Before travel
General issues
- Have you checked the country-specific entry requirements, such as visa, mandatory insurance requirements, COVID-testing, vaccines?
- Do you have adequate travel-health insurance?
- Do you have a copy of your passport and tickets?
- Do you have medical contact details and important phone numbers, such as family, family doctor, health insurance, travel insurance, credit card company?
- Have you packed appropriate clothing for the country of destination? Have you considered cultural, religious, climatic and geographic (e.g. altitude) aspects?
- If you travel with your own car - or plan on using a rented car - make sure that you have appropriate insurance, international driver’s license and car equipment according to local regulations.
Health Prevention
- Book an appointment to see a travel doctor at least 6-8 weeks before you leave.
- Get a COVID-19 certificate if requested by any of the countries where you are travelling.
- Are you aware of frequent diseases, health problems and recommended or mandatory vaccinations in your country of destination?
- Have you thought of insect bite prevention (e.g. bed nets, repellents)?
- Do you know about common poisonous animals in the country of destination?
- Do you have an adequate sun block, sun glasses, and head cover?
- Get a medical check-up with your general practitioner if you suffer from a chronic condition.
- If you suffer from a chronic condition, obtain local contact details in case of illness (e.g. hospitals).
- Think about safe sex and carry condoms with you, as they might be difficult to obtain or of bad quality in the country of destination.
- Get a dental check if you travel for a prolonged period.
Medication and drugs
- Do you have enough of your personal medication (preferably in a waterproof container) with you?
- Do you have an emergency kit with essential drugs and first aid material?
- If necessary, get a medical certificate for drugs and needle material that you carry with you.
- Durch verantwortungsbewußtes Verhalten können Reisende die negativen ökologischen und sozialen Auswirkungen des Tourismus verringern.
- Um den mit dem Tourismus verbundenen CO2-Fußabdruck zu verringern, ist die effektivste Maßnahme, Flugreisen zu begrenzen und möglichst umweltfreundliche Transportmittel für die Fortbewegung vor Ort zu wählen.
- Die Bevorzugung von Wohnungen, Aktivitäten und Souvenirs, die die Umwelt und die lokale Bevölkerung respektieren, ist ebenfalls wichtig.
- Wer vegetarisches Essen bevorzugt, verringert nicht nur die Auswirkungen auf das Klima, sondern verschafft der lokalen Bevölkerung auch Zugang zu ausreichend landwirtschaftlichen Nutzflächen und damit zu Nahrungsmitteln sowie zu mehr Süßwasser.
- Um die Boden- und Wasserverschmutzung durch Plastikflaschen einzudämmen, gibt es mehrere wirksame Möglichkeiten, Wasser zu desinfizieren, darunter Abkochen, Desinfektionstabletten sowie tragbare Geräte mit UV-Licht.
- By adopting responsible behavior, travelers can reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of tourism.
- The most effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism is to limit air travel and choose the most environmentally friendly means of transportation possible to get around.
- It is also important to choose accommodations, activities and souvenirs that respect the environment and local populations.
- Favoring vegetarian food not only limits the impact on the climate, but also ensures that local populations have access to enough agricultural land, and therefore food, as well as to more fresh water.
- To limit soil and water pollution linked to plastic bottles, there are several effective ways to disinfect water, including boiling, disinfecting tablets and portable UV light devices.
The tourism industry is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 50% of these emissions are due to transportation. For some trips, such as a 2-week vacation to Mexico from Europe, transportation accounts for 88% of the total carbon footprint of the trip. On-site purchases (souvenirs), food and beverages are also responsible for nearly 25% of these emissions.
Transportation
One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to travel within your region to avoid having to take a plane, and instead take the train, bike or walk. For airplanes and cars, the footprint depends on the number of passengers, the size of the vehicle and the distance traveled. In general, the car is preferable to the plane for distances of less than 1000 km, as well as for longer trips if there are at least 2 passengers. If you take the plane, direct flights are to be preferred for flights longer than 6 hours. Several carbon footprint calculators for transportation exist and can help you choose the best option. If flying or driving cannot be avoided, carbon emissions can be offset by investing financially in carbon capture initiatives. Choose certified labels that guarantee quality carbon offsets.
