CDC website.
- Required: Some vaccines are required for entry into certain countries. At present, they are:
- Yellow fever vaccination: This vaccine is for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan African and tropical South America. Find country-by-country recommendations and certificate information if you’re planning a trip to this region.
- Meningococcal vaccination: This vaccine is for annual travel to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj. If you’re planning travel to this country, be sure to look up government requirements and disease information before you go.
Remember — it’s important to schedule a visit four to six weeks before your trip. Some vaccines take days, even weeks, to become effective.
Assignment #4: know where to go to in emergency
The first step in dealing with an emergency situation is taking precautionary steps before you go on assignment. During times of emergency, the AGB member website can feel like your best friend. You can find details on:
- International health risks
- Weather warnings
- Status of telecommunications system
- Crime and terrorism risk
- Political system
- Police presence
- And much more
Remember — you should always brush up on any security precautions or restrictions before you travel, even if it means delaying or cancelling your plans.
Handwashing 101
Here’s one more class to guarantee your safety: Handwashing 101. Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs and infection — a biggie when you’re traveling internationally. But do you know the proper way to get rid of those little critters? Follow these five steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, warm running water and apply soap.
- Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces. Continue for 15-20 seconds.
- Rinse hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
- If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
|
Get an A+ on your assignment. Prepare ahead!
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters Part V: Money Matters & Personal Safety. Available at http://toolkit.bootsnall.com/. Accessed May 8, 2009.
Vaccinations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov.
Destinations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov.
Prevention of Infectious Diseases: Yellow Fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov.
Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travel to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj: Information for U.S. Travelers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov.
Prevention of Specific Infectious Diseases: Meningococcal Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov.
Wash your hands. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 11, 2009. Available at www.cdc.gov. |
