Don’t overpack!
What an odd thing to start with I can hear you say! Well, every year we have a lot of medical claims from travellers who basically, have done their back in! The backpack is just so heavy they can’t manage it, and in some cases, it has meant the end of the trip as they’ve had to return home. So, don’t overpack – just take the bare minimum you think you may need (a minimum though of two of everything) – you can always buy more stuff on the way!
You'll see some travellers with their main backpack on their back, and another small day sack on their front. The day sack has all your valuables in it and has the advantage that you can store the large backpack safely if you’re somewhere just for a day so you can wander around with the day sack.
What should I take aside from clothes?
Well, it depends where you are and how remote the area is that you’re travelling in. In remote parts of Africa and Asia, nice soft toilet paper is a good start! Tampons are another good thing to take, as they can be crazy expensive in some parts of the world.
A small medical kit, which you can buy online, is again a useful thing to take. They have plasters, antiseptic wipes, Paracetamol, and bandages in them. If you do have a mishap, you’ll be pleased you bought it! And, if you do use something from it, don’t forget to replace it when you get the opportunity!
So, no packing list then?
No. But if you Google it lots of web pages will come up. One website, who recommends us, is called Along Dusty Roads, and they have a packing list here.
Walk
Don’t get taxi’s or trishaws; walk! Ask for directions as you go, and you’ll see more of the country and get to know the people better. If you’re with other travellers, for sure share a taxi, but avoid sharing taxis with people you don’t know. It’s simply not safe.
Practice Safe Sex
We get asked numerous times a year if we cover STI check-ups, and, like every other type of insurance, we don’t. Less frequently, we’re asked if we cover terminations. Being pregnant isn’t an illness, so it just isn’t included in your cover with us as it would be deemed to be an elective procedure.
Hopkins Medicine advises "Use condoms every time you have sex. Choose a male condom made of latex or polyurethane--not natural materials. Only use polyurethane if you are allergic to latex.". You can read more on the NHS website here.
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