Traveling and Working: Honest Tips from Those Who’ve Done It

BY  Ankita Nov 10, 2023

Traveling is an enriching experience, allowing you to explore new cultures, and landscapes, and create lasting memories. However, alongside the excitement of international adventures, there is also the possibility of facing a medical emergency abroad. While no one wants to think about such situations, being prepared and knowing how to respond can make a crucial difference. Here Are 15 Prime Steps To Deal With A Medical Emergency Abroad In this article, we'll explore essential steps to deal with a medical emergency while traveling abroad, ensuring your safety and well-being. 1. Purchase Travel Insurance Before embarking on your journey, make sure to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. This should include coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, and medical evacuations, if necessary. Verify the coverage limits and details in your policy to ensure you are adequately protected. Keep a copy of your insurance policy and contact information with you at all times during your trip. 2. Research Local Healthcare Options Before traveling to your destination, research the local healthcare system. Learn about the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Some countries may have advanced medical facilities, while others may have limited access to healthcare. Knowing where to find medical assistance can be crucial in a time of crisis. 3. Carry a First-Aid Kit Pack a compact first-aid kit that includes essentials like bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you need. In case of minor injuries, a well-stocked first-aid kit can provide immediate relief. Familiarize yourself with the contents and their uses before your trip. 4. Learn Basic Phrases If you're traveling to a foreign country where you don't speak the local language, learning basic medical phrases can be immensely helpful. Phrases like "I need a doctor," "I have an allergy to [specific allergen]," or "I need help" can bridge the language barrier in a medical emergency. Carry a small phrasebook or use the translation apps on your phone. 5. Register with Your Embassy Many countries offer registration services for their citizens traveling abroad. Registering with your embassy or consulate allows them to contact you in case of emergencies and provide assistance when needed. It's a simple but crucial step that can make a significant difference in a medical crisis. 6. Create an Emergency Medical Information Card Prepare an emergency medical information card that includes your name, blood type, allergies, existing medical conditions, and emergency contacts. Keep a copy in your wallet, luggage, and smartphone. This card can be instrumental in providing essential medical information to healthcare providers. 7. Emergency Contact List Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, close friends, and your primary care physician back home. Share this list with a trusted companion or keep it in a secure place. In the event of a medical emergency, these contacts can provide guidance and support. 8. Know Your Allergies and Medications If you have allergies or are taking prescription medications, it's vital to know the names, dosages, and usage instructions. In the event of a medical emergency, accurate information about your medications and allergies is crucial for healthcare providers to deliver appropriate treatment. 9. Contact Your Insurance Provider In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel insurance provider immediately. They can guide you on the best course of action, whether it's seeking medical care locally or arranging for medical evacuation if necessary. Ensure you have your insurance policy number and contact information readily available. 10. Seek Immediate Medical Care If you or someone you're traveling with experiences a medical emergency, the most critical step is to seek immediate medical care. Do not delay in the hope that the situation will improve on its own. Call local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Timely medical attention can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a major crisis. 11. Communicate with Loved Ones Once you've secured medical care, it's essential to communicate with your loved ones back home. This will keep them informed about your situation and alleviate their concerns. Regular updates can also help in coordinating support and decision-making if necessary. 12. Maintain a Copy of Medical Records Request a copy of your medical records, including test results and treatment notes, from the healthcare facility. Having these records can be invaluable if you require further treatment or follow-up care upon returning home. 13. Keep Your Travel Companion Informed If you're traveling with someone, make sure they are aware of your medical history, allergies, and any specific health concerns. In the event of a medical emergency, they can assist in communicating your needs to healthcare providers. 14. Preventative Measures While it's impossible to predict and prevent all medical emergencies, taking precautions can minimize risks. Practice good hygiene, follow local health advisories, and consider vaccinations or prophylactic medications recommended for your travel destination. The West Palm beach personal injury attorneys at GOLDLAW encourage travelers to be prepared for all types of potential emergencies while abroad.  15. Stay Calm and Informed During a medical emergency, staying calm and informed is essential. Panic can exacerbate the situation and impede clear decision-making. Follow the advice of healthcare providers and trust in their expertise. Facing a medical emergency while traveling abroad is a daunting prospect, but being well-prepared can mitigate the risks and ensure a swift and effective response. Remember, being informed and prepared is the key to addressing any unforeseen challenges that may arise while exploring the world. Read Also: How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling 5 Tips To Protect Your Passport While Travelling Abroad Vacationing Without Travel Insurance? Here’s What Might Happen If You Need It!

