Yup, there are a lot of scary viruses that you can get from those tiny little bloodsucking bugs that can be found all over the world. But is that going to stop you from traveling? Probably not. So, instead of staying at home and never leaving your bed, the best thing to do is to learn what these diseases are and how to protect yourself from them.
Read MoreOcean Safety 101: How to Stay Safe in The Water
I realized after taking my 20-something-year-old friend to swim in the ocean for the first time — and she screamed, jumped and came running at me the moment she saw a miniature crab — that not everyone understands that the ocean is more than just a really big pool.
Not only is it full of living creatures, but the water itself is mysterious, unpredictable and can be really dangerous if you aren't smart when you are out in it.
Here are a few ocean safety tips to keep you safe when hitting the beach (other then the obvious like wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated, of course).
Watch out for sleeper waves
These waves are the ones that crash further up on the beach than normal and can knock over small children, or people who don't have steady footing, and pull you out to sea. Be careful when walking near the water line along the beach.
When swimming be careful of rip currents
Rip currents are swift rivers of backwash that surge through the surf (the choppy, foamy or discoloured water near the shore). If you are caught in one, DO NOT swim against it. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free of the current, and then head for shore.
Stay away from rocks, driftwood and piers
Like icebergs, it is hard to tell how big the rock is underneath the water until you have scraped your hands and knees on it. Unexpected currents and large waves can push you into these obstacles as well, causing a lot of damage.
Watch out for reefs
Reefs are pretty easy to spot, they are usually a dark shadow in otherwise clear or blue water. You can also spot them by the waves that usually break over them. Not only can you risk damaging the fragile ecosystem if you step, kick, or otherwise knock into a reef, but a scrape can cause a nasty infection.
Stay alert for fish and other critters
Jellyfish are usually easy to spot, as are small crabs that are more afraid of you then you are of them. Shuffle your feet when entering the water if you are somewhere that has stingrays present, and never go in the water with open wounds — no need to tempt the sharks!
When in doubt, ask a lifeguard
The lifeguards are aware of currents, tides, and any type of critters that might be present on the beach. If there are not lifeguards on the beach that you are headed to, do a bit of research ahead of time or, if nothing else, make a conscious decision to be alert and aware of your surroundings.
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Travel Tips: Your Guide To Safely Drinking (Or Not Drinking) The Water When You Travel
According to water.org, 3.575 million people die each year from water related diseases.
For those of us who are lucky enough to call countries that have fresh, clean drinking water home, it is important to remember that the majority of the places we will travel to are not so lucky.
It's easy to forget the brushing your teeth, having a shower, or needing to wet a dry throat in the middle of the night that the water might not be safe to drink.
Here are a few things to keep your tummy safe on your next trip:
NEVER drink tap water unless you are 100% sure that it is safe (so basically never).
Bottled water is usually ok, but make sure you check the seal carefully before you buy. I have heard of scams where shop owners will refill old bottles with tap water and then put them back on the shelves.
Pack iodine tablets. They are lightweight, don’t take up much room and will be lifesavers if you ever find yourself with no access to clean water.
If your trip is going to involve isolation (example: mountains in Tibet or the Gobi Desert), I recommend picking up an actual water filter and/or purifier. Many of them are now made to easily connect to a water bottle and come with small hand pumps.
Boiling water is still the best way to purify it. You can purchase small electrical coils for this purpose at most outdoor/travel stores.
When eating or drinking in restaurants, avoid ice or fresh juice unless you can confirm that both were made with filtered water. The same goes for tea and soup that may not have been brought to a boil.
Be careful not to swallow any water when brushing your teeth (or just use bottled water) and showering.
When in doubt, end your day of touring with a shot of hard liquor or a beer, and hope that the alcohol will kill any parasite that you swallowed with your water!
