Healthy Travel in the Tropics

How Business Travelers Maintain Health and Fitness in Hot Climates

Mar 11, 2009

As more and more businesses go global, business travel is spreading out into previously uncharted territories that many may see as more risky for health and fitness.

Business travelers from North America and Europe may have concerns about going to “underdeveloped” locations, and may wonder how to minimize risks associated with such international travel. However, by following a few simple precautions, visitors to the tropics can stay healthy in most every situation.

Pre-departure Preparation

Those who are following a regular program of preventative health care and exercise will probably not have to make many additional adjustments for international travel. Except for yellow fever, required for some locations in Africa and Latin America, the days of required shots for travel are pretty much over. Travelers may consult the websites of the Center for Disease Control (USA) or the Public Health Agency of Canada for up to date information on specific destinations.

Precautions for Hot Climates

High SPF sunscreen is of great importance in the tropics because the sun’s rays are more direct than in higher latitudes; natives of tropical climates make an effort to stay in the shade at all times, moving quickly out of the sun. Long-sleeved shirts and blouses and a hat are usually the best choice for keeping cool. Skimpy clothing that lets the sun beat on unprotected skin is actually hotter, and probably inappropriate for business anyway.

Keeping hydrated is extremely important in hot climates, and will also have a moderating effect on the impact of unfamiliar foods and other stresses. Drinking lots of water is one of the best health maintenance strategies for travelers. Of course, it is important to take care about the sources of drinking water, avoiding drinks with ice (which may not made from boiled water), and using safe water even for brushing teeth. In the most remote, rural locations, hot drinks like coffee and tea may be the most dependable option.

Travelers’ Diarrhea

Even those who are careful about the sources of their drinking water may experience occasional discomfort due to the stress of travel and unfamiliar food and surroundings. Many travelers over-medicate themselves, preferring to trust in pharmaceuticals instead of the healing mechanisms of the body. Experienced travelers recommend pacing oneself and using stress management techniques like exercise to overcome minor illnesses when traveling instead of taking numerous medications.

Food and Water Borne Diseases

Business travelers have a great deal at stake in the limited time they may have available in a country, and are not able to waste time fighting illnesses, but many may spend a lot of time worrying about illnesses that never materialize. To find a balance, it is important to limit some particularly risky items, like raw salads and cafeteria foods left sitting out after cooking while being open to trying new tastes and preparations. Freshly cooked, hot dishes are likely to be safe, and host country nationals will be the best guides for what is recommended to a visitor.

Overcoming Jet Lag

Heavy, overloaded schedules are the curse of the modern business traveler, who is always under pressure to minimize costs while producing results. Nonetheless, taking sufficient rest when needed will significantly improve one’s performance and productivity. Critical decisions made by over-tired and frazzled travelers are unlikely to bring the results that will justify the cost of travel. Rather, relaxed and confident managers who know how to manage stress and tolerate ambiguity will deliver the needed product on schedule. When crossing several time zones, trying to keep to local waking and sleeping times is usually the best strategy. Whenever possible, following a moderate exercise regime, even if it’s only walking in the mall, will give a needed boost to both body and mind.

Global business travel is a reality for more and more people, and international business is taking travelers into more varied and unfamiliar locations. Tropical climates may pose some special challenges for business travelers, but simple precautions can go a long way towards minimizing risk and maximizing health and fitness while abroad. Protection from exposure to the sun, clean and copious drinking water, and adequate rest and exercise are the recipe for a safe and healthy international business trip.

The copyright of the article Healthy Travel in the Tropics in Business Travel Tips is owned by Nancy Longatan. Permission to republish Healthy Travel in the Tropics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.