Archive for the ‘Traveling Responsibly’ Category

Preparing for Mancation (or just Vacation)

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 by Andy Orr

As we start thinking about summer vacation plans (ok, I am a little behind schedule here), I thought it might be helpful to post some links to a couple of interesting articles I read recently.

The first introduced me to the word “mancation,” a term that is new to me, but supposedly coined back in 2002.  My first reaction to the Wall Street Journal article, Guys Just Want to Have Fun, by Sue Shellenbarger, was wondering how many people could actually take an eight-week long cross-country cycling trip and then, what do these people do for a living.

In addition to the normal golfing and fishing trips, the column focused on the more extreme activities that men sometimes pursue – things like simulated dog-fighting in vintage airplanes or shark-diving expeditions.  Here at the Healthy Travel Blog we often write about the risks that travelers may encounter during standard vacations. But mancations offer a whole new realm of danger and risk. What are travelers doing to take precautions against possibly bad outcomes?  More preparation, better knowledge of nearby medical facilities and a more cautious, conservative approach to post-injury care may mean the difference between life and death.  As a person who used to take much greater physical risks, I think that in some cases it was only luck that saved me from more disastrous results.  My takeaway was this: have fun, know your limits and be prepared.

And now for something completely different, as they used to say on Monty Python’s Flying Circus (although originally used by Christopher Trace on the BBC children’s program, Blue Peter):  the second article that caught my eye was not news to me but was a reminder and a good summary of the steps that one can take to economically stay in touch when traveling internationally.  In Tips for Using Your Cellphone Abroad, Jennifer Saranow Schultz of the New York Times helps travelers navigate the confusing world of wireless carriers.

Let us know about your mancations, or even your gender-agnostic extreme vacations and also about your experiences with using your cell phone internationally.  For an extra bonus, tell me how these two articles are connected.  Hint: the answer is in the prior sentence.

Photo by g-na.

  • Share/Bookmark

Enjoy New Acquaintances Abroad, But Be Careful!

Monday, June 14th, 2010 by Frank Gillingham, MD

Joran van der Sloot was arrested last week for the alleged murder of a 21 year old Peruvian woman who accompanied him back to his hotel room in the early morning hours.  Van der Sloot, best known for his connection with the disappearance of high school student Natalee Holloway in Aruba in 2005, confessed to the murder, claiming that he became enraged after discovering that the woman had researched his background on the internet.

Young men and women who travel abroad are particularly inclined to seek adventure and “let down their guard” with new acquaintances in foreign countries, taking chances they would never take back home.  Even those who normally exercise good judgment have a tendency to slip and do things out of character — even to the point of trusting total strangers.  Alcohol and drugs can play a big role, but even those who are not impaired can be seduced by locals who facilitate admission to exclusive night clubs and private parties.

Even worse, there are a number of medications such as rohypnol, GABA and ketamine, that when added to drinks cause victims to have total loss of memory and judgment.  These are the so called “date rape” drugs that are used by unscrupulous predators to render new acquaintances defenseless and amnesic for several hours.

There remains much speculation about what happened on the night that Natalee Holloway disappeared, but there is little question that foul play was involved.  It is unfortunate that van der Sloot’s alleged latest victim was not aware of his past until moments before her murder.  Young men and women should remember that there are always predators in all parts of the world waiting to take advantage of young, naïve tourists looking for excitement and novelty away from home. 

 A few words of advice:

  • stay in groups
  • avoid leaving drinks unattended
  • do not leave a bar or party with a new acquaintance
  • seek medical attention if you do not feel normal
  • avoid secluded locations.

Have fun, but stay safe.

Photo by acordova.

  • Share/Bookmark

Traveling Responsibly: Plan for the Unexpected

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 by Moira Bishop

Crime can happen anywhereAs we pointed out in an earlier post crime can happen anywhere.  Criminals don’t spare you because you’re on vacation or traveling for business; in fact, they often target out-of-towners.   Even the beautiful islands known for their “no worries” attitude are now worried about getting their crime rates under control.  While our previous post focused on being aware of and taking steps to avoid being the victim of a crime, you need to have a plan in case you can’t avoid it.

In a recent article in the New York Times, the Practical Traveler details some tragic crimes against Americans abroad including the death of a young man struck by a speeding car.  These sobering events are a good reason to assess how much focus you put on the “what if” when preparing for a trip.

What if you are injured in an accident? What if you are the victim of a crime? If you are expecting to be able to quickly call 911 and get the help you need, you will be unpleasantly surprised. Do you know how to contact the local law enforcement? Can they be trusted? Who can you contact if you don’t feel like you are getting the support you need? Is there an American embassy close by?  You may need to contact someone back home to reach out to a local or state legislator who can advocate on your behalf.

On a more mundane level, what if your wallet or purse is stolen? Do you have photocopies of your driver’s license, credit cards and passport secured safely back in the safe of your hotel room? Do you have a separate credit card in the safe in case you lose the one in your wallet?

Regardless of where you are going, minimally you should arm yourself with the support documents and information that you will need in the event that something unexpected happens during your carefully planned trip or vacation.  Keep copies of important documents in a safe place, know how to call for help if you need it, and have access to the contact information for the closest American embassy or consulate.