Food and drink
Choose locally owned restaurants to eat locally produced food and contribute to the circular economy. Limit the purchase of imported products. Choose vegetarian food to limit CO2 emissions from livestock. This choice is also essential to ensure that local populations have access to enough agricultural land, and therefore food, as livestock requires more land than cereals to produce an equivalent amount of food. Livestock production also requires a lot of fresh water3.
In many countries, running water is not potable. To limit the waste produced by buying plastic bottles, you can opt for other methods of water purification:
- Boil the water for at least one minute
- Treat the water with a disinfectant (such as Micropur©). Make sure this disinfectant also kills Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites.
- Use ultraviolet water purifiers for a few seconds/minutes depending on the model. Be careful, these devices are only reliable if the water is clear.
Filters can be a good option in case of prolonged stay. Note that they are generally not effective against viruses.
Accommodation
Avoid mass tourism, i.e. destinations with a large volume of tourists in large hotels. Choose accommodations that respect nature and local populations and that have an ecotourism or sustainable tourism label. In order to save water and electricity, limit the change of towels and sheets to what is strictly necessary and limit the use of air conditioning (e.g. by turning it off every time you leave the room). You can also favor locally owned accommodations to contribute to the regional economy.
Souvenir shopping and activities
When purchasing souvenirs, favor locally made products. Be careful not to buy products made from endangered plants or animals. In water-stressed areas, avoid activities involving swimming pools or golf courses. To protect the seabed, use mineral sunscreens and be careful not to damage coral with your fins when diving or snorkeling. When walking or hiking, follow the marked trails and do not feed wild animals.
- 1 https://sustainabletravel.org/ et Lenzen M, Sun YY, Faturay F, et al. The Carbon Footprint of Global Tourism. Nat Clim Chang 2018;8:522-8
- 2 European Environment Agency: https://www.eea.europa.eu/media/infographics/co2-emissions-from-passenger-transport/image/image_view_fullscreen
- 3 Marlow HJ, Hayes WK, Soret S, Carter RL, Schwab ER, Sabaté J. Diet and the environment: does what you eat matter? Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1699S-1703S
- Tan R, et al. Voyager écolo : quelles recommandations ? [Eco-tourism: what recommendations?]. Rev Med Suisse. 2022 May 4;18(780):886-889. French.
- Carbon footprint calculator for transportation: https://co2.myclimate.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry and Travel Use: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/backcountry_water_treatment.html
Vaccinations ensure that you are well protected against many infectious diseases. You can be vaccinated by your family doctor, a tropical doctor or at a vaccination center. Only the yellow fever vaccination is only carried out in vaccination centers and by certain vaccinators.
The indications for vaccinations when travelling abroad depend on:
- The entry regulations (e.g. COVID-19, yellow fever, polio and meningococcal meningitis vaccination)
- Travel and environment-specific aspects: Destination, the epidemiological situation at the destinations, length of stay, travel style (trekking, overnight stays with locals or five-star hotel), city or country stay and the time available until departure (planned or last-minute trip).
- Personal criteria: Vaccination history (intolerances, etc.), age, pregnancy, allergies, state of health, chronic illnesses, current medication, immunodeficiency, etc.
Vaccinate up to time
Certain vaccinations require several doses to provide sufficient protection. It is best to schedule them 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
But even if you decide to travel at the last minute, you should consult a doctor beforehand. A booster vaccination provides sufficient protection very quickly and there are accelerated vaccination schedules. You can have several vaccinations at the same time.
In addition to your vaccination card, you should also bring a list of the medication you regularly take.
Inform your doctor if you have the following problems:
- Allergies
- Severe reaction to a vaccination
- Pregnancy
- Chronic illnesses, cancer
- Long-term treatment with blood thinners§ Treatments that have an effect on the immune system, Cortisone, chemotherapy, etc.
- HIV infection
If you have any of the above problems, certain vaccinations may be contraindicated or used with caution.
Vaccinations should be postponed if you have a fever.
