When traveling, it is common to encounter various health issues. These may include stomach discomfort from trying unfamiliar foods, mosquito bites, adapting to different climates, and difficulty finding familiar products in remote areas. To be prepared, it is helpful to have a few alternative solutions and essential items packed for such situations.
Antacid
When traveling to new countries, it is common to try unfamiliar cuisines and eat foods that may be unfamiliar or have unknown ingredients. This can lead to stomach acidity, heartburn, or indigestion, even for those with strong stomachs. It is advisable for travelers to pack a small supply of antacids or similar medications from home. Alternatively, these can often be purchased from local corner stores, especially in popular tourist areas.
If you don't have any baking soda at home and can't find any in your current area, baking soda can be a helpful remedy to make you feel better.
Itchy Mosquito Bites
When traveling, it is common for travelers to get bitten by mosquitos and other insects. This is because spending many hours outside, walking around sites, and participating in adventure activities puts you at a higher risk of insect bites compared to being at home or in the office.
One effective way to alleviate the itchiness caused by insect bites is by creating a paste using baking soda and water. Applying this mixture onto the affected area can provide relief and soothe your skin.
First Aid Kit
When travelling, it is beneficial to have a small custom-made first aid kit with you. This kit should include essential items such as bandages or band-aids, hand sanitiser, Detail, tea tree oil, charcoal tablets, and an asthma puffer. Additionally, if you regularly take prescription medicines, it is important to include them in the kit as well. By organizing these items in a zip lock pouch or bag, the kit will take up minimal space in your backpack while still being readily available and useful during your journey.
When preparing for travel, it's important to have a well-stocked travel pack. Some essential items to include are a toothbrush, face wipes, bandaids, alcohol wipes, plane socks, an eye mask, lip balm, probiotics, charcoal tablets, and more. These items will help ensure a comfortable and prepared journey.
Colds and Headaches
When you're feeling under the weather, a popular and natural remedy is a mixture of honey and lemon tea. This traditional remedy is known for its effectiveness in relieving symptoms of stuffy noses and sore throats. Additionally, garlic is another food that can help combat colds and fight harmful bacteria. Incorporating garlic into your diet or consuming it crushed can naturally aid in fighting off sickness.
Upset Stomach
Travelling often involves trying new foods and dining out in various places, which can expose you to different hygiene standards and unfamiliar water sources. As a result, it's common for travellers to experience stomach discomfort. To address this issue, charcoal tablets can be highly effective as they absorb toxins in the stomach. Personally, I have found these tablets to be a reliable solution for resolving stomach issues during my travels.
If you tend to experience motion sickness, such as car sickness, seasickness, or bus sickness, in your home country, it is important to be aware that you may encounter this discomfort more frequently when traveling. This is because transportation methods such as boats, cars, and buses are commonly used to navigate through various areas of a country.
Ginger is widely recognized for its ability to alleviate nausea. It can be consumed in various forms, including dried ginger, ginger tea, ginger chews, and fresh ginger. Peppermint tea is another herbal option that can help soothe the digestive system and promote relaxation.
Including ginger chews and tea bags in your custom first aid kit is a convenient way to have them handy while on-the-go. These items can be easily packed and stored in small zip-lock plastic bags, ensuring they stay fresh and accessible.
When packing your backpack, it's important to consider the possibility of finding yourself in remote areas in foreign lands where language barriers and lack of stores can be challenging. In such situations, having a well-prepared mini custom first aid kit or hidden ginger chews can provide peace of mind. Instead of stressing and searching unfamiliar streets for health items that may not be available, you can relax and rely on your prepared supplies.
Take a look at Mind Green Body for health inspiration and natural products.
