Cholera is caused by a bacteria, Vibrio cholerae. It's transmitted from person to person by direct contact (often via healthy carriers of the disease) or via contaminated food and water. It can be spread by seafood, including crustaceans and shellfish, which get infected via sewage. Cholera exists where standards of environmental and personal hygiene are low.

Paragraph taken from:Lonely Planet-India (Health)

Common Illnesses: - Food Poisoning - Diarrhoea - Dehydration - Colds, flu and sore throats - Insect bites/ Minor cuts

* Best is to bring along with you a small medical kits that contain only necessary medication that would help you on the above. Never bring too much as you can always load up your stock along the way. And, of coz if anything would to get serious, always seek out for a doctor.

Remember what you eat and drink is very crucial during travels. This would either bring up your body resistance rates or lower it, resulting you to get sick.

2. Money and Valuables – Look out for your money and valuables!!

Always remember that thieves & pickpockets will always be present on your trip, as they are everywhere no matter which country you are in. Always be wary of your surrounding.

I think we have always heard this or too often already, keep all your important documents and most of your money and important documents in a money-belt that can be worn beneath your clothing. So it won’t be visible to others. Never disclose the presence of this belt in public, so keep some money in your pocket and only spend the money there. And, it is also best to keep a reasonable amount of money well hidden in your luggage or somewhere you think would be safe as something to fall back on incase of emergency.

As we have always learnt since young, never walk into dark alley alone or even, when invited by strangers. Try not to talk to strangers especially if you feel suspicious of them. Trust your instinct. It’s always good to be a little paranoid that inviting unwanted and unnecessary hassle.

And, always lock up your luggage even when you are leaving it in the hotel/guesthouse/hostel’s room.

3. Culture shock – I don’t know about you but I’ll always keep an open mind and try to understand rather to judge too quickly.

Culture shock is a term used to describe the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within an entirely different culture or social environment, such as a different country.

Coping with culture shock

Experienced travelers tend to cope much better with the difficulties of travel. To ensure that they may have a more enjoyable trip they can:

• Read up about the country and its culture before they leave. This way the country and its people seem more familiar when they arrive. They will be aware of any differences in this new country and they will be prepared to deal with them whenever possible (e.g. differences in hygiene).

• Avoid being offended themselves, offending locals or any more general cultural misunderstanding, they can familiarise themselves with the local customs and language.

• Be open-minded about the culture they visit.

• Take 'time out' or rest apart from cultural exchange in order to reduce the 'shock' of adjustment.

Paragraph taken from: Wikipedia-Culture Shock

4. Remain flexible

I will always remain flexible on my trips. Don’t plan too much ahead. Go with the flow. Read and understand the place you are going. And, just enjoy yourself. Itinerary can always be altered. You will never know what you would experience along the way, and you might just want to try something or go somewhere which is not in the plan. No worries. Do it and enjoy.

5. Don’t forget your budget!!!

Keep track of it and you won’t regret it.

6. Travel Burnout

This might happened if you wanted to do too much in a short period of time. Try to prioritize your trip. What I usually do is when I reach my accommodation area, get myself settled down, and get hold of the area map ASAP. Then, take your time, to prioritize what you want to do and see for the day. Its ok if you cant do everything in that particular trip. There’s always a reason for a 2nd trip back there.

7. Keeping in touch!!!

I am sure wherever you are, there is someone back home that are waiting to hear from you. It could be your parents, siblings and even, friends. Find out what’s the cheapest or best way to keep in touch. You can always call, or even, go online and sent an email. And, if you are net-savvy, get a travel log and upload your travel photos and share your experiences.

8. Last but not least, Forget all the above and Enjoy yourself……


Part 3: Ready to go home? What now?

I always drag this part whenever I am on a trip. What I usually do is, I’ll go get a postcard from the place and write to myself. Reminding myself, how much I have enjoyed the trip. What I enjoyed and what went wrong. This is somehow comforting when you reach home, and few days later, you get a postcard from the place you have been and remind you of the good times, you had there. You can also do that by sending yourself something you like.

I know going back to work or studies is always something you would be dragging to do especially after a fantastic trip. You will be wishing why, can’t I be born a traveler? Hahaha!!! Anyway, a suggestion, maybe you can start planning for your next destination. It sure helps knowing that as soon as you have the opportunity and you'll be hitting the road once again. It keeps the spirit feeling free and something to look forward to.

I hope the above helps and you would enjoy your trip as much as I did. ENJOY!!

(**I have been an avid budget traveller for the past 3 years. I have travelled mostly in South East Asia and will be visiting North East Asia in Feb 2007. The article above is written purely from my own experience (trial and error) and my own personal views and in no way represent the views of anyone in particular or MYHA )
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