GEORGIA BROWN
I do not try to cram too much activity into a day. My traveling companions
have learned that my day ends when my body gets tired...
Travel
Traveling Time–Spring 2003
BY GEORGIA BROWN
I have enjoyed traveling ever since I was a child. Now instead of cruising the country in my grandparent’s RV, I travel to far off places to explore other cultures, customs and cuisines. Each place offers wondrous sites, sounds and smells. In all my travels, I have realized that my health takes precedence over being a tourist. So, let me share a few things I have learned from traveling abroad.
PLAN, PLAN and then PLAN
It is best to plan in case you get sick. First, have your CF doctor write a note stating your condition and which medications you are on. If you are traveling to a country where the English language is not common, try to have it translated into native language. For example, when I traveled to China, I had my medical explanation translated to Mandarin Chinese. You can contact foreign language teachers at a local schools or colleges or at a Foreign Consulate for translation assistance. I also suggest taking a copy of your most recent PFT’s and sputum culture results with you. Some countries like England and Poland have CF physicians; their locations can be found via the Internet. I also wear my medic alert bracelet, which is recognized worldwide so that in case of emergency, my family and my CF physician can be contacted. In addition, I ask my doctor for an oral medication that I can take just in case I start having symptoms.
Airport security and policies are a prime concern. Check with your airline to see if they have guidelines for changing your itinerary in the event you become sick and need to return home for treatment because some airlines may not assess a fee for medical necessity. Contract your airline to see if you will have difficulty taking your medical equipment with you. Be sure to pack an electrical adapter because other countries use different voltage and be aware that equipment can still malfunction even with an adapter. If you have a port-a-cath, check to see if it has a metal casing. While I never set off a metal detector with my port, I always carried my card indicating my implant just in case. Always take your medications in their original containers and be sure to have a few extra in case your trip is extended. I try to take just enough so that I can remove the labels from the bottles and discard the bottle before I leave—this makes room for the extra stuff I always seem to come back with! Also, make at least two copies of all your documents including your driver’s license, passport, ticket, itinerary etc. Carry one copy with you and leave one at home with a parent or friend in case your original documents are lost or stolen. You can present your copy to the US Embassy for assistance and/or your family can help you from home. Government sites on the Internet have addresses and phone numbers to all embassies so carry that information with you as well. These sites can also tell you about the country and they list precautions you should take if visiting the country. I have also seen a doctor who specializes in travel medicine to inquire about health concerns.
It is hard to plan for the unexpected but try. I try to take anything I might use sometimes at home. While you can find comparable over the counter products abroad, it is hard to walk into a German pharmacy and ask for anything when you don’t speak the language! On a recent trip to Florida, I had an allergic reaction to pollen that got into my eyes. So, I added Visine and benadryl to my first aid kit—even on weekend trips. Opt to drink water on the plane because you can become easily dehydrated when flying and drink plenty of water during your trip. Bottled water is plentiful but be sure you ask for water with or without gas—carbonated water is common in Europe. It is important to carry on with any routines you have at home like treatment and eating schedules.
In addition, you need to be aware that you will encounter new organisms—on the plane and at your destination. From what my doctor of travel medicine explained, newer planes have better air filtration systems. However, I know some people prefer to fly wearing a mask. If you chose to do this, be sure to bring a few as you might want to wear them on trains or other forms of public transportation at your destination. I also suggest taking alcohol wipes and hand gel. It is important to be sure to wash your hands or use the gel before you eat or even periodically during the day. Take seat covers and toilet paper—other countries toilet facilities are not like our own. For example, in China they use “squat pots.” And just like it sounds, that is what you do. Plus, other countries have different ways to flush so be sure to check this out beforehand or you could experience some unpleasantness. I once found a toilet that I could not figure out how to flush so now I always check first. Because these are germ areas, gloves are a good idea too.
SLEEP, SLEEP and more SLEEP
Sleep is the key especially when you travel into different time zones. While many people are capable of combating jet lag, I have not managed to jump off a plane and start my adventure. Instead, I plan sleep time. First, I try to take a flight at night where I can wake up at my destination. I do not find airplanes to be the best place to sleep but I can usually get some sleep if my body is tired and knows it is time to sleep. Second, when I arrive, I do not plan much more than a meal and finding the hotel. If I feel up to it, I might check things out; otherwise, I try to get at least eight hours of sleep. In addition, I do not try to cram too much activity into a day. My traveling companions have learned that my day ends when my body gets tired—and if this means I miss an activity so be it. Otherwise, I will be too tired the next day to sightsee. Yes, I have missed out on some activities I wanted to participate in, but I feel that maintaining my health is more important.
REMINDER–You are not in America!
You will encounter other kinds of food so take a dictionary to help you decipher menus–especially if you have allergies. Some countries offer menus in English but from my experience, most do not. I like to try new foods but I also want to make sure I can get plenty of protein and vitamins. So I purchase items like fruits and vegetables at markets and have picnics–this is also cheaper if you are on a budget. France and England are full of wonderful gardens for just this purpose.
