How to have a safe summer vacation

Safe holidays. Whether you go to Mountains or seain Italy or atabroadWhether traveling in a European country or a tropical destination, it's always a good idea to be prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises. Nothing really complicated: just useful precautions to avoid wasting your time, health, and, in some cases, travel money.

But let's take a closer look at the most important tips to keep in mind for the holidays in complete safety:

Precautions at the seaside

The first thing to be careful about is avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially at high temperatures during the hottest hours of the day. The safest time to swim in the sea, in this regard, is early in the morning or in the afternoon. In any case, you should use appropriate sunscreen (depending on your age), reapplying it at least every two or three hours, wear sunglasses, and wear protective clothing. And make sure you always have plenty of water, especially if you're on a public beach without bars or public establishments. Never swim on a full stomach (this also applies to swimming in lakes or rivers) or after drinking alcoholic beverages. And if you're in rocky areas, it's best to bring beach shoes.

Precautions in the mountains

Again, be careful about the sun: make sure it's not excessive and too strong. But first of all, pay attention to the altitude of your destination: those with heart problems, for example, shouldn't choose places that are too high. And keep in mind that, as you gain altitude, the risk of developing uncomfortable altitude sickness increases. Give your body time to adapt to the climate, at least for a few days. Don't overdo it with high-altitude exertion. And if you decide to go on more challenging hikes, always do so with experienced people and in a group.

Medicines to always carry

Whether you're heading to Europe or overseas, it's always a good idea to pack a few essential medications. For example, you'll quickly learn how to stop a simple cold from the air conditioning, avoiding difficulties at local pharmacies, especially if you're in a remote area or don't speak the language well. Of course, you don't need to bring your entire medicine cabinet: a painkiller is sufficient in case of a cold. headache, toothache or joint pain, an antipyretic, an antihistamine, a decongestant eye drop (especially useful if you know you'll be spending a lot of time at the beach or pool), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, an antidiarrheal, and an anti-inflammatory. A thermometer, a travel-sized bottle of disinfectant, and a few plasters may also be useful.

Precautions for insect bites

It can happen, especially if you are on holiday in tropical countries, that you need to protect yourself from annoying insect bites, some harmless, others quite dangerous. ZanzareFlies, bedbugs, sandflies, ticks: there are various insects that can cause skin reactions or even actual infectious diseases such as malaria. In the latter case, the areas with the highest risk are those with hot and humid climates: for example, in most African regions, the Amazon basin, and some rural areas of Southeast Asia. Currently, there is no vaccine against malaria, and there are no medications that can protect against the risk of insect-borne diseases. For this reason, prevention is essential, starting with choosing an excellent specific repellent that can protect you from any insect bites present in the area where you will be spending your vacation. And don't forget to use the following: mosquito nets, especially when you go to sleep. The mesh should be smaller than 1,5 mm and should be secured under the mattress: make sure no mosquitoes are trapped there. Air-conditioned rooms are ideal, as they reduce the activity of insects and therefore, consequently, their aggression. Limit your outdoor activities during the hours when you're most at risk of being bitten by insects: from dusk to dawn for the mosquito that causes malaria.

When to get vaccinated

First of all, before traveling to a country with a high risk of contracting specific diseases, you should ensure you are up to date with basic vaccinations such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, and measles. Getting the right vaccinations for the country you're visiting is essential not only for your own health but also for the health of those around you once you return to Italy. Vaccination is the only way to avoid contracting a disease that, due to the incubation period, we may only discover upon returning to Italy. Let's take a closer look at the vaccinations required for each country you're traveling to:

• Malaria

As mentioned, there is no vaccine: malaria prophylaxis is available, which involves taking a series of medications with doses adjusted based on the length of stay, the type of trip, and, of course, the patient's characteristics. The risk of contracting malaria is highest in forested areas of Latin America, rural areas of Southeast Asia, and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

• Meningitis

Vaccination is strongly recommended for those traveling to areas where there have been real epidemics or where the disease is endemic, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Remember that this is an infectious disease spread by direct contact.

• Yellow fever

The vaccine is recommended for all travelers to countries in Central, West, and East Africa and South America where yellow fever is endemic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required in some countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. The vaccine is also mandatory for those reaching Asia from several African and South American countries.

