The Healthy TravelerT.A. Blakelock trip to CHINA

March Break 2012

Pre-Trip Health By now everyone should have gone to the

travel health clinic. Visit a drug store and pick up:

Immodium Oral Rehydration Salts Gravol Pain Reliever Small first-aid kit with some band-aids,

disinfectant cream for small scraps and blisters, toilet paper.

Any personal prescriptions you will need.

On The Plane Get some sleep! Hydrate!

Non-caffeinated drinks (no tea, coffee, cola) Buy a bottle after we pass security.

Eat healthy snacks! Granola bars, fruit.

Dress comfortably! Not sloppy Shoes are important. Feet swell up during a flight.

Neck pillow? Gum for changes in air pressure.

Bring small travel-size toiletries to freshen up with on the plane before landing. moisturizer (planes get very dry), face

cleaner, tooth brush/paste, deodorant. Motion Sickness:

Worse on empty stomach Avoid fatty foods Gravol

Get up and move in the aisles between food and drink servings.

In-Seat Stretches

Jet Lag

No time to recover from it. We have a busy schedule.

Dehydration contributes to symptoms, so hydrate!

Exercise helps. Get enough rest at the hotel.

General Health in China

Bring hand sanitizer and use it often. Before eating and drinking.

If you get any cuts, clean the wound immediately and cover with a band-aid.

Squeeze in a work-out!

Food Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it! Drink only bottled water, no tap water! No ice cubes. Avoid lettuce, uncooked shellfish and food

from street vendors. Wash fruit and vegetables that are not

peeled. Menu items are fresher than buffet. If it is a cultural experience, try a small

portion so you aren’t being rude to the host.

The Safe and Polite Traveler

Overview

On the whole, travel to China remains incident-free. However, remain alert and keep your valuables, including passport, in a secure place.

In public places, ensure you keep your belongings with you at all times. Serious crime against foreigners is rare.

Some Basic Security Pointers1. Know the local laws and social

customs and abide by them. 2. Dress conservatively and try to blend

in. 3. If you have not left your valuables at

home, leave them in your hotel safe. 

 

4. Do not draw attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and do not display large amounts of cash. Carry only enough cash to make it through the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe.

 5. (NO TRAVELlNG ALONE) 6. Be careful about sharing your travel plans

with strangers. 7. Stick to the main roads and avoid taking

shortcuts down narrow alleys and/or poorly lit streets.

8. Always be aware of what is going on around you. 

9. Use only transportation services with official markings. Select transportation from official pickup points at transportation hubs. 

10. Be very careful (DO NOT) if you are asked to sell or part with your personal items. Many countries have restrictions on items foreigners can sell or give away and you can get into serious trouble for violating those laws.

11. Never accept gifts or packages from unknown parties. 

12. Do not accept items from locals to carry out of the country and deliver or mail to someone they know.

 13. Approach any "special deals" with caution, especially if you have to go off the beaten path to get them. 

14. Know the laws about exchanging money. Use official exchange facilities since this is another area that can get you into trouble fast. 

15. Try to look as if you know where you are going

Theft of passports is on the rise, particularly in larger cities, is increasing. Foreigners are also targeted for laptops, mobile phones, purses and handbags. Major tourist sites attract thieves and pickpockets.

Take extra care around street markets, at Beijing International Airport, around major international events.

Keep it close to your chestChina remains largely a cash economy.

Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted and the availability of cash point machines (ATMs) is extremely limited.

Keep all bags and money close to you.Money needs to be hidden When shopping it’s better to bring some

money and the majority in your hotel room When sitting do not drape your coat over your

chair (pickpockets move very quickly)

Internet Control

The Chinese authorities maintain controls on internet access: websites such as Facebook and Youtube are blocked. Other websites or e-mail service providers are blocked from time to time.

Ettiquette Greetings are formal and the oldest person

is always greeted first.Many Chinese will look towards the ground

when greeting someone. Address the person by an honorific title and

their surname. If they want to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name to use. 

The Chinese have a terrific sense of humour. They can laugh at themselves most readily if they have a comfortable relationship with the other person. Be ready to laugh at yourself given the proper circumstances.

Giving GiftsThe Chinese like food and a nice food basket

will make a great gift.Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting

utensils as they indicate the severing of the relationship. 

Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death.

Do not wrap gifts in white or black paper. 

Four is an unlucky number so do not give four of anything. Eight is the luckiest number, so giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.

 Always present gifts with two hands. Gifts are not opened when received. Gifts may be refused three times before

they are accepted.

Dining EttiquetteThe Chinese prefer to entertain in public

places rather than in their homes, especially when entertaining foreigners.

 If you are invited to their house, consider it a great honour. If you must turn down such an honour, it is considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule so that your actions are not taken as a slight.

Arrive on time. Remove your shoes before entering the

house. 

Bring a small gift to the hostess.  Eat well to demonstrate that you are enjoying

the food! Table manners: 

Learn to use chopsticks. Wait to be told where to sit. The guest of

honour will be given a seat facing the door. The host begins eating first. You should try everything that is offered to

you.Never eat the last piece from the serving

tray. 

Be observant to other peoples' needs. Chopsticks should be returned to the

chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. 

The host offers the first toast. Do not put bones in your bowl. Place them on

the table or in a special bowl for that purpose. 

 Hold the rice bowl close to your mouth while eating. 

And Finally… Do not be offended if some Chinese person

makes slurping or belching sounds; it merely indicates that they are enjoying their food.

 There are no strict rules about finishing all the food in your bowl. Take what you need.