Be aware that ethnic food found in the US varies from what you will find in the selected country. Eating in France is an experience as lunch takes a minimum of two hours for a 3-4-course meal. Bonus is they usually come with a fabulous dessert! Pizza is very popular in France but you will eat it with a knife and fork. Spain still honors the siesta. And as you would expect, pasta in Italy is fantastic. Real English food beyond fish and chips is not to my liking but they have plenty of Americanized restaurants. England and other countries do have American fast food places like McDonald’s and KFC, but the food usually tastes different. Even soft drinks taste different in other countries including Mexico and Canada. Some of my favorites are yogurt found anywhere in Europe–creamy with fruit pieces, mushroom soup in Poland, Italian ice cream, French fruit (especially fresh raspberries), raspberry jam in England, I could go on but it makes me hungry to think about it! However, while I try to be adventurous, there are some foods I did not want to try. If you think scorpion shish kebobs sound good travel to China. They have an unusual selection of items on a stick. Escargot or snails are popular in France. Beets are common in Poland. Internet research or a book on a particular country will usually describe their food along approximate cost.
Not all countries have dining areas designated as “no smoking.” Smoking is very popular overseas and natives light up anywhere and everywhere. If you travel when it is warm, try to sit outside as much as possible. I also chose not to go to clubs and pubs because the ventilation is not the best so these venues are very smoky. Museums and tourist attractions are usually “no smoking” areas so this will not inhibit your sightseeing. Research will usually indicate sightseeing areas, their admission fees and if they are non-smoking.
Other countries do not have disability accommodations either. For example, in Poland only buildings over five floors are required to have an elevator or “lift.” In England and France, while an establishment may have a lift, it is usually very small and slow–so be patient. Walking is commonplace in most European countries so be prepared to do a lot of walking. This is another reason why my daily itineraries are not jam-packed! I was quickly aware that I walked at a slower pace. I do try to use a treadmill a bit before I travel just to get into shape for all the walking. However many countries have efficient taxi, bus, train, and subway systems.
Suggestions to help with cost
There are plenty of places to see and people to meet. I did most of my traveling during college. I participated in study abroad programs and used student loans to help pay for some of my travels. Otherwise, the cost would have prohibited me from taking part in these rewarding experiences. These trips are usually 2-5 weeks and the price is all-inclusive except for most outside travel, which is at your own expense. You can also try volunteering oversees like missionary work and teaching. Last year I took a class to teach English to speakers of other languages. An accredited program offers a placement service. For example, some countries want to find teachers for summer camps. Plus, China is looking for English teachers to prepare for the 2008 Summer Olympic games. In addition, your local church may have information on short-term missionary work in other countries as well. I mention short-term programs because living in another country when you have medical problems can be quite difficult due to differences in medical care and insurance. Nevertheless, these are opportunities to see other countries, taste their cuisine and meet some extraordinary people.
Other stuff that might be helpful
Visit your local library, purchase books or scan websites to learn about the country you are visiting. It will help you learn about the people you will encounter, their customs and other points of interest. It is also important to note which gestures are offensive in other countries! The “V” sign or the “OK” sign do not mean the same in every country. And because some countries have never seen “Happy Days,” the Fonzy thumbs up means nothing to them. Interestingly enough a “smile’ is not a universal sign either! You don’t want to inadvertently offend someone. I try to learn a few words and phrases to help assimilate into other cultures; “hello”, “goodbye”, “please”, “thank you”, “yes”, “no” and “where is the restroom” are good starting points. Try to remember you are a guest in another country and at the mercy of their laws, procedures and customs. And there is a difference between American English and British English! In the UK, you hear “mind the gap” instead of “watch your step.” While many European countries use toilet instead of our bathroom or restroom, in the UK you would be looking for the “loo.” If you ever want information on what places are like to travel check out Rick Steve’s travel shows or programs on the travel channel.
I know that right now is not the best time for international travel but I do hope that people will resume traveling to learn about other countries and their cultures. I have had two possible trips cancel due to current events. I have met some wonderful people in other countries. I also know some people with CF who have pen pals in other countries and have met people with CF in other countries and maintained friendships. When I was in the UK, I watched a documentary on a CF lung transplant patient. It was quite interesting to see how things are done there. (Plus, TV in other countries is entertaining—shows like “Trading Spaces” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” originated in the UK.) I encourage anyone to travel abroad especially if they love history. The ancient architecture is fabulous and being in a place you have studied or read about is very rewarding. So traveling can be fun and informative! I do hope to travel again. I miss it.
Georgia is 32. She lives in Medway, OH. She is engaged to marry Douglas Hill on October 18, 2003. Georgia is a Director of USACFA. Her email address is: gbrown@usacfa.org