Business travellers

Advice for business travellers

Tiredness and jet lag may affect business efficiency. Rest before travel is important. Occupations which involves frequent travelling should consider vaccinating personnel in anticipation of overseas assignments in order that vaccinations achieve optimim protection. A first yellow fever vaccination certificate is not valid for 10 days.

Contaminated food and water is a major cause of illness in business travellers although less so if eating and drinking is confined to first class hotels. Avoiding unsafe food and water can be difficult, when being entertained by enthusiastic hosts ,unless a strategy is planned in advance!

It may be wise to take an anti-diarrhoea preparation . Occasionally an antibiotic taken in anticipation of problems can help make sure that the traveller is able to attend important meetings. This can be discussed with the doctor prior to departure.

Unfamiliar surroundings especially when combined with excessive alcohol consumption can lead to uncharacteristic behaviour including sexual risk taking. "Unsafe" sex, particularly with commercial sex workers, may pose serious infections risks including HIV.

Solo trips can be lonely, cultural differences confusing and family problems at home or losing touch with head office can cause anxiety. Many of these difficulties can be overcome with experience and sympathetic support from family and friends.Personnel and occupational health departments should also help alleviate problems

Culture shock can be very real even for short-term visitors. Family or social problems at home and psychological problems, including alcoholism make adapting difficult. Time differences between continents may cause communication difficulties.
A situation that is exciting and welcome to one person can be daunting to another . Problems encountered may include adjusting to a different climate, religious and cultural differences, changes in living standards and different social amenities. Other problems such as language differences, coming to terms with poverty and begging, and compulsory movement restrictions for safety or political reasons. Being patient rather than critical is usually helpful.