OR, NOTHING WILL STOP US FINALLY GETTING OUT TO SEE THE WONDERS OF THIS WORLD!
Alert: This is an addition to a page from my actual site and hopefully we’ll be able to make plans soon! Things will have changed dramatically but us solo travellers are made of sturdy stuff and we will find a way!!!
From arid to humid heat and how to cope.
There is an amazing difference in types of heat world wide. Each has it’s own challenges. I’ll try to guide you as well as I can in what can be much more trying and exhausting than the cold.
With age comes less resilience to extreme weather conditions. I would suggest joining a gym. Not only do you strengthen your cardiovascular system (you find yourself puffing and light headed otherwise), but also your muscles (you’d be surprised at the amount of strength you need in your arms and legs! ) for all the walking swimming and hiking you might want to get involved in. Lets face it, it’s good for you anyway! And now you have a reason and goal to get in that gym and your local swimming pool.
It’s never too late to do some excercise and eat better is it? And now you have a reason, it’ll be so much easier! All round you being responsible for your travelling will give you the huge benefits of being healthier!
With heat comes innoculations and malaria tablets if your visiting any red zones. Your GP will help you sort this. . Anyhow you’re doc will tell you at same time at your medical, go back for another one before you leave and after your fitness regime, you’ll be delighted with the improvement on your ” M.O.T. ” results!
Yellow fever jab is a must for South America and needs to be done ten days before travel and you will be given a certificate for some of the borders that require it.
I have to say here, you don’t have to go great distances, especially if you have health problems. Consult with your doc and go for more modest trips. You will find your limits. The blog I will be publishing on Central Europe will probably be more up your street and so much to do there and easier travel with good infrastructure. BABY STEPS!!!
HOT Climate Packing List
Alert: this is on my site and the very light packing is my ethos and you might want to have a look at that blog “THE BEST PACKING TIPS FOR THE MATURE SOLO TRAVELLER
- one pair of knee-length walking shorts and one pair of beach shorts
- 4 t-shirts
- one swimming costume and or bikini
- one pretty skirt for evening ambles
- one large and long cotton shirt for covering up after too much sun or going into religious buildings
- one for the beach which can be left salty
- one evening top
- one cover all loose dress
- bra and undies
- trainers
- pretty evening shoes and flip flops
- A thin large sarong which can act as a beach towel and to cover for religious buildings
TOP TIP: Weigh your case and if the weight allows, add extra bits that you feel you’d use. All heavy bits in a small rucksack for under the seat on the plane including your techy stuff and leads, chargers and batteries. your camera (mine’s an Olympus Tough which is for underwater too. This means when you’re snorkelling you can shoot stills AND videos.) and a Kindle if you like. Needless to say, you’ll have your liquids bag in there too for inspection at security. Take only small sizes of your favourite creams and perfume and deodorant. pick up the rest when you get there.
Wear appropriate clothing.
Always respect the country you’re in. It’s NOT acceptable to be scantily clad in most places, but especially religious ones. Ironically you must cover your head in Muslim mosques but uncover it for Buddhist temples. I would advise swimming costumes rather than bikinis to avoid extra attention that, trust me, you don’t want!
YOUR BUMBAG WILL HAVE YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY IMPORTANT PAPERS, YOUR PURSE WITH SOME FOREIGN CURRENCY AND EMERGENCY MONEY, YOUR PHONE AND VERY IMPORTANTLY, YOUR DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS. YOU MUST INFORM YOUR BANK AS TO WHERE YOU’RE GOING AND FOR HOW LONG SO THEY DON’T CANCEL YOUR CARD WHILST YOU’RE AWAY. THE ATM IS YOUR MAIN FRIEND ABROAD!
Old Bird Travels Solo! 