MANY Leaving Cert students are looking forward to their post-exams getaway – and that means lots of worried parents.
Leaving Cert holidays are almost a rite of passage these days, and it’s a great way to blow-off steam for a week or two following what is undoubtedly some of the most stressful weeks in a student’s young life.
However, for some this will be their first holiday abroad without supervision and it’s as important to stay safe as it is to have fun.
Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB) has compiled a handy list of top tips for those heading away to make sure they get the most from their well-earned holiday.
• Check your passport is up-to-date. It should always be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of travel. Also, always bring a photocopied version with you.
• Make sure you always have the number and address of the hotel or apartment you’re staying in with you at all times. If you get separated from your friends, you’ll at least be able to travel back safely to the accommodation.
• Buy a decent money belt. Many tourist destinations that are popular with students are bound to have pickpockets. Just be sure to keep the money belt out of sight.
• Make sure you have received all required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. TMB has released a special package for students for Summer 2016, meaning you can get your vaccinations, consultation and a tailor-made prescription from €134.
• Organise and pack a mini first aid kit as some medication may be difficult to get abroad.
• Not only should you use sunscreen, you should also apply insect repellent to help protect from painful bites. The TMB has its own range of insect repellents, including DEET-Free Repellent and Bug Bands, available in all TMB Clinics, Doc Morris & Lloyds Pharmacies throughout Ireland or on Travelshop.ie.
• If you suffer from any allergies, make sure you and your friends know how to handle any reaction.
• Reduce your alcohol intake, especially in a hot climate, as excess can lead to serious dehydration. Stay hydrated and drink clean, bottled water continuously. Sparkling water is always the safer option. If you have concerns about the state of a country’s water, the TMB also has its own range of water purification tablets.
• Travel Insurance is a necessity; make sure to check your policies to see if you are covered when taking part in outdoor activities, such as water sports.
• Always keep your drink covered and in sight to prevent the risk of it being spiked or tampered with.
• Always adopt safe sexual practices to avoid the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. International travellers are at great risk of contracting STDs, including HIV, if they have been sexually exposed to anybody with any of these diseases.
For more travel health tips and advice make an appointment with your local TMB travel health clinic and speak to one of their qualified professionals.
These experts will guide you through the health requirements for your destination, telling you all you need to know about vaccinations, mosquito bite prevention and food hygiene.
To book contact the Tropical Medical Bureau on 1850-487674 or visit www.tmb.ie.