Galway Advertiser 1999/1999_07_15/GA_15071999_E1_012.pdf 

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Y O U ' V E P L A N N E D y o u r h o l i d a y f o r m o n t h s a n d n o w t h a t the t i m e is h e r e , y o u c a n ' t w a i t to get to y o u r destination a n d u n w i n d .

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Your glossy holiday brochures are well thumbed and your passport and tickets are tucked safely in an envelope on your dressing table. As you tick off the days and hours until take-off time, you dream of lazing on a golden beach, taking leisurely evening strolls, sipping long cool drinks, and recharging your batteries in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation. But no matter how meticulous the organisation, things can and do go wrong on holiday. At best, you forget to pack your favourite dress or your trademark lipstick, at worse, you mislay your airline ticket or passport, or get severely sunburned, or fall victim to some mysterious malaise while abroad. So what steps should you take to ensure you have a wonderful carefree break and that all you take home with you are glorious memories and a revitalised mind and body? Here are some pointers to help you prepare for travelling abroad. TRAVEL SENSE * Ensure your passport is up-to-date. If it is not, allow yourself plenty of time to get it renewed or issued, if you are travelling abroad for the first time. Keep a copy of your passport separately in case it is stolen * Make sure you are insured against accident, loss or theft of belongings * Bring sufficient money in cash to pay for small transactions on arrival * Check health regulations, you may need to be inoculated against certain diseases * Leave travel documents, flight tickets, and valuables in the hotel safe or somewhere secure in your apartment * Address tags on the outside of luggage are a must, but they can get detached. Double up by having your name and destination details inside as well as your home address for safety sake * On the Continent, most drugs and medicines are readily available without a doctor's prescription but are usually shockingly expensive. Some medicines bought freely in Ireland are not available abroad so it is sensible to pack any tablets or medicines you may need. These should them include old reliables, such as paracetamol and upset stomach remedies. alive first! All cooked food should be well cooked and look freshly cooked. Avoid left-over food on open display or food that looks 'tired'. STAY HEALTHY * The initial symptoms of travel sickness are flushing, pallor, yawning and restlessness, dehydration, headaches, and vomiting. If you are travelling by boat or car, avoid reading, focus on the horizon, and keep the windows open * If flying, it is advisable to have a light snack before boarding. Avoid rich and fatty foods. Air sickness can be eased too by using special wristbands available from your local pharmacy * Impregnated tissues are more effective and easier to carry than a damp face flannel and towel * Inhaling a few drops of lavender or mint essence is also a good way to beat travel-sickness * Experts say the effects of air sickness are often reduced when you stand up so it may be a good idea to walk to the toilet a couple of times and move around as much as possible * The best way to alleviate earache in young flyers is to give them something to suck because the sucking motion will clear blocked ears * You can protect yourself and your family by avoiding street vendors and grubby looking cafes. If you must eat somewhere that looks a bit suspect, then eat food that is freshly roasted or grilled * Remember that all raw food is a potential source of infection. Avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, fruit you cannot peel, and raw or undercooked meat Be especially careful about shellfish - preferably see SAVING FACE * Holidays are meant to be times when you can take a break from routine and unwind so forget about an elaborate beauty routine. Opt instead for a speedy holiday look which you can achieve in seconds * Avoid heavy pan-stick make-ups or foundations. If you cannot bear to face the world make-up less, then choose a bronzing powder or light tinted moisturiser * Forget about heavy eye make-up and mascara because they look out of place on a sun drenched holiday * If you are taking your children on holiday, ask your pharmacist for sun-tan creams with a high protection factor suitable for children's skins. When you get to your destination, make sure you apply their cream several times a day, especially on sensitive areas, such as the back of the neck and shoulders, the back of the legs, and feet * It is best to stock up with creams before you go because foreign resorts often only carry stocks of sun oil suitable for people who already have a golden tan * If you are bringing jewellery with you choose inexpensive pieces. Leave the good stuff at home * Make sure your hair is in good health before you go on holiday. That way, it will withstand the effects of the sun, sea, and chlorinated pool water. Hair experts advise leaving your hairdryer at home, if possible.