Travel and Leisure

If you are  a first-timer traveler whether alone or by group; remember this few travel advice from someone who's been through to many immigration and custom inspections and airport security machines.

Travel tips from the experts:

• Extra photos.  Bring along an extra passport photo.  It is possible that authorities may request a photo during your trip when you aren't expecting it.  If in case you loss your passport at least it is handy to have photo available when securing a replacement passport.
• Reduce photo size.  You can reduce the size of your photo and signature pages of a passport will come in handy.
• Medical travel insurance.  Purchase medical insurance for travel.  It is important to have the necessary immunization before you depart.  If you are moving to another country or will be traveling for more than three months, you should visit your local health or physician well in advance.
• Get enough sleep.  Get adequate sleep before departure.  Wear loose, comfortable shoes and clothing.  During the trip or flight drink plenty of water and/or juice to avoid dehydration.
• First aid kits.  Assemble or buy a first aid kit that contains pain killers and cold remedies.  Buy a sunscreen preparation with a sun protection factor. 
• Animal bite.  Beware with animal bite.  Rabies is more common in tropical countries.  It is spread by bites from rabies-infected wild and domestic animals.  Avoid contact with all wild animals, including monkeys.  In case bitten, immediately cleanse wound with soap and running water and consult local health authorities regarding the possible need for rabies vaccination.
•  Swimming.  Tell your group not to swim in strange waters, streams or lakes, since they may be infested with disease-causing parasites.  Only wade in pools filled with clean, disinfected water.  Then to avoid skin and eye damage that can be caused by the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin, a hat with a wide brim to cover your face and a pair of sunglasses.
• Extra pair of glasses.  Consider taking an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and a written prescription from your eye care practitioner. If you have an ongoing health problem, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.  Carry a brief history of your health problem with you.
• Film. Pack your film in a clear plastic bag.  Put all your film in a clear plastic bag and place it in your hand-carry bag.  While put all your exposed rolls in a second plastic bag inside the first to identify the fresh films.
• Closed shoes.  Wear closed shoes. This is advisable to prevent cuts and puncture wounds.  Be careful when driving in a foreign country on unfamiliar roads.  Use your seat belts.  Don't drink and drive.  Don't let the holiday atmosphere with your friends prevent you from using common sense and caution in all circumstances.
• Small compass.  Bring a small compass.  Sometimes it is helpful to know which way is which.  Yes, in case you been lost in the jungle of Costa Rica at least a small compass will showed you the way.
• Safe sex. Sex with multiple partners is risky; use protection if in case.  While those cannot prevent every case of HIV, hepatitis B but at least they greatly decrease the chance of getting these disease.

Source:

Breardsley, D. "Useful Tips for Leisure Traveler." Women's Journal 03