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 With Valentine’s Day fast approaching there’s a sudden sense of urgency and a single mindedness that sends you racing towards amorous but reckless endeavors. There’s no better way to celebrate (or rekindle) romance than with a lovers' getaway to lands unknown. Whether it’s with your flame of the month or your partner of over a decade; the thrill, excitement and sheer adrenalin rush is unbeatable.

If you're already off swimming in shark infested waters or trekking through Grizzly country, this is probably too late for you! For anyone else with overseas travel plans, these tips may come in handy.

Here are some tips that could help keep the dream alive:

• Before you make any overseas trips or even a road trip across the border make it a point to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest information on health concerns and outbreaks in various travel destinations. You will also find information on the immunizations that you need.
• Immunization should be treated as your biggest priority. This offers the greatest protection against a variety of infections. Your doctor will also advise you about any other preventive treatments that you may need to follow. For example, travelers to South East Asian countries with malaria epidemics are prescribed anti-malaria drugs at least a few weeks before departure.
• When travelling to a region where a particular disease is endemic and there is known vaccine against it, learn about the steps you can take to minimize the risk of infection. This could include taking steps to avoid mosquito bites, making sure you’re protected against environmental hazards or even exercising a great deal of caution with food and beverages, because of the high risk of contamination.
• You may be twenty or sixty, but that scarcely matters. A visit to your doctor and other specialists is absolutely necessary before you travel abroad. Minor health problems can be easily treated at home and more serious concerns can be identified and dealt with as well.
• If you suffer from any pre-existing condition or are on any medications it would be a good idea to consult with your doctor before finalizing your travel plans. Make sure you carry your medications with you in-flight and at all other times, as opposed to packing them with your luggage.
• Find out about the health care facilities in the country you’re travelling to, before you make your voyage.
• Whether you’re sipping on a pina colada under sunny skies or exploring the ruins of Angkor Wat, you never know when disaster can strike. It always pays to be prepared with first-aid, so brush up on your first-aid skills and carry a first-aid kit with you, particularly if you expect to be travelling through remote areas.
• Make sure you choose your travel insurance based on your needs, taking into account the activities you have planned and your destination.
• Your first-aid kit should always be easily accessible and contain all the basic supplies you could possibly require. In addition to your medications, also make sure that you have your prescriptions and immunization records.
  

There’s little that can dampen the exuberance you feel when travelling abroad, but the fact is that illness features prominently in that ‘little’. This is of particular concern if you’re travelling to a developing or underdeveloped territory. It can be a tad disappointing to find yourself holed up in bed, surviving on broths, when you’d anticipated sunny beaches, mountain climbing or sky diving! With some foresight and planning however you can avert any of the hiccups associated with travelling to the developing world.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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