Sex, drugs and rock'n'roll on 6 wheels:
Keeping healthy while on a single's bus tour!
Mikala, one of our friendly front desk team members at the Travel Medicine Centre Perth, had an unforgettable adventure in Europe earlier this year. Here’s her story and some essential travel tips to keep you healthy on a single’s bus tour:
I recently embarked on a four-week Top Deck tour across Europe, a popular bus tour company catering to 18-39 year olds. My journey included 13 countries, with highlights like the breathtaking Swiss Alps, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was an experience of a lifetime, traveling with 40 fellow adventurers on a bus, sharing stories, sights, and lots of laughs.
Stay Prepared with Vaccinations
One of the key things I did before setting off was to ensure my vaccinations were up to date. With COVID-19 and flu season always lurking, I made sure to get my COVID and flu vaccines before the trip. This simple step was a game-changer! While many of my fellow travellers caught the flu during the tour, I stayed healthy and enjoyed every moment. This highlights the importance of consulting with a travel doctor before your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations for your destination.
Manage Alcohol Intake and Be Prepared for Travel Sickness
Our group was primarily made up of singles, and many were quite “merry” every night, thanks to frequent visits to local pubs and clubs. Despite the nightly revelries, thankfully, no one ended up with serious injuries, although we did have a memorable incident on day two when a fellow traveller got sick on the bus. To avoid such mishaps, I recommend packing travel sickness pills if you’re prone to motion sickness or, simply put, consider moderating alcohol consumption. A good rule of thumb is to pace yourself and stay hydrated!
Protect Against Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Given my medical history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), I took extra precautions to stay healthy during the long bus rides and flights. I wore compression stockings to improve circulation and reduce the risk of DVT. I also made sure to take regular breaks to stretch and move around, which is crucial when traveling long distances. Staying well-hydrated was another key strategy; dehydration can increase the risk of blood clots, especially during long flights or bus rides. If you have a history of DVT or are concerned about your risk, it’s important to speak to your travel doctor before your trip for tailored advice.
Navigating Travel Romances and Staying Safe
Given the young, adventurous crowd on board, there was no shortage of travel romances. While I didn’t meet Mr. Wrong this time around, it’s important to be prepared for any romantic encounters. Travel doctors can provide guidance on pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, vaccinations against diseases like hepatitis B and HPV, and advice on preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. They can also provide resources on safe sex practices and managing unexpected situations like pregnancy.
Stay Hydrated and Stay Active
Finally, a tip I can’t stress enough is the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining some level of physical activity. Long bus rides can make it easy to forget to drink water or to move around. Carry a reusable water bottle, take regular sips, and take advantage of rest stops to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. It not only helps with circulation but also keeps your energy levels up for all the sightseeing!
Visit Your Local Travel Doctor
Mikala’s European adventure was filled with fun, new friends, and memorable experiences, but she was also smart about her health and safety. If you’re planning a similar trip, consider visiting your travel doctor for advice on vaccinations, DVT prevention, managing potential travel illnesses, and staying safe while having fun. Our travel clinic is here to help you prepare for all aspects of your trip so you can focus on enjoying the adventure!
Safe travels and happy adventuring!