A holiday trip to Rome or a business trip to a remote site in the DRC via Lubumbashi – these journeys can be a lot simpler and less hassle if one follows a few basic principles. Dr Charl’s travel bullets 101:

• Get your paperwork in order. Ensure enough blank pages (some countries like at least 3) in a valid passport (not expiring in the near future) and check you have the correct visa if required. Some places do a handy e-visa before travel, while others allow for visa on arrival. Check if you need local currency for this or carry enough USD or Euro in cash.
• Let your bank know that you might be using your credit card abroad.
• Print copies of your travel plans, etickets, address and contact number for local pick-up. Make sure your mobile has international roaming available, and de-activate your data roaming unless you need it. Get a decent offline mapping app and download the maps you might need. They work in all sorts of useful places and being lost is mostly a function of being disorganised.
• Store copies of passport and yellow fever vaccine in an email folder. Download files on your phone before you wave good-bye to your wifi or local data.
• While we’re on that, get your medical protection sorted. Yellow fever vaccination is effective for life but many health authorities still want it to be within a 10 year window. And if you’re getting a vaccine just before you travel, make sure it is two weeks before. Check with a travel health professional if you need special cover for meningitis or cholera for example. Rabies if you’re planning being involved with animals.
• Travel light – wherever you’re going. Schlepping bags is never fun. That extra T-shirt or pair of socks – you can always do some amateur laundry. Don’t forget your gym kit and a pair of running shoes. And slip slops are always useful. Sunglasses. Hat. Chargers and correct plug adaptors. A pen for annoying forms.
• Travel smart – in terms of airline security. Remember to get your LAGs sorted and watch what you put in your hand luggage.
• First aid – variable depending on your level of anxiety. Antihistamines, paracetamol, antimalarials (if relevant) and some decent plasters at the absolute minimum. Chuck in a broad spectrum antibiotic from your doctor if you’re going somewhere exotic. Handcleaner will probably protect you from 99% of arbitrary contact bacteria and viruses.
• Make sure you take enough of any chronic prescription medication you might need. Consider a script for a repeat, translated into the local language if you’re going to be there a while.
• Not much data to support medications for while you are actually on the plane. Stay mobile and well hydrated and don’t overdo the alcoholic beverages. We’ll discuss clotting and DVTs and motion sickness in a separate travel medical chat.
• Don’t forget your sense of humour. File it with your patience, in an easy to reach pocket. Getting frustrated or agitated or angry with airport or security or customs personnel mostly results in further delays.

Safe travels…..