Safety Sunday

Here is a few tips to keep you itch free in your hotel… Before booking a hotel check Bedbug Registry to see if there have been any reports of bedbugs.

When you do get to your hotel, do this quick dreaded test.

1. Pull out the sheets and inspect the corner of the mattress. No need to rip off the whole thing, a corner will do the trick.
2. Get a damp wash cloth or antibacterial wipe. Pull all the drawers open and wipe the bottom of them. Be sure to get all the way to the back. Still bug free? Here is one last tip to stay that way.
3. To make sure none come home with you, do NOT leave your suitcase on the floor, put it on a luggage rack or dresser.

What are you looking for: Mature bed bugs are brownish red and about the size of an apple seed. They are carnivorous, so they will bite you. YUK!

Safety Sunday

Keep a list of any prescription medications or allergies on you at all times. This could be a life saver. I would recommend making 2 copies and give your travel buddy a copy also incase you are unable to respond or medical staff can not find your list. First things first, make sure your name is on the card to verify this is your list.

For medications I list the medication, strength, reason and time of day you typically take it.
I.e.: XYZ Medication / 25 mg / high blood pressure / 8 AM and 8PM daily.

For allergies I list the allergy, reaction and cure. This is for medication and food allergies.
I.e.: Allergic to seafood / throat closes and I have difficulty breathing / use 50 mg of Benadryl.

I print these on a business card size paper with medications on the front and allergies on the back. I put it right behind my ID. I figure that is the first place someone would look. Keep your descriptions brief and don’t print it to small.

Safety Sunday

When traveling to a country that does not speak English, it is best to know basic medical words incase you need to pick up any OTC drugs. I make a spreadsheet and keep it in my day bag with the following words and the translation.

1. Allergy medication
2. Cold medication
3. Rash / Blister ointment or cream (A blister on the toe can ruin a trip)
4. Anti-acid/ Anti-diarrhea medication
5. Antibiotic ointment
6. Ice
7. Band-Aids

These are generic ones that everyone should have. If you have an issue that happens often, add it to the list. There are free translation websites on the internet that will translate any word. I have found that it is not always exact, but will surely get you what you need.

Is there one I missed? Let me know.

Favorite Friday

My favorite place to stock up on my “less than 3 ounces” travel necessities is Minimus.biz. They have a great selection and good prices. They have everything from travel sized food products to OTC medications. The best part about it is free shipping on orders over $20.

Favorite Friday

My favorite walking sandal is from Ecco. Ecco makes shoes and sandals, but the pair that have been all over the world with me are my Passion Quarter Strap sandals. They have been on my feet walking the streets of Italy, Greece, France and Turkey all the way to the beaches in Monterey, California. They clean up nicely after being in the sand and they dry really fast.

Check out their official site at ECCO USA.