Honeymoon Preparations
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Photo: Tourism Queensland
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Taking Stock Of Your Health
You may feel great and appear in peak condition as you read
this.
However, if you’re planning on visiting any destination that
requires you to travel for any major distance, you’ll need to
start preparing for it straight away.
Vaccinations & Preventative Medicine
Your body has developed its own unique pattern of resistance to
a host of bacteria and germs at home in Australia. Once you step
on foreign soil, that’s another story.
Many developing countries have a multitude of microscopic
nasties that you are not prepared for. Vaccinations provide the
best possible first line of defence against contracting a
potentially disastrous disease.
It is advisable that you seek medical advice at least 8 weeks
before departure. This allows your doctor to determine the
necessary vaccinations and preventative medication you may need
– a course of malaria pills may have to be taken up to 4 weeks
before you depart. As some vaccines and medicines have brief
side effects, it’s a worthwhile idea to endure them while you
are still in the comfort of your own homeland.
If you take contraceptive medicine, have your prescription
renewed and the appropriate amount of repeats provided to last
the journey. If not, it would be advisable for you or your
husband to purchase a supply of good quality condoms from
Australia.
Surviving Jet Lag
Your honeymoon can get off to a rough start if you suffer the
effects of jet lag. The discomfort of disorientation, as your
internal clock finds its balance between night and day, as well
as the effects of dehydration caused by cabin conditions on
airlines can be minimised dramatically.
The first step is to get at least two nights of sound sleep
before you travel. Once on the plane, be sure to drink plenty of
fluids – mineral water preferably.
The air-conditioning on planes will swiftly dehydrate you,
therefore, avoid alcohol on this leg of the trip.
When you arrive, take the first day slowly and try not to go
to sleep too early. Rather, wait until the evening and go to
sleep at the normal time of the country you are in. You will
feel much more refreshed the next day.
Eat Well
In developing countries, it’s wise to take your meals in
reputable international hotels or restaurants. Avoid street-side
food stalls and be careful of milk products such as ice cream
and sauces. Stomach ailments are a sure way to end a delightful
time.
There are numerous publications available that focus on safe
travelling. The Bride’s Diary has drawn upon the information of
Dr Deborah Mills’ book, “Travelling Well”. This useful guide
provides insightful tips and an ideal resource for the world
traveller.
Your honeymoon will require the best of you, and your health
is a great place to start.
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