BY  Mashum Jan 14, 2022

With vaccines and testing becoming more easily accessible, traveling is starting to look like something we can safely do again. When traveling, there are lots of tips and tricks will to want to know. One common place travelers will find themselves are at hotels. There are many different things you need to know when staying at hotels, especially when and how you should tip the employees. Do you know when you should tip while staying at a hotel while traveling? Most people don’t! That’s why we’ve put together a hotel tipping guide. Be sure to keep reading for our ultimate hotel tipping guide so you can learn more on the subject. Tipping the Valet Arriving at your hotel will help start to give you hotel tipping guidelines. Pulling up to your hotel and seeing a valet will mean that your hotel is upscale, and you'll want to have some money set aside to tip the employees. Valet service will park and retrieve your car anytime you want to go anywhere. It is up to you if you want to tip when they're parking your car, but you should tip when they bring your car back. Anywhere between $2-$5 is the best hotel tipping advice for valet services. Tipping the Concierge  Another valuable member you will meet at a hotel is the concierge. A concierge service is there to provide you with knowledgeable information about your hotel or the area. Since a concierge is there to give you advice and recommendations, you should be tipping them anywhere between $5-$50. A great way to prepare yourself for hotel tipping is to see what the hotel offers beforehand. Checking out a hotel's website, such as one like the death valley hotels, will provide you with information on hotel amenities and even dining options. There you can gauge who and how much you will want to tip each employee you encounter on your stay. Tipping Housekeeping Even if you're not staying in a luxurious resort, the number one employee you should consider tipping is the housekeeping staff. Housekeeping turns down your room throughout your stay and cleans up after you when you leave. That can be a big job, depending on how messy you are while traveling! It can be best to leave a few dollars each day while you're out for the person that makes your bed and takes out your trash as a good gesture. Once you leave your hotel, you should leave anywhere between $2-$7 for the housekeeping staff for cleaning up after you. The Ultimate Hotel Tipping Guide As you can see, there is a lot that goes into whether or not you should tip while staying at a hotel. Be sure to refer to our hotel tipping guide the next time you plan to travel for business or pleasure. Remember to always stay safe while traveling! If you’re ready to get out there and explore, you’re going to want to check out our blog first. Be sure to keep scrolling, so you can see some of the ultimate places to visit on your travels. Read Also: Top 10 Hotels In India 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2023