Ideally, you won’t have to worry about any of these things on your trip, but take a few minutes to plan for the “just in case.”

 

Photo by kafka4prez: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kafka4prez/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

  • Share/Bookmark

Show Your Respect and Savoir Faire: Learn the Local Customs

Monday, November 30th, 2009 by Emily Moran

symbol for money in JapanFor many people, travel provides unique opportunities to get to know another culture. You can learn history through museums and monuments, but if you want to embrace the culture, you need to taste local foods, enjoy local entertainment and follow the local customs.  Our post last week offered a brief overview of some unusual local foods you might be expected to ingest. Today, we point you toward some resources that can alert you to some unusual local customs. It’s our way of helping you avoid potentially embarrassing or even dangerous situations arising from offending your hosts or hostile locals when you are away from home.

For instance, did you know that in Poland flicking a finger against your neck is an invitation for someone to join you for a drink? That the symbol used in the U.S. to mean “ok” means “money” in Japan? Or that in Indonesia neither men nor women should wear shorts, even in the heat? This video from CNN helps you avoid some other miscommunications abroad.  

These cultural traditions are important to know, especially for business travelers dining with locals or students lodging with host families.  Some of the best advice you can get will come from people you know that have lived in your destination country. If you don’t have personal contacts, you’ll want to do some research.

Two places to start learning are the web sites Kwintessential  and  Cyborlink. Both are geared towards business travelers but provide valuable information for anyone on the issues of attire, behavior, gift giving, and communication. If you’re going to be visiting a country for a long period of time or if you plan on staying with a local family, you may even want to consider buying a book about the culture of your country. Both Culture Smart and Culture Shock books get generally good reviews.

Take the time to learn some customs of your destination so you can make a good impression—you’ll see nods of approval when you eat your banana in Bolivia with a knife and fork!

Photo by circulating: http://www.flickr.com/photos/circulating/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
  • Share/Bookmark

Tryptophacts – Time to Talk Turkey

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by Andy Orr

Stellar sea lion - the highest source of tryptophanWhen did tryptophan become the cause of our post-meal slumber?  I did a little Google Timeline search and found a citation back in the seventies, but it seems to really have picked up its mythical legs in the late 80s and 90s.  Now, one can find tryptophan gift items.  The tryptophan molecule t-shirt I first saw (do I have to admit this?) at ThinkGeek.com seems to have been discontinued, but Zazzle.com has come to the rescue in a big way.  Their site features over 200 tryptophan-related items, some much better than others.

However, this post is not a celebration of tryptophan and our collective ability to nap in the middle of the week once every November.  Rather it is time to talk turkey, to cull the fact from the myth.  Sorry all you tryptofanboys out there, but the truth is a little easier to swallow than some dry, white meat or stuffing.

It seems that tryptophan is found in many foods.  Yes, it is in turkey, but at levels that are similar to levels found in most meats.  Wikipedia’s table shows that egg whites actually have the highest tryptophan content of any food: about four times the levels found in turkey.  Even soybeans have more than twice what is found in turkey — bring on the tofurkey.  Further research, found at NutritionData, actually turned up the Stellar sea lion as the real leader in tryptophan, although it is an endangered species and is not found on most dinner plates.  I am troubled by the fact that Wikipedia’s Stellar sea lion entry failed to uncover their high level of tryptophan.  It may be back to the Encyclopedia Britannica for me.

In any event, most sources come to the obvious, but hard-to-admit, conclusion when trying to place blame on Thanksgiving Day drowsiness.  No, I am not talking about the lack of excitement found in the perennial Detroit Lions gridiron clashes.  It is a combination of carbohydrates (read – mash potatoes and rolls) and alcohol.  On the carbohydrate side, the science behind it does incorporate tryptophan, but it is not the cause; it is a complex sequence of interactions that starts with glucose and ends with serotonin and melatonin.  On the alcohol side, from How Stuff Works, Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D. details the effects as one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) increases.  Sleepiness begins with a BAC as low as 0.09 (or about three to four drinks).

As I recently discovered, and a great term to discuss over tomorrow’s meal, this is known as postprandial somnolence, or PPS “for those in the know.”  Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend, and whatever you do, don’t drink (or text) and drive.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30576522@N03/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
  • Share/Bookmark

Traveling Responsibly: Remember, You’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Thursday, November 12th, 2009 by Moira Bishop

travel responsiblyI recently heard an acquaintance tell the story of being mugged outside a bar in London.  He was in London for work, went out to dinner by himself and then on to a bar for a drink.  He failed to notice two men watching him from across the bar who saw how much he drank, could easily see that he was alone and could tell by his accent that he was a tourist.  They followed him out of the bar and mugged him, broke his hand and stole his Rolex.  After the attack he walked back to the bar to ask for help; no one had heard a thing.  Apparently, this is not uncommon in certain parts of London.

If you are going out alone, no matter what country you are in, you should follow the same safety precautions you would at home.  Don’t go out alone in areas you are unfamiliar with.  Be aware of the people around you.  Don’t make it obvious that you are a visitor or tourist.  Limit your alcohol intake to one that doesn’t inhibit your ability to think clearly.  And try to leave your expensive jewelry at home.  

