Planning a vacation in a hot tropical climate
Many people love to go sightseeing, and if you have extra funds, you can opt for a warm tropical vacation abroad. Of course, before you start packing and buying plane tickets, make sure you plan your tropical excursion well to avoid mishaps.
The first thing to consider is whether there are any health risks at the moment in the country you plan to visit. Some tropical countries are prone to outbreaks of malaria, dengue and other related tropical diseases. Be sure to check the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov) for the latest health and travel news. If there are no major outbreaks, it is still recommended that you get the necessary injections for diseases such as hepatitis and malaria and take vitamin supplements before going on vacation.
The other issue to consider is the visa requirements to travel to that country from yours. Some countries may restrict the travel visa to no more than one month, three months or six months. Others may depend on your place of origin and you may only be granted a one or two week travel visa. You can visit the embassy or consulate of the destination country to find out the specific visa requirements and other travel issues related to that country. Once you have all the visa information for your destination, you can start booking your airline tickets and reserving your accommodation.
As you will be vacationing in a tropical country, you should bring light cotton clothing such as t-shirts, light cotton pants, and sarongs. Don’t bring too many clothes, as most of these places sell nice tropical clothes, usually at cheap and competitive prices. Rain, especially sudden heavy rain, is common during the monsoon season and even during the warm season, so be prepared with an umbrella or two.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential to protect your skin and eyes from the heat of the tropical sun. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, with UVA and UVB protection should be sufficient. Even if you plan on tanning at the beach, use sunscreen on your face and body, as you can get badly burned if you’re not careful. Reapply your sunscreen every two to three hours, or every hour if you’re swimming. Pack mosquito repellants, as bugs and bed bugs thrive in warm weather.
Make a list of things to do and bring before you go on vacation. It’s also good to read about the country you’re visiting and the local places of interest you might visit. You can buy travel books or read online about your destination. Some things to consider are the currency used, the rules and customs of the locals, the mode of transportation commonly used, local information about the town or city you are staying in, and where your own embassy is located there. Find out more about the accommodation you are staying in through their company website or email them for more information on available facilities, nearest hospital and available transportation to and from the hotel.
To avoid being fooled by fares and the like, plan where you want to visit and what you want to do before you even get on the plane. Buying a map of the places you want to go will let you know the travel distances between tourist attractions and how far it is from your hotel. Read reviews and tips on online forums to find out local travel rates, bargain shopping areas, and travel tips. It’s also beneficial to learn a few local phrases before you fly so you can haggle with the locals when shopping. You can learn some local slang through phrase books or travel websites.
Plan your tropical vacation well so that you and your family or friends can have a fun and hassle-free vacation. Do not procrastinate your planning, it may seem tedious but it is essential. The important thing about any holiday is that you are safe.