Travel is essentially the movement of individuals between different geographic locations. Travel can take place by feet, vehicle, bicycle, plane, train, bus, boat, horse or any other mode of transport, with or without travel luggage, and is one way to get from point A to point B. The variety of different ways to travel is staggering, even within the same country. From road trips through the wilderness to long-distance commutes on buses and subways, to airfare on a flight to another city, the variety of ways people travel is mind boggling.
Being a nature lover myself, I’ve seen firsthand just how varied the world’s travel methods are. In cities like Los Angeles, where I live, flying to an unfamiliar place to visit for a few days is a common occurrence. In fact, the rate of people traveling between counties in the middle of nowhere is so high that the government sometimes installs barrier roads and overhead bridges to assist in moving people. Coupled with the growing variety of international flights into Los Angeles, it’s no wonder that staying home has become an option for some who enjoy traveling. However, staying home is a greater risk of suffering an increased risk of injury during travel, as a consequence of not exercising due care while traveling.
With regard to the physical health, the most obvious areas for concern are in coastal and mountainous regions. Those living on the West Coast should consider getting tested for the hepatitis B virus and cancer on a regular basis. Those living on or near the Gulf Coast, specifically those located along the Gulf of Mexico or Texas shores, should consider getting tested for hepatitis C regularly. Those who travel to the South and Central Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand should also consider getting tested regularly for any diseases that they may be susceptible to.
The psychological aspects of travel can have just as much of a negative effect on a traveler as the physical ailments and infections that can manifest during a travel period. Anxiety and depression are the most common symptoms of mental illness and can cause serious problems when traveling. While it may seem easier to avoid being around people if you feel anxious or depressed, this is a mistake as these feelings will only get worse when alone in a foreign environment. Therefore, it is recommended that anyone who is considering traveling should consult with their doctor to determine how best to manage their stress while traveling.
If the above symptoms do occur, you should make sure that you have yourself examined by a trained medical professional in order to determine the cause of your symptoms. Remember, it is important to maintain complete privacy while being examined as medical professionals can detect small infections and ailments from afar and they can find it very difficult to avoid detection. It is recommended that you take your time, especially if the doctor wants to test you for any serious disease that you might carry within your system.
If you are in good health, then you can take part in all forms of travel without any worries. However, there are those who like to stick to more sedate pursuits when on vacation. For such people, it is recommended that they keep close contact with their doctors throughout their vacation. This will help them to be prepared in case they do become sick and should they become unwell, they will be able to have immediate treatment. It is therefore important to keep a close eye on any symptoms that you may have so that you can remain as healthy as possible and reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill when visiting foreign countries.