This 24-year-old marketing executive always packs a first-aid kit containing bandages, cotton, gauze, antiseptic solution, pain relievers, insect repellent, and some basic antibiotics. Luong often travels solo on her motorbike for maximum freedom and flexibility. This has led to several instances of heatstroke, flu, and insect bites that left scars.
"My friends invest in clothes, shoes, and camping gear. But I feel much more confident knowing I'm prepared for injuries or illnesses," Luong said.
Two weeks ago, Luong got vaccinated against dengue fever before visiting Nam Cat Tien National Park. She anticipated encountering many mosquitoes in the dense forest. Not wanting her passion to compromise her health or work, Luong chose to take preventative measures.
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My Luong on a trip to Nam Cat Tien National Park, nearly 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: NVCC |
My Luong on a trip to Nam Cat Tien National Park, nearly 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: NVCC
Sharing Luong's enthusiasm for travel, 25-year-old Thanh Dat from Can Tho has spent much of his life on long-distance motorbike trips. He prefers exploring mountainous regions, highlands, or places with colder climates to experience different cultures.
However, long journeys with fluctuating temperatures and humidity often leave Dat fatigued and suffering from sore throats and allergic rhinitis. He has experienced bouts of flu and coughs lasting a week, impacting his trips.
"When you're traveling solo, you have to take care of your own health. My biggest fear is falling ill in the middle of nowhere with no one to help. Getting vaccinated eased my worries and allowed me to enjoy the trip," Dat said, mentioning his recent flu and meningococcal vaccinations.
Dat and Luong represent a growing trend of independent travel. According to a report by Booking.com and Milieu Insight, travelers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences rather than traditional package tours or resort stays. Google data shows a 131% increase in searches for "independent travel" between 2016 and 2019.
Dr. Pham Dinh Dong, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, considers young people's proactive approach to potential health issues during travel a positive sign, reflecting growing health awareness.
When backpacking, especially in remote areas or climates different from home, the body must adapt quickly. This can lead to health problems like colds, fever, heatstroke, dehydration, or diarrhea due to changes in water and food.
Backpackers are also at risk of exposure to infectious agents, particularly respiratory illnesses like flu, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, and measles. These diseases often spread rapidly through close contact in crowded places like bus stations, airports, shared homestays, or group tours. Other factors that can affect travelers' health include insects, cultural differences, and medication prescriptions.
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Young people receiving dengue fever vaccinations at the VNVC Vaccination Center. Photo: Moc Thao |
Young people receiving dengue fever vaccinations at the VNVC Vaccination Center. Photo: Moc Thao
For a safe and fulfilling trip, Dr. Dong advises thorough health preparation. Ensure good physical condition through adequate rest, a nutritious diet, avoiding late nights, and light exercise to boost immunity.
In unfamiliar locations, choose clean, cooked food and avoid raw food in places with questionable hygiene. Maintain hand hygiene, avoid close contact with people who are coughing or have a fever, and wear a mask in crowded areas. Carry a personal medicine kit with medication for fever, diarrhea, antiseptics, bandages, and basic first-aid supplies.
Dr. Dong recommends getting vaccinated against diseases like dengue fever, seasonal flu, meningococcal disease, measles-mumps-rubella, and chickenpox at least two to four weeks before departure to allow the body to develop immunity for optimal protection.
Binh Nguyen