For further information:
- The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH): Information on vaccination
- Infovac: www.infovac.ch
Questions / Answers
- Is it possible to have several vaccinations at the same time?
Yes, you can have several vaccinations at the same time at different injection sites on the arm(s).
- Can all vaccinations be mixed in the same syringe and then injected?
No, each vaccination must be given separately; however, there are individual vaccinations that have already been combined by the manufacturer, such as diphtheria/tetanus or hepatitis A + B.
- I have a cold / cough / flu, can I still be vaccinated?
Yes, you can be vaccinated despite having a cold, cough or flu; however, if you have a fever of 38° or more, it is better to postpone the vaccination.
- Know the mosquitoes and other arthropods of interest at the destination and when they bite.
- Use repellents on exposed skin according to product guidelines.
- Reapply as directed to ensure protection.
- Wear long clothing, socks and shoes.
- Spray or impregnate textiles with insecticides.
- Sleep under an impregnated bed net or in air-conditioned rooms.
- The following approaches do NOT work: eating garlic, wearing perfume, thiamine (Vitamin B1), ultrasound devices, electronic buzzers (power cuts!), mobile phone apps, alcohol, yeast extract.
INSECT-AND-TICK-BITE-PROTECTION_ECTM_Factsheet_Layperson_EN.pdf
- This fact sheet contains important information on various insect bite protection measures.
- For optimal travel preparation, we recommend that you read this information carefully and take the fact sheet with you on your trip.
- Know the mosquitoes and other arthropods of interest at the destination and when they bite
- Use repellents on exposed skin according to product guidelines
- Reapply as directed to ensure protection
- Wear long clothing, socks and shoes
- Spray or impregnate textiles with insecticides
- Sleep under an impregnated bed net or in air-conditioned rooms
- The following approaches do NOT work: eating garlic, wearing perfume, thiamine (Vitamin B1), ultrasound devices, electronic buzzers (power cuts!), mobile phone apps, alcohol, yeast extract
An important part of healthy travel is protection against biting insects and ticks. Mosquitoes, in particular, often transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and Zika, ticks can transmit borreliosis (Lyme disease), tick-borne encephalitis or tick-bite fevers. Sandflies transmit leishmaniasis and tsetse flies can transmit African sleeping sickness. For some of these diseases, a vaccine or chemoprophylaxis is available but for many diseases, the only protection available is bite avoidance. In many tropical areas, mosquito-borne diseases are often widespread and because different types of mosquitoes are active at different times of the day (Aedes/Stegomyia) and/or night (Anopheles), travellers are recommended to use 24/7 mosquito bite prevention. The key areas of bite prevention are:
- Use of repellents: These are substances that are applied to the skin to keep away or “repel” mosquitoes and other insects. Their purpose is to reduce the attractiveness of the traveller by interfering chemically with skin stimulants that attract insects to human skin. The most widely used repellent, to date, contains DEET (minimal. 20-30%, max 50%) and studies have shown that DEET is well tolerated for all groups including infants> 2months, children and pregnant women when used in accordance with the product instructions. Other recommended repellents include Icaridin, Eucalyptus citriodora oil and IR3535. Repellents vary in their efficacy and duration of protection. Some products contain a combination of repellents.
- Clothes: wear long sleeves, shoes and socks.
- Impregnation of textiles (clothing, bed nets) with insecticides: Insecticides (such as permethrin) are substances that kill or “knock down” insects.
Using repellents on the skin and impregnating/spraying textiles is a recommended combined strategy. - Insecticides can also be dispersed in rooms using sprays or devices that release insecticide. Burning mosquito coils should only be used outdoors.
- Staying in screened and/or air-conditioned rooms with windows closed.
- Sleeping or resting under impregnated bed nets.
The majority of travellers do apply far less than the recommended protective dose of repellent, which will decrease the effectiveness. Repellents need to be applied regularly especially after swimming or in hot, humid conditions conducive to sweating. When using repellents during the day, the sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes prior to the repellent. It is recommended to use 30-50 SPF sun screen to compensate for the reduction in sun protection factor (SPF) caused by DEET.
