From avoiding stomach bugs to securing valuables, these essentials for safe travel will stop long trips playing havoc with your health
Having five sisters as I do is wonderful. On your travels, you get lots of messages checking on your whereabouts and well-being. And then you get some more messages. And then you get some more.
Soon, this turns into real-time updates of potential hazards in a 6,000-mile radius. “You’re camping on a beach in Fiji? Did you hear about the couple who got hurt on a beach in Thailand?” “Didn’t you just leave Vanuatu? There’s an earthquake there now.” “You’re in Chile? What about that huge volcano?”
Of course, it’s natural to worry about loved ones when they’re away. Occasionally, that worry is warranted. To help set minds at ease, we’ve gathered eight essentials for safe travel, from emergency SOS systems to staying healthy while on the road.
1. Spot GenX satellite messenger
Essential for: Remote travel, sailing, hiking and extreme sports
Price: $199.99 plus a data plan on top
I’m not a worrier but once in a while, I’ve wished that Peter had hobbies more prosaic than mountain climbing – like when he’s set off for Norway’s Galdhøpiggen and I haven’t heard from him in three days.
If, like him, you have ambitions to climb the seven summits (or indeed know someone who does), consider getting a SPOT GenX. This pocket-sized gizmo tracks you in real-time and allows you to send messages at a touch of a button.
You can transmit an SOS with your GPS location to the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Centre) or just check in with family and friends in areas without mobile coverage. This can be a one-button ‘OK’ which sends a pre-programmed text or email with your location to up to 10 pre-set contacts, or a custom message.
You can also configure your tracking to send your location at certain intervals (5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes or, if you’re doing something really extreme, every 2.5 minutes).
SPOT’s tech has been credited with thousands of rescues globally – including when Peter was airlifted in Greenland. At a basic price of $199.99 with a range of reasonably-priced data plans, it’s a must-have gadget for all adventurers.
Where to buy: findmespot.com / Amazon
2. Travelsafe portable safe
Essential for: Securing your gear
Price: $99.95
I’ll admit that we’ve often been complacent when staying in hostels,…
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