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In 2010, a GP colleague and friend named Tania trekked the Ghorepani–Ghandruk circuit in Nepal with boys aged 2 and 4.
Yes, really.
Most people thought she had completely lost the plot. Thankfully, her equally adventurous husband didn’t. So off they went — backpacks, snacks, asthma puffers, and all.
When departure day arrived, Tania felt confident and prepared.
Having a background in travel medicine, years of overseas adventures, and some solid planning meant she could focus on the experience rather than the “what ifs”.
So, using Tania’s awesome trek as a case study, here’s some great advice on travel health and planning, broken into two simple categories: before you go and while you’re there.
What about the “after” you ask? Well, that’s just years of happy reminiscing.
Before You Go: Smart Planning Makes All the Difference
You can’t prepare for every scenario. But you can absolutely stack the odds in your favour.
Consider Your State of Health for Each Destination
Tania and her husband were fit and healthy before Nepal, though their youngest had asthma. They carried him most of the way (lucky little thing).
They deliberately chose one of the less strenuous trekking routes. In hindsight, it was an excellent decision, though still exhausting!
Top Tip
If you have heart problems, a recent serious illness, or struggle to climb stairs, skip the intense trekking adventure. That’s your perfect excuse to book the luxury poolside resort instead.
Pack Your Regular Medications (and then some)
Tania put together a practical medical travel kit that covered all the basics.
For her youngest, who had asthma, that meant inhalers and flare-up medication.
For the kids, she also packed:
- Antihistamines
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- Oral rehydration packets
- A thermometer
- Baby wipes (lifesavers on the trail)
For the adults:
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- A course of antibiotics
- Dressings and bandages
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- DEET-based insect repellent
- Anti-motion sickness tablets
Top Tips
- See your GP or travel health clinic to build a kit suited to your destination.
- Avoid buying medications overseas as counterfeit and poorly labelled drugs are common.
- If you’re on the contraceptive pill, remember that gastroenteritis, some antibiotics, and time zone changes can affect its reliability.
Don’t Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
Travelling uninsured is a gamble you really don’t want to take.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), daily hospital costs in Southeast Asia can exceed $800. Medical evacuations from places like Bali can cost more than $60,000. Ouch!
A scooter accident that might be straightforward in Australia can become life-threatening in a country with limited medical facilities.
Top tips
Check if your travel insurer covers pre-existing conditions. Also, be aware that most insurers won’t cover scooter-related accidents unless you have a valid Australian motorcycle licence.
Visit Your GP Before You Travel
Even though Tania is a doctor, she still took her family to their GP before we left.
She received appropriate vaccinations for Nepal, including:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Rabies
Rabies vaccination was particularly important, as children are more likely to approach animals and therefore are at greater risk of bites.
They didn’t require anti-malarial medication, as none were suitable for children that young for their itinerary.
Top Tips
See your GP early, as you must get some vaccines up to two months before travel. And don’t forget to bring along your itinerary – any good GP can advise on the proper precautions for each destination.
During Your Trip: Expect the Unexpected
Travelling, especially with kids, teaches you flexibility very quickly.
Here’s what we kept front of mind.
Road Safety
In 2010, Nepal’s roads and transport options were ‘adventurous’ to say the least.
Tania and family chose slower, safer options whenever possible. This sometimes meant longer journeys — but far less stress.
Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury and death for Australian travellers overseas. Seatbelt and helmet laws can be inconsistent, and enforcement even more so.
Top Tips
Don’t default to the cheapest or fastest transport. And maybe give the scooters a miss.
Personal Safety
At every new lodge, their first task was a quick kid-proofing sweep of their accommodation:
- Loose power points
- Unsafe balconies
- Window locks
- Door security
It’s easy to relax a little too much on holiday. But basic awareness matters.
Taking risks you wouldn’t at home, overindulging in alcohol, or trusting overly friendly strangers can lead to trouble.
Top Tip
Practise safe sex. Rates of STIs and HIV vary significantly between countries. Protection should always travel with you.
Food and Water Safety
Tap water in most developing countries isn’t safe to drink.
Yes, you’ll see locals drinking it. No, that doesn’t mean you should.
Traveller’s diarrhoea, Giardia, typhoid and cholera are not souvenirs you want.
The World Health Organisation recommends food precautions when travelling overseas, which involve:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid raw or undercooked food
- Ensure food is cooked thoroughly
- Keep hot foods hot (above 60°C) and cold foods cold (below 5°C)
Top Tip
Remember that local tap water is often used to wash vegetables and make ice.
Animal and Mosquito Safety
Children are naturally drawn to animals. Unfortunately, animals don’t always return the affection.
That cute temple monkey? Less cute when you’re spending the day at a hospital after a nasty bite.
Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya are serious risks in many destinations.
Vaccines and preventative medications are limited, and none offer 100% protection.
Top Tips
- Use only DEET-based insect repellent when holidaying in tropical locales.
- Avoid stagnant water.
- Sleep under mosquito nets where advised.
- Don’t waste money on mosquito wristbands — they protect your wrist and little else.
A Practical Takeaway
I promise, I’m not trying to scare you out of travelling.
Exploring the world with young children was one of the best experiences of our lives. It just required planning, common sense, and a willingness to adapt.
Unforeseen things can happen anywhere, including at home.
If you let the unknown stop you, you might never leave the couch.
And that would be a shame.
Travel well. Plan wisely. Make unforgettable memories.
Dr Elaine Sung is a renowned Melbourne GP and owner of Doctors of South Melbourne. She’s not currently seeing new patients.
However, before you travel, you can make an appointment online with most other doctors practising at the clinic.
Alternatively, call us on 8579 6838.
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