Advice for Travelers to Tropical Countries
Traveling to an exotic tropical locale is extremely attractive and exciting to most of us. But, travel in tropical environments can involve more than just sun and fun. Water and food-borne illnesses can certainly cause extremely undesirable problems that can linger long after the trip is over. Also, the combination of humidity and high temperatures can cause dehydration or heat exhaustion for those not accustomed to extreme weather conditions and sunburn is an ever-present concern. Last but certainly not least, biting bugs and other unsavory characters such as lizards, snakes, and scorpions can find their way into your room at even the most luxurious resort. Luckily, the correct travel gear coupled with a healthy dose of common sense can prevent many of these problems from spoiling your tropical vacation.
Food and Water
The best way to know for sure if the water is safe to drink is to ask local guides who are used to dealing with foreign tourists or the staff of your hotel (assuming that it caters to tourists). Generally, it is safe to eat and drink almost anything (except maybe the tap water) at tourist hotels in major travel destinations such as Veneto Panama in Panama City; however, tourists who will be going off the beaten track and venturing into local restaurants or eating street food will definitely face more risk.
The safety of food and water can vary widely from country to country, and sometimes even within a country. In most major cities the water is drinkable (although extremely sensitive travelers could still become sick). In other places, drinking just one glass of water is a sure way to ruin your trip.
As a rule, thoroughly cooked food is always safer than meats eaten rare or medium rare and travelers should always avoid foods that are room temperature or appear to have been sitting around. Also, any vegetables and fruits without a skin or peel should be avoided (like lettuce) whereas items such as bananas, oranges, and avocados are safe to eat as long as they are not washed after the peel is removed. Bottled water is widely available and you should always opt for that as opposed to water in a glass (or even another beverage with ice). If you do want a soda or juice, choose one that is in a sealed can or bottle.
Weather
It may sound strange to pile on clothing in a hot climate, but long-sleeved shirts and long pants will protect your skin from both sunburn and bugs. Clothing should be light weight for comfort but also lightly colored to reflect the sun. Some specialty companies such as Columbia and ExOfficio offer ventilated clothing and some clothing designed for travel even comes treated with bug repellent (which can last up to 20 washings). Most importantly when in the tropics, wear a hat; hats protect you from overheating as well as from sunburn.
Major health conditions related to weather are dehydration, heat exhaustion (or the more severe heat stroke) and hyponatremia, which occurs when the body sweats so much that its electrolyte balance is compromised and it can no longer process water properly. Periodic snacking of foods containing some salt and sugar can replace some of the electrolytes lost to sweating and electrolyte replacement drinks or athletic drinks can also help prevent or treat dehydration.
Bugs
Insect repellents are must for travel to the tropics. The Anopheles mosquito which transmits malaria is most often active at night, but mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever are active during the day so it’s extremely important to protect yourself at all times. Repellents containing DEET are most effective against biting insects but be careful when applying DEET, as it can eat through some types of synthetic clothing, and even could damage plastic items like watch bands, camera parts, straps and buckles. Unfortunately, even with insect repellent, you are bound to get a bite or two so make sure you bring something for the itch as well.
Some travelers who follow all the rules can still get sick. However, by using common sense and following these basic guidelines, visitors to tropical countries can be pretty sure that they will stay happy and healthy on their tropical holiday.
