Thinking about going to Haiti?

The disaster in Haiti has left all of us wondering what we can do to help. Many of us have donated money and some are going to help. If you are considering going to Haiti to volunteer, here are some things you need to know.

The CDC has developed guidelines for relief workers and others traveling to Haiti. Check this site frequently for updates.

Before you depart you must have all your routine vaccinations current - tetanus and diphtheria, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), polio, seasonal and H1N1 flu and chickenpox (varicella). You will also need hepatitis A and B and typhoid.
If your departure is eminent, accelerated schedules of hepatitis A and B can be given. Even one dose will afford some protection.

You must take measures to prevent insect borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. This includes taking prescription medications and using insect repellent with DEET.

Haiti has a high prevalence of HIV infection. To reduce the risk, always wear gloves when coming in contact with blood or any body fluids or touching any surfaces soiled with such. Find out from your group if you need to bring your own gloves.

Tuberculosis rates in Haiti are very high. A tuberculin skin test is recommended before you go and 6-8 weeks after you return. If you will be having direct contact with TB patients, wear an N-95 respirator mask.

Anthrax occurs in Haiti and is transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or with contaminated products from infected animals.

A visit to a travel health clinic is important prior to your trip for immunizations and prescriptions. If you think you are going to go, call your local travel health clinic and get prepared now.

Cozy in coach?

Are those seats getting smaller? Flying coach seems to be getting more and more uncomfortable. If you plan ahead and pack a few items on your carry-on you can improve that.

Avoid dehydration. Bring bottled water on the plane. Make sure to purchase bottled water after you’ve gone through security.

A small bottle of soothing eye drops such as artificial tears is a welcome relief. Keep lips hydrated with lip balm. I keep both in a small sandwich sized zip lock bag that I put inside my quart sized zip lock bag for security. Once I’m through security, it’s easy to pull out just what I need for on the plane.

Have back issues? Bring a self inflating seat cushion to support your back and hips. Neck issues? Bring an inflatable neck collar, so that no matter what position you’re in, your head is supported when dozing.

Many people complain of headaches while flying. Preventing dehydration helps but so will noise cancelling head phones. That constant drone of the engines is greatly reduced and you won't be subjected to someone else's conversations. A cool eye mask blocks light and reduces headaches and eye puffiness.

Think about making it easier to maneuver around in small rest rooms. Wear loose fitting clothes without belts. Shoes that are easy to get on and off and allow for a little swelling are also a wise choice.

With a little forethought, riding coach can be a little less uncomfortable.

Personal first aid kits for traveling

What you need to bring for a personal first aid kit will depend on your health, where you are going and how long you will be there. Here are some suggestions of what to bring for a 2-3 week trip to a tropical area in an under developed country. Remember to bring small amounts in small tight containers that are well labeled.

Band aids made of cloth not plastic (they can melt)
Alcohol preps- those foil packets of alcohol pads about 10
Sunscreen - waterproof  SPF15 higher
Lip balm with SPF 15 or higher
Soothing eye drops or artificial tears
Tweezers and small scissors ( put in check on bag not carry on)
Duct tape - take a toilet paper cardboard tube and cut in half and wrap a few yards of duct tape around it to make a small roll
Small tube of triple antibiotic cream (ointments can melt)
Bug bite cream - 1% hydrocortisone cream, diphenhydramine cream or a product such as After Bite
Prescription medicines in original labeled bottles
Anti diarrhea medicine - available over the counter
Acupressure wrist bands for motion sickness
Mild laxative tablets
Aspirin or ibuprofen or acetaminophen (depending on what you can take based on allergies, health problems and concurrent medications - if in doubt ask a health professional)
Emergency dental kit

If you wear contact lenses you may want to leave them home. Lack of clean water makes proper handling and cleaning contacts a problem. The dryness of the airplane and dust on safari make wearing contacts uncomfortable.

There are first aid kits available that have most of the above all prepackaged. If you don't use it on this trip, there is always the next!

Packing for a Safari

Packing for a safari is different than packing for other types of trips. Pack light! Be able to get everything in a duffel bag or soft sided suitcase. Find out if you have a weight restriction and abide by it. Pack your essentials such as your camera, prescriptions, money, travel documents, yellow certificate of vaccination and passport in your carry-on bag. Leave your jewelry at home. If you couldn’t bear to lose it – don’t bring it. Flashy jewelry and clothes, especially red, are not appreciated by the wildlife!

Suggestions for packing

A pair of comfortable walking shoes that are broken in
A pair of closed toe sport type sandals
Underwear, socks, pj’s
Bathing suit for pools at the lodge
2 long sleeved shirts ( light colors are best)
2 short sleeved shirts
1 pair of shorts
2 pairs of long pants (consider the type that zip off into shorts)
Wide brimmed hat and 2-3 cotton bandanas
Lightweight fleece pullover
Toiletries – consider body wash that can be used as cleanser and shampoo in
one, hand sanitizer, travel size tooth brush and paste, etc. (think small and
water proof containers)
Face cloth
Day pack for carrying camera and supplies, binoculars (7 X 28 or 8X 21),
sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, etc.
Sunglasses
Insect repellent with 30 % DEET or more
Zip lock bags in various sizes
Travel alarm clock
Small flashlight


Plan on wearing everything 3 times. Most camps have laundry service. Remember, it’s not a fashion trip, be comfortable and dress to protect yourself from the sun and bug bites.