Ouch! Just some of my bites from a recent trip to Indonesia!
Today’s Tuesday’s Travel Essentials combines a few of the things I have written about before. You might have read my posts about Anti Malaria tablets and Insect Repellent before BUT I cannot stress enough how essential it is to be safe on your travels health wise. Here’s my top 5 tips on avoiding insect Bites!
1. Carry Anti Malaria Tablets
Get anti malaria tablets on your list! I normally pick up my anti malaria tablets as I go since I’m always on the road, but there’s a really good option for anyone based in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and my native Northern Ireland). You should head to knowmalaria.com. It will clear things up as to which anti malarial tablets you should take on your adventures. I’m a doxycycline boy!
Doxycycline – my personal preference for anti malaria tablets but there are a few others!
Yes, knowmalaria is an online service that has been running since 2012 and it gives you a simple risk assessment to tell you the best anti malarial products that are safe for your specific trip. You can order through them and it’s a registered UK pharmacy too as well as having just been voted best value travel product in the Sunday Times. Failing that – pick them up on your travels like I often do!
My post on Anti Malaria Tablets.
2. Wear Insect Repellent
It goes without saying that as well as taking your anti malaria tablets you still want to avoid bites, especially for the itchiness and annoyance factor, so make sure you have a decent insect repellent, and apply it regularly, especially at night.
I wrote a fairly detailed post on insect repellent here.
Repel’s Insect Repellent Stick – also very handy!
3. Wear “Longs” (i.e. Jeans, trousers, jumpers etc.)
I know you’re going to tell me it’s too hot in most places that have insects, but wearing longs is still something you should get in the habit of. If there’s less skin on show, the insect has a smaller target and logically speaking you should be at less risk of getting a bite!
Wear Longs: I actually left my jeans in the Philippines on a seat in the waiting lounge once.
4. Use Mosquito Nets
When you stay in hostels, hotels and guesthouses in areas with lots of mosquitos, most places provide you with mosquito nets. Don’t just sit an admire it – use it. Get into bed and surround yourself with mosquito nets. Again it decreases the risk of getting a bite, though of course it’s not full proof.
If you have a mosquito net – USE IT.
5. Get Your Injections!
Before you head off on your travels, make sure you get all the appropriate injections for where you are going. This will also help eliminate the risk of disease or illness through insect bites. Here are my details on getting a Yellow Fever Certificate (which is compulsory for some countries.
Make sure you get your injections beforehand too. This also helps prevent disease and illness.
So stay safe and healthy on your travels guys, you don’t want to get insect bites!
Stinging bites and itchy scratching can ruin a day – solid tips Jonny and to keep yourself even more protected I’d add that you should pick up some Permethrin. In the US you can easily score Permethrin via REI, or Amazon.com
http://goo.gl/nnr4Da -soak your clothing (socks too) in it, let it air dry and you’ll be amazed how well it works. Effectiveness lasts 6 weeks or 6 washes (whichever comes first) – I’ve been a fan since my trip to Cambodia
Maria recently posted…Outgoing Mail – Lost in Translation at Home
Good tips Maria thanks! Currently in Myanmar getting so many bites even after using my own advice! Jonny