I’ve been on the road for a considerable time, vagabonding from Brittany France to Hawaii, and Patagonia or working as a guide. Either in between jobs, and most times, because of them, I’ve been fortunate enough to see some wonderful sites. My wife recently visited an excellent travel clinic here in New Zealand called….The Travel Clinic headed by Dr Anwar Hoosen. Their website is brilliant, which has tons of information for the traveler and the doctor knows his stuff. Dr. Hoosen is only an email away for clients who have had an initial consult before their trip.
Pristine Bottle
Not only did Amanda receive excellent advice, but the clinic had an array of products that I had to recommend here. All items can be purchased through Travel Clinic, or if your elsewhere, which is more than likely, simply do a Google search for the item, which is listed below by brand name .
Top on the list is the Pristine water bottle with built in charcoal filter. While climbing or trekking in the backcountry warrants a regular filter, this item is perfect for traveling. The doctor at the Travel Clinic takes this with him to India and beyond for use with tap water and clear sources.
Enerlyte
Enerlyte is used to treat and prevent dehydration due to diarrhoea and traveller’s gastroenteritis in adults and children. While there are a number of products available, the packets/sachets are a good size for individual use and easy to pack. Some found abroad are larger doses.
HandClens is a foaming sanitizer and lotion which is alcohol-free. Most sanitizers contain alcohol. They come in 50ml sizes and can go a long way in prevention of germs.
Paper Soap
Pocket or Paper Soap leaves are cool. They are a quick way to get soap in your hands without carrying a bar of soap in your pocket. Who would have thunk? The brand we picked up in NZ are made by Sea to Summit.
"Whiz Freedom"
Whiz Freedom, or similar brand items have helped many a female client over the years, become more comfortable peeing outside or at public toilets. I’ve recommended this sort of thing on our mountain trips, but will also recommend them on front-country expeditions as well.
"GSE"
Grape Fruit Seed Extract or GSE, by Nutribiotic, has been recommended for years as a bacteriacide and health supportive supplement. I’ve washed my veggies in a concentration for years, and taken it internally when sick at home or abroad. It kicks butt. If you’ve not heard of it, I highly recommend doing your own research on it. Available at most health food stores stateside.
SteriPEN
SteriPEN makes hand-held water purifiers with ultraviolet light as the medium. Although I’ve not used them, I plan on purchasing one soon. The price is very affordable, and great for travel to places like Peru or India. They make a few different models, one for packing, traveling and a new version with digital read-out capability.
No-Jet-Lag
No-Jet-Lag is a homeopathic jet lag prevention pill with no side effects or drug interactions and is natural. While I’ve not used them, they have good reports. Made in New Zealand. Their packaging is now cooler than the image on left, if that sways you in any way.
Coca leaves for altitude sickness? Hmmm. Stay tuned, I’ll tell you what I’ve learned in another post.
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