International Travel Medical and Safety Advice
International Travel Medical and Safety Advice
International travel is common today, but diseases that are rare in some countries are still prevalent in others. Travel immunisations and vaccines can ensure better health on your trip and help protect your community upon your return home.
We recommend that you consult a doctor or travel health professional for up to date advice on vaccinations for the regions you will be travelling to. Please seek advice as soon as possible as some vaccinations take time to be effective.
The best way to keep yourself safe abroad is to prepare now and be informed. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, learn the customs of the places you are visiting, and research the latest travel advice.
General Medical Advice
Globalteer staff are not doctors so cannot provide specific medical advice but here is some general guidance.
It is also important to know that:
- Some vaccines are expensive so you should discuss the risk versus the cost with your health professional.
- Some diseases are more common at certain times of the year, such as during the rainy season.
- Some people may be more vulnerable to infection, while other vaccinations can't be given to people with certain medical conditions.
- Some diseases can't be vaccinated against, so discuss how to reduce your risk with your health professional.
For more information:
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organisation
NHS Travel Vaccinations
General Safety Advice
The huge majority of overseas travel is trouble free, but you should always be aware of any risks to yourself. You have a big advantage by volunteering with Globalteer as we collect you from the airport or your hotel, and Globalteer or local project staff with provide you with an arrival orientation where you can discuss staying safe.
Health and Safety
Globalteer carries out health and safety inspections at accommodation, offices and project locations. Although standards are probably below what you are used to, we endeavour to ensure your safety whilst volunteering.
General
In any foreign destination, it is sensible to be aware. Avoid walking alone at night down a dark street, don’t accept lifts from strangers and take care of your belongings.
Theft
Travellers need to carry important items such as passports and credit cards with them. The decision is often whether to leave these items at your accommodation, or carry them with you when you are out and about. We recommend leaving important items in your accommodation's safe. You can also purchase a portable safe, such as Pacsafe, or a money belt to prevent theft.
Accidents
Traffic rules are often very different to what you are used to at home and can be dangerous to unaware travellers. Always cross the road with caution and don't expect drivers to give you the right of way, even at pedestrian crossings.
Too often when travellers are victims of theft, or involved in accidents, there is one common factor: alcohol. Be aware that excessive alcohol use can increase the likelihood of both of these incidents.
Government travel advice
We advise that all volunteers follow the up to date information and advice from their own countries governments regarding safety while travelling abroad. Here are some links to government foreign travel advise.
United Kingdom
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
United States of America
http://www.state.gov/travel/
Australia
http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx
Argentina
Argentina Howler Monkey Project
Let your health professional know that you will be working with howler monkeys. Hepatitis B can occur in howler monkeys and therefore this is a potential risk, although no cases have been recorded at the project.
Cambodia
Cambodia Community and Sports Projects in Siem Reap
Vaccinations
Let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with children from impoverished backgrounds. Protect yourself from mosquito borne disease by using insect repellent and discuss the available vaccines.
Health and Safety
Let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with children from impoverished backgrounds if you are going to the Cambodia Indigenous People Project. Protect yourself from mosquito borne disease by using insect repellent and discuss the available vaccines.
Health and Safety
Mondulkiri is a very safe and friendly province, but as always when travelling, you must take the usual precautions to ensure your safety. Common sense and knowledge are key, and you will have an orientation meeting on arrival to advise you of any precautions you need to take. Elephants are very large animals so please listen to local staff on how to stay safe whilst working with the elephants. Visitors to the area should also be aware that unexploded ordnance (shells, bombs etc.) exist in Mondulkiri. It is believed that the area will never be fully cleared in the same way that exploded ordnance are still being found in Europe from the 1940s. There are virtually no land mines in this area of Cambodia.
Cambodia Bear Sanctuary
Let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with bears in a rescue centre that is home to many species of animals. Protect yourself from mosquito borne disease by using insect repellent and discuss the available vaccines.
Health and Safety
As always when travelling you must take the usual precautions to ensure your safety. Common sense and knowledge are key, and you will have an orientation meeting on arrival to advise you of any precautions you need to take. Bears are potentially dangerous, so please listen to local staff on how to stay safe whilst working with the bears.
Colombia
Colombia Kids Project
Vaccinations
Let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with children from impoverished backgrounds and discuss the option of vaccinations. Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Colombia, and although this risk is low in Medellin, also tell your health professional that you will be volunteering in this area.
Health and Safety
Colombia still has its problems and there are regions that are too dangerous to visit, but most people avoid these areas. As with any large city there are areas you should not visit after dark. Just think of your local major city and you will know where not to go late at night. Medellin is no different. You will be told these areas on arrival. There are plenty of areas in Medellin that are safe and many people walk freely at night, enjoying the amazing nightlife the city has to offer.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Sea Turtles Project
Vaccinations
Let your health professional know that you will be volunteering on the coast of Costa Rica and discuss the relevant vaccinations.
Health and Safety
Indonesia
Indonesia Wildlife Rescue Centre
Vaccinations
Laos
Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Vaccinations
Let your health professional know that you will be working at a wildlife rescue centre with a huge variety of animals. Hepatitis B can occur in wildlife and therefore this is a potential risk, although no cases have been recorded at the project.
All volunteers are required to have their vaccinations for DTP (Tetanus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria) up-to-date. This is mandatory for everyone who wants to have a volunteer placement at the centre. The project also suggests taking precautions for hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis and tuberculosis.
Malaria risk is present throughout the year in the whole of the country, except the city of Vientiane. While the risk is low in other urban areas and areas surrounding Vientiane you should discuss this with your travel doctor. Medications to reduce the risk of disease may be recommended.
You may also want to consider the pre-exposure rabies vaccination. These injections are available in your home country, although they are expensive. In the unlikely event of exposure to a suspected rabid animal, treatment is available two hours away in Vientiane. If you are exposed to rabies, you must obtain treatment within 24 hours if you have not received the pre-exposure injections. Treatment includes immunoglobulin injections into the wound and a series of rabies vaccinations. If you have received the pre-exposure injections, you will still need to seek immediate medical attention to receive booster doses of the vaccine.
Health and Safety
Laos is a very safe and friendly country, but as always when travelling you must take the usual precautions to stay safe. Common sense and knowledge are key, and you will have an orientation meeting on arrival to advise you of any precautions you need to take. Most visits to Laos are completely trouble free. You will spend almost all of your time at the project location, which can be considered very safe.
Un-exploded mines and ordinances are a hazard throughout Laos. However, the risk is mostly in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars), Luang Prabang Province and areas of the Lao-Vietnamese border. As a precaution, don’t stray off main routes in rural areas, and don’t pick up metal objects.
Malaysia
Borneo Marine and Sea Turtle Conservation
Inform your health professional that you will be volunteering on the Borneo coast, and if appicable will be diving. If you do require anti-malarial medication before your volunteer placement in Borneo, please avoid Larium as the side effects when diving can be severe.
Health and Safety
Travel warning
There are currently some travel warnings in place for Pom Pom island due to some isolated local incidents. You can read up to date information and advise from the FCO website or your own government travel website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malaysia
Peru
Peru Community and Dog Rescue Projects in Cusco
Vaccinations
Let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with children from impoverished backgrounds or working with rescued street dogs, and discuss the various vaccination options.
Health and Safety
Thailand
Thailand Elephant and Wildlife Projects
Vaccinations