Keeping Healthy

When planning your gap year make your health and well being part of your planning. Depending on where you decide to travel you may require vaccinations. Give yourself plenty of time to get vaccinated, as some may need time to become effective. Speak with your doctor at the earliest opportunity who will draw up a schedule of when you need your vaccinations.

Although space in your backpack will be limited, but try and make room for a basic first aid kit. Items should include things such as:

Medicine for upset stomachs including diarrhea such as Pepto Imodium and antacids.
Pain relieve such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Antibiotic ointments like Neosporin, plasters, lip balm and mosquito repellant.
Pocket scissors and a thermometer.

If you take prescription medicines, make sure you pack a sufficient supply, and keep them in their original containers. If you require any more whilst abroad carry copies of all your prescriptions. Some brands may be unavailable, so ask you doctor which substitutions are suitable.

When eating abroad always try new things but take care. Depending on the countries you are visiting avoid unpeeled fruits and vegetables, if it’s cooked, boiled or peeled, it’s usually safe to eat. Avoid ice in your drinks and any drink that may have been made up with tap water. Sticking to bottled water whenever you can is a safe bet. If you don’t have any bottled water, boil the tap water first and allow to cool.

The one thing you must not forget is your travel insurance. With a wide variety of insurance policies on the market, check what you are covered for. Some policies have exclusion for dangerous activities such as scuba and skydiving. Buy a policy that includes hospital fees and flights home if you become ill abroad. Otherwise you could be charged thousands in fees to cover your costs.

For more information on Vaccinations and Health please review our Health Section under travel advice.