This kind of common sense need not apply to night outings only.  While you are sightseeing, be sure you are only visiting sites that you are allowed to visit.  It’s easy to get distracted and find yourself in an area where you shouldn’t be.  Some countries have strict laws about where you can and cannot go.  Consider what happened to the three American hikers in Iraq who were arrested when they unknowingly stepped across the Iranian border.  Though this is an extreme situation, Peter Greenberg reported that “Though the risk varies with each country, in general tourists who travel independently of a group may face resistance from authorities or may unwittingly put themselves in harm’s way.”

Because it’s getting easier to reach remote or “off-limits” areas, people end up in obscure and possibly less-safe places.   My own sister is planning to go to Cuba, for instance  As described in an interview on The World, Robert Reid an editor from Lonely Planet said this, “… you really have to make sure that the travelers understand the scenario, what’s going on right at the moment because things do change and they need to be a little proactive when they go any place,  whether it is a Caribbean cruise or whether it’s going into Colombia, to understand what the circumstances are there and so you can be best informed to avoid trouble…” 

An informed traveler is a healthy traveler. Research your destination and be aware of your surroundings once you get there!

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/evergreenkamal/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
  • Share/Bookmark

Traveling Responsibly: Test Your Awareness

Friday, October 30th, 2009 by Moira Bishop

Don't be stupidOur first traveling responsibly post offered some tips on how to safely share the road with riders . This video from YouTube offers another valuable reminder: we don’t always see what’s in front of us because we only see what we are looking for. If you are driving down the road looking for a street sign, you might not see the person riding his bike directly in front of you. Take time to check yourself and your surroundings, what’s in front of you, behind you, and in the periphery.  Keep your eyes on the road and off of your mobile device.  Driving safely means more than just protecting the passengers in your car.

  • Share/Bookmark

Traveling Responsibly Part Two: If You Plan to Drive, Beware of Taking Your Drinking Habits with You

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 by Mike Hartung

So you’ve just enjoyed an exotic dinner including a liberal sampling of the local alcoholic libations (some of which are quite potent), and now it’s time to drive home. Be honest, do you have any idea what your blood alcohol level might be? Nearly 90% of the world’s countries have a national drunk-driving law on the books. Of course enforcement varies, but worrying about whether you’ll be stopped and booked is only part of the story. Think of the risk you pose to the local populace and yourself when you get behind the wheel. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the legal Breath Alcohol Concentration (or BAC) for driving be less than or equal to 0.05 g/dl, and 50% of countries have implemented these rules. In the U.S., the legal limit is 0.08.

Unfortunately, this disparity seems to predict the likelihood of road deaths attributable to alcohol.  The WHO’s recent report on road safety around the world places the U.S. among the top twenty countries where you are most likely to die on the road (or cause the death of someone else) if you’ve been drinking.

drunkdrivingchart

From this limited data set (not all countries are reporting), we can begin to conclude that American drinking habits generally pose significantly more risk than the locals’ do. Add this American propensity to drink and drive to the need to negotiate unfamiliar or substandard roads as well as signs in foreign languages, and Americans clearly represent a significant threat behind the wheel when far from home, unless they act responsibly.

It may be best to always let someone else drive if you plan to drink at all. In Brazil, the legal limit is just 0.02, and violators are hit with a $600 fine. For many people, just one drink puts you over this limit.

Have you had a drinking and driving incident abroad?

  • Share/Bookmark

Traveling Responsibly: Part One – Safely sharing the road with riders

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 by Andy Orr

motorcyclesLast week, the Freakonomics blog cited two studies showing that, at least in their specific locales, the overwhelming majority of bicycle and motorcycle crashes on the road are caused by motorists.  As a former motorcyclist who was involved in a crash caused by a car, I can personally relate to these studies as can most of the writers who commented on the Freakonomics blog.  Of course, there are plenty of bicyclists and motorcyclists that take unnecessary risks and do stupid things on the road, but I am guessing that most riders try very carefully to protect their precious cargo.

As a driver of a car, you can take several steps to try to avoid causing one of these disastrous events:

  • most obviously, focus on driving, put away your cell phone, your iPod, your eyeliner or your electric shaver (yes, I have seen both of these practices in action) and realize that your car can become a weapon – one that is much more dangerous to a vulnerable bicyclist or motorcyclist
  • look before you leap – always check carefully when switching lanes and be aware of blind spots
  • don’t open a car door without making sure that no one is approaching
  • give riders plenty of room when following or passing
  • be especially careful in intersections looking both ways before crossing or turning even when you have the right of way
  • obey all rules of the road and be generous and yield the right of way to riders

It is especially important to be aware of riders and road rules when driving outside of your home country.  Many countries have different rider/driver ratios — the more riders, the more careful you need to be.  Accidents are also more likely when you are trying to figure out strange road signs or how things work on the “wrong” side of the road.

This is the first post in a new series (three points to the readers who already knew this from the title of the post).  If you have ideas on ‘traveling responsibly’, please let us know.

  • Share/Bookmark