Try to take nonstop flights. The fewer connections, the less likely you are to crash. Most crashes happen during takeoff or landings. Odds of survival are higher sitting in the back.
Muggers
Do not fight or argue over material objects, give them to them. It's not worth your life. If it is clear they are going to hurt you, then aim to do severe damage and disable in one blow.
- Poke them as hard as you can in the eyes.
- Hit or squeeze their balls if it's a male.
- Elbow them to the ribs.
- Drive your knee into their groin.
- Strike their throat with a chopping motion or punching them in the throat.
- If you have a key or a stick, aim for the eyes. Hold the key between your fingers and punch their face.
Scorpion Sting
Try to remain calm. Apply heat or cold packs for pain relief. Scorpions are typically not deadly. A tournakit can cause more harm. Don't cut and suck the wound, that will spread the venom. Scorpions like to seek refuge in shoes, towels, or linens.
How to remove a leech
Don't burn, squeeze, or salting, insect repellant, etc. This will only cause regurgitation which will cause them to give you an infection. Look for the smaller part of the leech and slide your nail sideways under its mouth and flick the leech off. Leeches hang out in shallow water and can sense heat and vibrations.
Taxi
Here is what to do to avoid being kidnapped or having your items stolen in a taxi. Always place your bags in your lap and on the seats next to you. When you arrive, open the door, put your bags on the ground on the side of the car, then step out of the taxi to pay him/her. If you have someone with you as a spouse have them do the same on the opposite side of the car, so you're both stepping out at the same time. If you step out and wait for the second person to get out, you risk the taxi driving off with your partner. If you don't have room and have to place them in the back, then have the driver get off to open and unload your bags for you. These days Uber or Lyft is much safer than taxis anywhere in the world since the drivers are pre-vetted and if you forget something in the taxi, you can just contact them through the app and recover your belongings. It also helps you avoid price gouging. In some countries riding a taxi can be dangerous, so if you have to use a taxi at times its best to have your hotel order you a taxi. This often costs more than usual, but you’ll usually get something safer.
Hiding places for money
Bras with removable pads and tampon tubes are good places to hide money. Because people tend to stay away from personal items when they search or steal from you.
Expensive equipment
If you have cameras, laptops, etc. use kids backpacks and diaper bags to carry them for travel safety. No one will think to steal them. The fancy bags attract attention and advertise that you have something expensive in there. Make your luggage look specific. Tie colored bands to it, so that when you go to baggage claim, you can spot your luggage easily. As a backup, I recommend taking pictures of your luggage and your items so you can show the pics to someone in case you lose them. Packing clothes in ziplock bags can also help to prevent wrinkles.
False wallet
Wrap your wallet with a rubber band so you can feel if someone is trying to pull it out of your pocket. Carry it sideways instead of up and down, that makes it harder to pull it out of your wallet. Use this wallet for daily expenses in case you get robbed.
Before a trip medical examination
For 19-39-year-olds, have a physical every 2-3 years. After 40, check-ups should include an eye examination, blood pressure, head, neck, heart, abdomen, peripheral pulses, reflexes, and nervous system. Women should have a Pap smear, and both men and women should have rectal exams. Routine blood tests should include a cholesterol, urine, and blood sugar test. Stool tests are done as needed. Colonoscopy should be done every 5-10 years for people over 50. ECG is recommended for people over 45 years old. Chest X-ray is done depending on the past medical history of tuberculosis and or smoking. Mammograms should be done every 1-2 years for women over 40.
Medical examinations after a trip are not necessary unless you have symptoms of fever, jaundice, diarrhea, skin disorders, genital disorders or persistent cough. All of these can be caused by a variety of ailments including malaria, tuberculosis, filariasis, hepatitis, typhoid, parasites, typhus, trachoma, trypanosomiasis, and sexually transmitted diseases. Early detection and treatment of these disorders can prevent long-term complications.
Medical kit
Should include all prescribed medications, paracetamol and acetaminophen for fevers, aspirin although some people are allergic to it. Diarrhea medications include charcoal tablets, Kaopectate, kaolin, and Pepto-Bismol. Lomotil and Imodium are strong and can provide immediate relief, but should not be used if you have blood in your stools or fever, and should be discontinued after 48 hours of use. Take oral hydration packets and lots of water to avoid dehydration as a result of diarrhea. Travelers with more severe symptoms of diarrhea as in 3 or more loose stools in 8 hours may be for from an antibiotic treatment such as Bactrim, Ciprobay, Lexinor, and/or Vibramycin. Vibramycin, aka Doxycycline, should not be taken by pregnant women or children under 10 years old. As always, a doctor should be consulted if symptoms persist. Antihistamines and decongestants are useful to carry in case of sinusitis or respiratory infections (cold or flu) symptoms. A tube of antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes which can quickly become infected Sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lip protection. Mosquito repellent containing at least 30 percent Deet. Spray clothing with Permethrin. A daily multivitamin is useful in case your diet becomes unbalanced. For motion sickness bring Dramamine.
Heat and its harmful effects
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke which can have long term health effects. A heat rash is a skin rash that occurs when sweat ducts trap perspiration under the skin. Sunburn is also a result of excessive heat exposure.
How to find doctors when you need them
- Hotel doctors. Many will visit you in your room.
- Embassy referrals. Many will speak your language.
- Travel information organizations such as travel agencies.
- International travel assistance. A list of doctors usually provided by your travel health insurance company.
I talk more in-depth of travel issues in my Amazon Book. Check it out here.