• Hepatitis A and B

Recommended for all travellers heading to high-risk areas such as Africa or Asia.

• Typhoid fever

The vaccine is strongly recommended for travelers to endemic areas, such as parts of India or Vietnam, especially if they plan to stay there for more than a month.

• Cholera

To avoid cholera, simply follow good hygiene practices and avoid consuming contaminated foods and beverages: for example, drink only bottled water, avoid ice, and consume only cooked foods. Also, avoid purchasing foods from places where hygiene standards are not followed. In any case, vaccination is recommended for workers or healthcare workers traveling to areas where an epidemic is ongoing.

• Zika

It is one of the viruses that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and which has generated fear in recent times, especially in case of pregnant women: It can cause microcephaly in newborns. There is no vaccine available yet, so to protect yourself, it's best to use specific repellents, use mosquito nets, and wear long, covering clothing.

• Japanese encephalitis

Again, this is a mosquito that transmits the virus, and vaccination is strongly recommended for anyone traveling to Asia for at least a month during the rainy season, and for all travelers heading to rural areas to engage in "risky" activities such as camping, trekking, and fishing in rural areas.

• Anger

Anti-rabies vaccination is recommended for all travellers heading to endemic areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America where there is a high risk of coming into contact with wild species. bats and other animals that may have contracted the disease.

When to get health insurance

While in all European Union countries, you can access free healthcare by presenting your European Health Insurance Card or a provisional replacement certificate, in non-EU countries with which Italy does not have specific agreements, it is essential to have private insurance coverage to cover the costs of any treatment required, which can be very high. Health insurance is essential if you travel to the United States, for example, for tourism or business. The National Health Service does not provide any coverage, and emergency care is also not covered.

Insomnia and jet lag

Anyone who has undertaken an intercontinental journey knows it: the time zone can cause a disruption of our daily rhythms and cause fatigue and drowsiness, but also headaches and nausea. Here are five helpful tips to combat jet lag and enjoy your vacation from the moment you arrive at your destination:

• To begin with, once you get on the plane, set your watch to the time of the location you are going to: This will help you adapt to the pace of life once you arrive. For example, if it's already bedtime in your chosen destination, try to squeeze in a few hours of sleep.
• Stay hydrated during the flight And drink plenty of water: dehydration amplifies jet lag stress. Therefore, avoid excessive amounts of coffee and alcoholic beverages.
• Once you arrive on site, try to be active right awaySo don't give up on a good, healthy walk even if you feel tired, especially if it's still daytime: the sunlight helps you get used to your new rhythm.
• To sleep, avoid taking sleeping pills: you only risk further compromising the state of tiredness and stress resulting from the time change.
• Once we get home, rest for a day or two before resuming your daily routine so that you can get used to your normal schedule again.

The right summer diet

As previously mentioned regarding cholera, to avoid food poisoning, especially if traveling to countries with poor hygiene, it's necessary to follow a few simple rules. Here are a few more, in addition to those already mentioned:

• Consumed raw fruit and vegetables only after having been carefully peeled and/or washed with safe, drinkable water.
• Avoid raw or undercooked fish and seafoodThe same goes for meat and eggs. Try to avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Always use only potable water also for personal hygiene.

If you travel by car

The number of Italians choosing to travel by carWhether you're traveling for short distances or for long journeys, a car is a convenience: it allows you to travel with extreme freedom, especially in places where trains or public transport are difficult to access. To avoid risks, especially long traffic jams on the highway, it's important to follow a few simple rules, starting with your departure time: early in the morning and, if possible, never on weekends.

To minimize unexpected events, have your car thoroughly checked by your trusted mechanic before leaving. Try to plan your trip and the various stops carefully: if necessary, equip yourself with a satellite navigation system, which will help you avoid taking a wrong route and extending your journey. Last helpful tip: use the air conditioning sparingly, especially if you're traveling with a car. elderly and children.

Read also:

• Camping holidays: tips for planning a low-cost, hassle-free vacation.
• Cycling holidays: a short guide to cycle tourism. From the crew to the route.
• Leaving for vacation: how to leave home. From the kitchen to electricity.
• Summer holidays: tips for caring for your plants while you're away