One of the most important aspects about being ready to deal with solo travel is understanding that not everything will always go to plan, and one aspect is that there is always the possibility that you might become ill while traveling.

This could range from an upset stomach to a common cough or cold, but in some cases it can be something more serious, so it is important to think about how you would deal with falling ill while traveling.


There are several aspects to consider, and while you may find that there are people that you can turn to for help, this won't always be the case. It is also true that the longer you travel, the more likely it becomes that you will have to deal with illness at some point.

 

Know The Local Health Risks

A vital part of your preparation when it comes to getting ready to travel to a new destination is to research what the risks that you might be exposed to are, and how to deal with them if you are affected. This can range from serious conditions such as malaria, which is particularly a problem in many parts of Africa, while other conditions such as hepatitis, HIV and rabies are potential threats to solo travelers. By reading up on what you might encounter, you may also find your destination has recommended vaccinations, and these should be arranged in plenty of time with your doctor.

 

Carry Supplies For Emergencies And Common Health Problems

There are plenty of different problems that you can encounter as you travel, but some of the most common are upset stomachs that are caused by eating different types of food.

Try and ensure that you carry basic supplies such as dioralyte and a diarrhea management drug, such as Imodium or Gastro-Stop, particularly if you are going to be traveling long distances and may not have the chance to ride out the storm when it strikes. Painkillers and a basic cough or cold remedy should also be included, along with any medicines for pre-existing conditions that you may have before you start your journey.

 

Know What Is Covered By Your Travel Insurance

A good travel insurance policy is another important part of your preparations for your solo trip, particularly if you are traveling long distances or going for an extended period of time. If you are heading into a high altitude area such as the Himalayas or the Andes, making sure your policy includes emergency evacuation is a wise precaution, as many hikes into wilderness areas can mean a long journey out if you cannot afford a helicopter. The best travel insurance policies will have a travel assistance service that you can call if the worst happens, and it is best to keep this telephone number with you wherever you travel.

 

Finding Emergency Medical Assistance

As well as using the services provided by your travel insurance company, it is also worth preparing a list of the contact numbers for emergency services in your destination, as well as knowing enough to explain that you need help in the local language. This list should also include the number of your embassy if you are traveling internationally. There are also other services that are sometimes provided through your bank or credit card company that can help, such as American Express' Global Assist service, which will help you find an English-speaking doctor wherever you are in the world.

 

Riding Out Minor Ailments

While many things can require seeing a doctor or specialist, if you are simply feeling under the weather with one of those common conditions that hit all travelers from time to time, it can be just a case of riding it out. It usually won't be fair on yourself or others to be in a hostel dorm room, so find a suitable hotel, get a good stock of comfort food and the usual over-the-counter medicines, and ride it out. If anything feels unusual or serious, then you should refer to a doctor, but in many cases you will recover with rest and a little bit of TLC.