Taking care of yourself

It’s important to take care of your health during holidays to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your time and are able to do the activities you want without feeling the ill effects of jetlag, food poisoning etc.

• Allow an easy day or two to recover from jet lag. Remember that the effects of jet lag may be lessened if you fly west instead of east.
• If you are unsure of the water supply, drink bottled water.
• To reduce the risk of food poisoning, avoid food buffets, seafood, undercooked meats, peeled and raw fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Don't buy food from street vendors.
• Don't draw up a jam-packed itinerary for each and every day of your holiday arrange for plenty of rest breaks, particularly in hot weather.
• Wear thongs in communal showers to reduce the risk of infectious diseases (like warts and tinea).
• Pack condoms and practise safe sex.
• Seniors cards are only supposed to offer benefits within your home State, but flashing the card at museums and other attractions may get you a cheaper entry ticket.
• Travellers' diarrhoea may reduce the effectiveness of your medications. Consult with a doctor if you have diarrhoea for more than one day. Your Australian embassy can provide you with a list of doctors.

Safety Suggestions

Thieves and pickpockets may consider older people as easy targets. Suggestions include:

• Don't travel around at night.
• Don't wear expensive jewellery on obvious display.
• Wear valuables (such as traveller's cheques and credit cards) on a belt worn under the clothes and next to the skin.
• Consider carrying a 'dummy' wallet holding a small amount of cash. If you are directly confronted by a mugger, you can hand over the dummy wallet and avoid further distress.
• Carry with you at all times the contact details of the Australian embassy. If your city doesn't have an Australian embassy, find out which other country's embassy is available to help you, such as the British embassy.

Where to get Help

• Your doctor
• Travel agent
• Airline
• Australian embassies
• Medicare Phone: 132 011
• Health Insurance Commission Phone: 1800 500 147

For more information visit the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.