At the end of the year, many people might be planning to spend their time traveling and relaxing with friends, loved ones, or family. However, a fun trip could be interrupted by minor health issues. We have some great tips on how to prepare your body and equipment for each trip.
Location: Phuket Island
Diving Trip, Embrace the Sea Breeze
- Apply sunscreen on the face and body, choose SPF 50 and PA +++ or higher, and reapply every 1 – 2 hours when doing water activities. Don’t forget to focus on areas that are particularly sensitive and exposed to the sun such as the forehead, the sides of the nose, ears, and shoulders.
- Consider using lip balm or lip salve with UV protection to prevent chapped or flaky lips.
- Many people may experience seasickness; it’s essential to prepare anti-nausea medication, taking it about 30 minutes to 1 hour before setting out.
- Stretch and warm up your muscles before getting into the water to prevent cramps.
- To avoid feeling dizzy or faint, consume foods high in vitamin B12 to help maintain the normal function of the nervous system, which can be found in foods like pork liver, beef liver, chicken liver, oysters, sardines, and tuna.
- For sunburn, avoid using substances that dry the skin, like soap, on the affected area. Application of aloe vera gel can help soothe the burning sensation.
- If stung by jellyfish, it is recommended to slowly pour and wash the affected area with vinegar for about 15 – 30 minutes to prevent the nematocysts from discharging more venom. If vinegar is not available, wash with seawater or 70% Isopropyl Alcohol or ammonia solution or apply any available lotion. Do not use fresh water to rinse, do not touch the sting area directly, consider using gloves or if there are still jellyfish parts on the skin, use tweezers or a stick to remove it. Avoid hot or cold compresses as they may spread the toxin further. If stung by box jellyfish or fire jellyfish, seek medical attention immediately after administering first aid.
Destinations
Diving destinations to visit at least once
- Similan Islands, Phang Nga Province
Ranked among the top 10 diving spots in the world for the beauty of its corals and marine life including silver tip sharks, leopard sharks, lionfish, and large manta rays.
- Koh Tao, Chumphon Province
A beautiful sea in the Gulf of Thailand, highly acclaimed as one of the top islands in Asia and the 8th best island in the world.
- Lanta Islands, Krabi Province
Known for the natural beauty of its purple and red rocks with a large number of big marine animals such as whales, sharks, manta rays, and rahu ray.
Location: Doi Pha Tang, Chiang Rai Province
Hiking, Rock Climbing, Exploring the Wilderness
- Choose hiking boots or high-top sneakers to reduce the shock on the knees, support the weight on the soles of the feet properly, and be aware of possible accidents, such as being cut by sharp rocks, crawlies, and other insects.
- Carry insect repellent spray or lotion to protect against mosquitoes that can transmit dengue fever and other insects or leeches that might attach and draw blood.
- Drink clean water frequently throughout the day to prevent heat stroke.
- Eat foods rich in minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are abundant in milk, egg yolk, bananas, orange juice, tomato juice, etc., or opt for dietary supplements containing these minerals to enhance muscle function and reduce the risk of cramps.
- If bitten by a venomous animal, for ants, bees, wasps, treat with cold compresses like a cold cloth or ice pack on the sore, swollen, red area. Then, apply steroid cream or antihistamine cream, anti-itch cream, or allergy medication. Most symptoms disappear in 2 – 3 hours. If there’s inflammation or swelling after 24 hours, do not pierce or open the wound as it may cause infection. Seek a doctor immediately. If bitten by a snake, remember the snake’s appearance, try to keep the bitten part lower than the heart to slow down the blood circulation, preventing the venom from spreading quickly. Do not suck the venom out or cut the wound. Call the medical emergency hotline 1669 immediately.
- Prevent getting lost by asking park officials for detailed directions, get an emergency contact number, and inform the officials of your travel plans. If lost in the evening or near nightfall, find a water source in the forest and look for a safe place to stay overnight from wild animals. You might consider lighting a small campfire to ward off predators and certain reptiles.
Destinations
Interesting hiking spots
- Kew Mae Pan, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province
A beautiful moist evergreen forest learning center.
- Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Offers interesting forest nature trails amidst complex mountain ranges. Tourists often come to see the large elephant herds.
- Phu Soi Dao National Park, Uttaradit Province
A forest area of more than 1,000 acres along with the Three Leaf Pine Plain and trails that wind through various terrain levels.
Location: Sunflower Field, Khao Jeen Lae, Lopburi Province
Trip to See Flower Fields and Mist
- Prepare scarves, warm clothes to add warmth to the body in case of going to a cold place. A hat is necessary to protect against various dewdrops.
- For those with allergies, pollen allergies, don’t forget to bring allergy medication with you.
- Before traveling to a cold place, choose to eat foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwi, papaya, guava, and green leafy vegetables, or opt for vitamin C complex supplements to strengthen from the inside, prevent free radicals, and stimulate the immune system to work better.
Destinations
Late year blooming flower fields worth visiting
- Khun Chang Kian, the route to Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province
Enjoy viewing the blooming Phaya Sua Krong along the route and various cold-climate plants.
- Sunflower Field, Khao Jeen Lae, Lopburi Province
With vibrant yellow sunflowers blooming across the field, it’s a picturesque spot.
- Dasada Gallery, Khao Yai, Prachin Buri Province
Witness the display of cold-climate flowers in a large greenhouse, accompanied by a dancing water fountain show with lights, colors, and sound.
Location: Huai Mae Khamin, Sri Nakarin National Park, Kanchanaburi Province
Rafting Trip, Bathing in the Waterfall
- Always wear a life jacket when playing in the water.
- Prepare your body for hiking; going to waterfalls often involves long treks uphill or downhills. Make sure you get enough rest and prepare by
