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Better safe than sick with typhoid by Jenna

Less than 20 days until departure. I don’t think it’s really hit me that life is about to change dramatically – that I won’t be driving the same streets and hitting the same numbers on speed dial before long. Even though I’ve gotten used to picking up and hitting the road, it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve taken a trip of this length.

With the joy of traveling and the anticipation of new adventures comes the difficulty of leaving home. As incredible as traveling is, nothing comes without a price. Having lived in LA pretty steadily for the last 2 years, I’ve grown used to being able to see my friends regularly and celebrate holidays surrounded by family members. As much as I love traveling, there’s a lot to be said for being around to enjoy everyday life with those around you. Dressing up as Disney princesses for Halloween, trying new restaurants with friends, and heading to San Diego at a moment’s notice are some of the perks I’ve loved from being in one place.

I have a list of things to do in preparation for Ecuador. Yesterday I went to the doctor to get prescriptions for medicines I might need on the road like malaria pills and strong antibiotics. I got a tetanus booster that will last me another ten years, and am going to the pharmacy to fill a prescription for the typhoid vaccine (in pill form!) since I know I’ll be eating street food. The doctor just shook his head and laughed when I confirmed that yes, I will be eating potentially suspect food from potentially suspect street vendors.

Next on the list is the yellow fever vaccine, not because I’m worried but because some countries require proof that you’ve had the vaccine in order to enter the country. Browsing through the CDC website for recommended vaccines brings back memories of playing the Oregon Trail with all the warnings of typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. While it’s good to be informed, just reading the CDC or State Dept websites could scare off anyone from ever leaving the country with all the potential illnesses and dangers they list. I’m usually not big on getting every “recommended” vaccine, but since I can’t remember if/when I last had some of these vaccines, I figure it’s worth the $70 shot not to get typhoid.

Next on the list: picking a guidebook and compiling a packing list.

Send an email to Jenna, the author of this post, at jenna@jetsetzero.tv or read more of their posts here.

A little prep to get off to a good start by Laurene

(French version of this post further below)

It’s my first time traveling to Asia. Despite the stories I had heard about Viet Nam from friends and family, I felt very unprepared. So, call me an over planning-girl if you’d like, I simply couldn’t leave without a guidebook. My bible is called ”Le Guide du Routard,” and it’s an excellent one for people who travel on a low-budget, just like us.

Being healthy

Before I left, my first concern was to ensure-as much as possible- that I’d be healthy during my entire experience in Viet Nam. After several talks with my sister who studies medicine, and with a very good friend who seemingly knows it all about tropical medicine, I paid a visit to my doctor to get vaccined against typhoid fever and rabies. Luckily, I was almost immune to rabbies already. Had it not been so, I would have needed two more shots- which are expensive. (Besides, I was already immune to Hepatitis A and Meningitis.)

I know it is unlikely that I come across a rabid dog or get the malaria in Ho Chi Minh City. But since I’m hoping to travel to the countryside, I decided to protect myself from rabies and to bring a box of malaria treatment, as a precautionary measure.

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Send an email to Laurene, the author of this post, at laurene@jetsetzero.tv or read more of their posts here.