Health & Safety
This section is dedicated to preparing for the worst. Learn about my precautionary tactics and immunizations here.
the shots
I started getting shots when preparing for the original rtw trip, which involved getting basically all the shots a travel clinic can offer. I had to make sure and start the vaccination process at least 6 months in advance to get all three hepatitis in time.
Check the chart below to see what exactly I got injected with and how much it cost.
Vaccines
| Vaccine | Done? | Cost | # | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | X | $54 | 4 pills | Pills good 5 years. |
| Yellow Fever | X | $98 | 1 shot | Good 10 years. |
| Polio Booster | X | $43 | 1 shot | Locks in for life. |
| Hep A + B | X | $62 | 3 of 3 | Locks in for life. |
| Meningitis | X | $119 | 1 shot | Locks in for life. |
| Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis | X | $58 | 1 shot | Locks in for life. |
| Total | $557 |
*I decided against Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies vaccines.
the pills
malaria - There is no vaccine for malaria, so I will be taking anti-malarial pills in buggy places.
the med kit
Here is a list of all health-related items I am bringing: immodium, pepto bismol, ibuprofen, benadryl, sudafed, diflucan, cipro, dramamine (for those long bus rides that make me nauseous), hand sanitizer (for peace of mind), sun block, carmax with spf, a few bandaids, neosporin, and anti-itch cream.
travel insurance
Don’t be stupid. If you are traveling, you will want travel insurance. You may think you are invincible, but when you end up in a car accident, or worse, in some foreign land without any coverage - it might take the funds out of your travel wallet. I chose World Nomads, and here is why:
You can buy, extend and claim online even after you’ve left home.
Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
other items
Bug Spray! Money Belt! Retractasafe cable lock so no one jacks my bag!