Zanzibar is known for being sloppy when wet and extremely hot in the summer. The protracted rains bring heavy torrential downpours every day, causing high humidity and silty seas to occur between March and early May. With its dry and sunny peak season from June through October on the beach (and in Tanzania's game reserves if you're on a safari first), most vacations to Zanzibar outside of these periods will be nice. While November and December offer Zanzibar's shorter spells of rain, these typically are isolated showers that won't cause holiday washouts. January to March are likewise dry and hot but a lot quieter. The year-round average temperature is roughly 30°C. Due to the warm waters, minimal wind, and high visibility, the months between March and November are typically regarded as the best for diving and snorkeling. September through December is the prime time to see whale sharks, reef sharks, and manta rays. If you want to know more details on when is the best time to visit Zanzibar, this article will help you navigate those questions. Best Time To Visit Zanzibar Image Source: gumlet.assettype.com Strictly speaking, the dry seasons of December to February and June to October are the best times to visit the Zanzibar islands. But in general, the beaches on the southern and western parts of the islands are more protected from wind during these months. On the other hand, the wind typically comes from the southwest from June to October. This makes the northern and eastern coasts ideal for holidaying. But in the end, these islands remain at the whim of the ocean, and their weather can be erratic throughout the year. Even in the “dry” seasons, afternoon showers do occur, but they usually last only a few minutes and are refreshingly cool. It is not an entirely bad idea to travel to Zanzibar during the rainy season when the number of tourists declines, and you will likely find affordable trips and lodging (among those that are still open). The sunsets are known to be stunning. The rain, although severe, is not generally consistent, and delicious pineapples come into season! You might find it tricky to navigate the roads and buses, but things eventually settle. Wet and dry seasons are Zanzibar's prominent climates, which are influenced by the movements of the Indian Ocean’s rainy season. From November/December to February/March, the northeast monsoon winds, or kaskazi (in local parlance), blow. And from June to September/October, the southwest monsoon winds, also called kusi, blow. There is a brief rainy season (the vuli) in November in addition to the main rains (the masika), which last between mid-March to the end of May. Weather Image Source: www.holidaysplease.co.uk Although it can be reduced by the winds and sea breeze, humidity is relatively high throughout the year. The average daily temperature on Zanzibar Island is roughly 26°C (80°F) from June to October and around 28°C from December to February. However, during the latter period, humidity levels are frequently greater, making temperatures feel hotter. Pemba has a milder climate with a little more rainfall than Zanzibar Island. The islands are crowded with tourists from outside and expats from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam during major holidays like Christmas and Easter. You can expect crowded flights and increased hotel prices. On the other hand, life moves more slowly as many restaurants and shops close during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The annual Zanzibar International Marathon takes place in the first few days of November. This can be a good incentive for sports enthusiasts, making it the best time to visit Zanzibar. Festivals Image Source: www.gallerytours.net The majority of Tanzania's public holidays are observed on the islands as well. On these days, companies and offices are typically closed, while some tour operators are still open. Some of the public holidays with set dates observed on the island are: 1 January – New Year 12 January – Mapinduzi ‘Revolution’ Day 7 April – Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day 26 April – Union Day: Zanzibar and Tanganyika 1 May – Workers’ Day 7 July – Saba Saba (Seven Seven) 8 August – Peasants’ and Farmers’ Day 14 October – Nyerere Day 9 December – Independence Day 25 December – Christmas Day 26 December – Boxing Day The Muslim holidays of Idd il Fitri, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, and Idd il Maulidi (also known as Maulidi ya Mfunguo Sita), which commemorates Muhammad's birth, are widely observed and serve as public holidays. These festivals fall 11 or 12 days early each year and have dates that are determined by the lunar calendar. If you are planning to visit Zanzibar in 2024 and want to be a part of their Ramadan, it is set to start on 10 March through 8 April. Places To Visit Image Source: zanzibardestination.co.tz Zanzibar is one of those rare treasures you keep to yourself, as a secret, as a deeply significant memory, and as the most joyful days spent. Now that you know the best time to visit Zanzibar, if you want to know a few places you can check out while visiting, here are a few: Slave Trade Image Source: pbs.twimg.com The Slave Museum is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about Zanzibar's sordid past. The last active slave market in the world was shut down in 1873. You will pass by rooms where slaves were housed before being sold as you move around the museum. To work on plantations, hoards of Africans were first transferred to this island. Slave traffickers utilized the port at Zanzibar as their center of operations to transport slaves to countries including Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire. Sunset Dhow Show Image Source: www.tanzaniatourism.com If you miss taking a Sunset Dhow Cruise on the translucent, emerald seas of the Indian Ocean, your journey to Zanzibar will remain incomplete. The busy bustle of a busy town gradually disappears as the sunset cruise departs the coast that gets replaced finally by the musicians' melancholy ballad of lost love and found romances or a tune played on a taraab, violin, or oud. The crew will provide you with crackers and your preferred brand of beer or soda. Sip on your drink while you bask in the exotic vibe on the cruise. Mnemba Atoll Image Source: www.andbeyond.com Explore the fascinating marine life at Zanzibar, which is host to more than 400 species of fish, turtles, nudibranchs, and many rare forms of coral, while scuba diving at Mnemba Atoll. If you are lucky, you might see reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. Mnemba Atoll is one of Zanzibar's top locations for water sports while being a conservation area and marine reserve. Mid-February through mid-May, as well as mid-October to mid-December, are the best times to go scuba diving in Mnemba Atoll since the sea is quiet, and there is high visibility to enjoy the experience even better. Darajani Market Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org A market is a location where we meet new folks, socialize, and engage in addition to trading and selling items. One such location in Zanzibar is the Darajani Market, which serves as the town's main market. You can find merchants selling everything from Chinese toys and other trinkets to indigenous Zanzibar spices, kofias (Zanzibari hats), and dates while you take a stroll around the streets. You will have an amazing experience wandering the market's winding streets. Wrapping Up The best time for either a rustic vacation or participation in Zanzibar activities is during the months of June and October. These are the months of spring in Africa when the weather is mild and delightful. You can also visit this island paradise in the tropics during December and February. Zanzibar experiences hot, dry weather while it is winter in other countries. Are you planning a visit and want to know when the best time to visit Zanzibar is? Or have you been to Zanzibar recently? Did you like the island? How was your experience? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! THIS Is When You Should Visit Maldives!