Travel Gear, Accessories for Tropical Trips
Equipment and Advice for Tropical Vacations and Adventures
Oct 31, 2009
A tropical holiday – a Caribbean vacation, a trip to Hawaii, or an African safari – sounds attractive during a gray northern winter. But travel in tropical and subtropical environments can involve more than just sun and fun: the combination of humidity and high temperatures can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion in travelers not accustomed to the climate. Sunburn is an ever-present danger. Bugs and other invited guests such as lizards, snakes, and scorpions can find their way into even a luxury resort l room. And water and food-borne illnesses such as traveler's tummy and Giardia can cause problems that linger long after the trip.
Weather Protection in Tropical Environments
It may sound counter-intuitive to pile on the clothing in a hot environment, but long-sleeved shirts and long pants protect skin from sunburn and bugs. Clothing should be light colored (to reflect the sun) and light weight (for both convenience and comfort). Ventilated clothing made by companies such as Columbia and ExOfficio is available on-line or from specialty outfitters such as R.E.I., E.M.S. or Cabela's. Some clothing designed for adventure travel even comes treated with bug repellent (which usually lasts about 20 washings).
Health conditions related to weather are dehydration, overheating (either heat exhaustion, or, even more dangerously, heat stroke), and a condition called hyponatremia, which occurs when the body sweats so much that its electrolyte balance is compromised and the victim can no longer process water properly. Periodic snacking of foods containing some salt and sugar helps replace electrolytes lost to sweating, Powdered electrolyte replacement drinks or athletic drinks such as Gatorade can also help prevent or treat dehydration.
Almost every outdoorsperson knows the old rule "if your feet are cold, put on a hat." In the tropics, hats protect people from overheating and sunburn, especially people with dark hair or no hair. A light rain jacket is a good idea for adventurous activities such as a night-time safari, a ride in a high speed boat, or an early morning hot-air balloon ride.
Bug Protection in the Tropics
Insect repellents are must in the tropics. The Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria, is most often active and night, but mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever (common in developing tropical countries) are active during the day. Studies consistently show that repellents containing DEET are most effective against biting insects. But be careful when applying DEET, as it can eat through synthetic clothing, and even damage plastic (watch bands, camera parts, and straps and buckles.) Buy insect repellent at home; it is much more expensive (assuming it is even available) in the bush developing countries.
Bring something for the itch! Some travelers swear by Benadryl; others prefer Hydrocortisone. Some local remedies are also effective, such as aloe, but there is no guarantee that travelers will find a bit of aloe precisely when they need it.
Use mosquito netting if it is provided. Travelers headed for the deep bush should bring some mosquito netting, which, again, is available from outfitters.
If taking anti-malaria medicine, be sure to read directions pertaining to whether or not the medicine should be taken after eating. It is not uncommon for some malaria medication to cause nausea – and if the medicine is regurgitated, it obviously can't provide protection.
Food and Water Safety for Travelers in Developing Countries
Water and food safety varies widely from country to country, and even within a country. In many major cities, the water is treated and drinkable, although sensitive travelers may still become ill. In other countries, drinking the water is a sure-fire way to ruin a trip. Guidebooks give general information, but they aren't comprehensive. It's always best to ask local guides who are used to dealing with foreign tourists.
Generally, tourist hotels in major resort and travel destinations adhere to safe food handling protocols and it is generally safe to eat and drink almost anything except, perhaps, the tap water (ask at the front desk). However, tourists going off the beaten track and venturing into local restaurants or eating street food face more risk. Every traveler has different sensitivities, so what makes one traveler sick may not affect a companion at all.
Thoroughly cooked food is always safer. Meat should not be eaten rare or medium rare. Travelers should avoid foods that are lukewarm or appear to have been sitting around a while; better to grab something deep-fried in oil straight out of the pot. And vegetables and fruits without a skin to peel should be avoided. (Bananas, oranges, and avocados would be safe to eat raw, but not lettuce).
Drink bottled water, which is widely available. If traveling in remote areas where bottled water may not be available, bring a small bottle of emergency iodine pills (read the directions to be sure the iodine has enough time to work). Purifiers that kill waterborne bugs via the transmission of UV light are another choice. A Steripen purifier weighs only a few ounces, and works in 90 seconds, without imparting the taste of iodine.
Even travelers who follow all the rules sometimes get sick, perhaps from such seemingly innocuous slips such as eating off of plates washed in unpurified water, drinking a cocktail with ice cubes in it, or using tap water to brush teeth or rinse a toothbrush. However, by applying common sense, packing some comfort and safety supplies, and following these basic strategies, visitors to tropical countries can help ensure that they stay healthy throughout their tropical holiday or adventure vacation.
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