HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR TRAVEL
TO FRANCE, SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

As in most developed countries, the risks of traveling in France, Spain and Portugal are no greater than traveling at home. However, the living conditions, customs, and law enforcement may be different from what you are used to. For example, air conditioning is less widely used in much of France than it is in the United States.

Staying Healthy
Minimizing Risks
Obtaining Insurance and Medical Care
Websites for More Information on Health and Safety

Staying Healthy

Traveling abroad is both physically and mentally challenging. To stay healthy, you need to do everything you normally do at home in terms of observing good habits of personal hygiene, getting adequate rest, staying physically fit, etc.

Before leaving, you should:

• Find out whether you need to take any special precautions based on your medical history and where you will be traveling. If you have any special needs, check ahead of time to see whether these can be met. For example, many smaller cruise vessels are not equipped for handicapped passengers.
• Obtain a prescription for any medication you take and for your glasses or contact lenses. Take an extra pair of glasses with you.
• Buy a good pair of comfortable walking shoes and break them in before you start that tour on cobblestone streets.
• Put together a first-aid kit, including a small supply of bandages, sunscreen, and pain relievers. (If you run out or forget something, you can buy these things locally, of course.)

While you are abroad:

• Give your body time to adjust to your new environment and recover from jet lag.
• If you get diarrhea, remember to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. As with any illness, consider seeing a doctor if your condition worsens. Give your body time to adjust to new types of foods you will be eating.

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Minimizing Risks

The possibility of terrorism is a concern in any country, including the U.S. However, you are much more likely to be a victim of a crime like theft (especially pick pocketing). Staying alert to your surroundings and being aware of cultural differences are key to avoiding problems.

There are a number of simple measures you can take:

• At the airport or train or bus station: (1) do not leave your bags or articles unattended, (2) do not agree to watch other people's luggage, (3) do not check bags for anyone else or carry gifts/packages for anyone you do not know well, (4) avoid suspicious or abandoned packages and report them to security personnel, and (5) watch for and report any suspicious behavior.
• Do not call undue attention to yourself by your choice of clothing, by talking loudly, etc. Dress conservatively and be cautious about displaying valuables. Leave your good jewelry at home, and keep money in a safe place like a money belt or hidden pouch under your clothes. (You can buy these items at any good travel store before you leave home.)
• Exercise caution when in or near U.S. military or civilian facilities.
• Be especially careful if you do not speak the language of the country well enough to understand what people around you are saying.
• Learn about the local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting.
• Know what places to avoid, including high-crime neighborhoods and isolated areas. Stay in well-lit areas and know where to get help (police station, fire station, phones, stores, etc.) Keep change for the phone and cab money in your front pocket or money belt at all times.
• Understand that body language and hand gestures considered harmless in the U.S. may be considered offensive or they may invite unwelcome attention. Find out what specific gestures to avoid.
• Recognize that countries have different gender norms. Such things as eye contact or smiling at someone passing in the street, the way one dresses, and body language can send very different messages depending on countries and cultures.
• When taking photographs, be aware of cultural differences, as some individuals and groups do not want their picture taken.
• Avoid large crowds, political rallies, and demonstrations. Do not photograph them. Get out of the area immediately.
• Avoid abuse of alcohol and drugs, which can increase the risk of accident and injury. Violating drug laws abroad may result in very serious consequences, including prison and death.
• Before departing from the U.S., remove from your wallet or purse all superfluous credit cards, etc., that you won't need while you are abroad. Make copies of the documents you do take, such as passport, visa, plane tickets, credit cards, traveler's checks, and prescriptions. Take one copy with you, kept separate from the documents, and leave a copy with your family or other emergency contacts.
  

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Obtaining Insurance and Medical Care

Find out whether your existing medical insurance will cover you while you are out of the country. If not, you will need to obtain additional coverage before you leave. Be aware that many travel insurance policies require you to obtain approval before treatment, pay in advance, and then submit a claim for reimbursement of medical expenses. Carry your insurance contact information with you at all times while you are abroad.

You should keep your U.S. coverage in force while you are abroad in case you need to come home for medical care, as many international insurance plans do not cover continued care in the U.S., or if they do, the amount of coverage is limited.

You may also want to consider purchasing other types of insurance, such as trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, 24 hour emergency help line, legal assistance, baggage, accidental death and dismemberment/life, motor vehicle, and kidnapping and terrorism insurance. Be sure you understand exactly what is and is not covered by your insurance plan.

When you register for a tour with us, you will have the opportunity to buy travel insurance from a well-known company.

Websites for More Information on Health and Safety

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Travelers' Health
Vaccinations

Transportation Safety Administration:
Travelers & Consumers Travel Tips

US State Department:
Background Notes for Specific Countries
Tips for Traveling Abroad
Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets
Warning about Drugs Abroad

World Health Organization:
International Travel and Health

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (A non-profit organization that offers its members a membership card, a directory of English speaking physicians who have agreed to treat members for a set fee schedule, and frequently updated publications on immunizations, malaria and other tropical diseases, and more. Membership is free, but donations are appreciated.)

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