Repellents (DEET, Icaridin, some essential oil such as citriodora) vary in their effectiveness against different vectors and tend to be slightly less effective against ticks where protection can be substantially increased by impregnating clothing and having socks above trousers to prevent ticks from getting access to bare skin.
The value of repellents in protecting from tsetse flies and sandflies is less well documented, but the combination of repellents and insecticide treated clothing is still highly recommended.
- Hasler T, Fehr J, Held U, Schlagenhauf P. Use of repellents by travellers: a randomized, quantitative analysis of applied dosage and an evaluation of Knowledge Attitudes and Practices. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019: 27-33. Free access at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1477893918303028?via%3Dihub.
- Mosquito repellents bearing this mark have been subjected to an extended test at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Basel) and have fulfilled specified requirements. In addition, they are re-tested annually. Irrespective of possible additional information in the packaging text, a product with this quality seal has shown a very good protective effect against mosquitoes for at least four hours in the laboratory test. In Switzerland, the following products are available with this guarantee mark:
| Anti Brumm Classic (20% Icaridin) | Anti Brumm Night (20% Icaridin) |
| Anti Brumm Forte (28% DEET) | Anti-Brumm Ultra Tropical (50% DEET) |
| Anti Brumm Kids (20% Icaridin) | Nobite Extreme (30% DEET & 20% Icaridin) |
| Anti Brumm Naturel (31% Citriodiol) | KIK Activ (20% DEET) |
| SENSOLAR ZeroBite (20% Icaridin) |
Before travelling, be sure to check with your health insurance company under what conditions your health insurance will cover possible treatment and rescue costs in your destination country and whether you may need to take out supplementary insurance.
Hospitalization, rescue and transport costs abroad are often so high that the basic benefits are not sufficient. With holiday and travel insurance, you can avoid unpleasant financial consequences. Certain credit cards and the Touring Club Suisse offer similar benefits.
Longer stays and studying abroad: Find out from your health insurance company how you are insured if you want to live, study or work abroad and whether you need to take out supplementary insurance.
Note in the event of illness:
Contact your health insurance company abroad as soon as possible to inform them that you require emergency treatment, especially in the event of serious illness, accident or hospitalization. Keep all invoices and payment receipts so that you can apply for reimbursement on your return.
The size and composition of your first-aid kit depends on a number of factors: destination, duration of the trip, travelling style and the size of your travel group. Once you have packed your first-aid kit correctly, it is important to store it properly: childproof, protected from breakage and in a cool place. Before using any medication, please read the package leaflet carefully to rule out possible intolerances or contraindications. Observe the expiry dates stated on the medication packs. Special care should be taken when taking medication during pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend and prescribe the medication that is most suitable for you. Please note: certain medications (painkillers, codeine and morphine derivatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, steroids, etc.) may be banned in certain countries or require a medical certificate.
Existing illnesses: take a sufficient supply of medication required regularly or occasionally at home in separate luggage (hand luggage).
Malaria prophylaxis
- Medicationen when travelling to a malaria area
- Repellents for the skin (e.g. Exopic®, Anti-Brumm®, Nobite®; children: Anti-Brumm sensitive®, Nobite Haut- Sensitive® from 2 years)
- Insecticide for textiles (Nobite cloths®)
Allergic reactions (e.g. insect bites): Always carry the emergency medication prescribed by your doctor!
Disinfect hands: hydro alcoholic solution (at least 70% ethanol)
Injury
- Disinfectant (e.g. ethanol 75%, Merfen®, Betadine®)
- Dressing material: quick bandage, adhesive plasters, elastic bandage, sterile gauze,
- bandage clips, safety pins
Instruments
- Clinical thermometer in unbreakable case
- Small scissors
- Foreign body tweezers
Fever, cold, pain: paracetamol (Dafalgan®, Panadol®)
Stomach and intestines
- Anti-diarrheal medication for watery diarrhea without fever (e.g. Imodium®)
- In case of diarrhea with high fever and bloody stools: see a doctor!
- In small children and the elderly, prepare a fluid substitute (e.g. Oralpädon®, ELOTRANS®); in adults, increased fluid and salt intake is sufficient.
Nausea, vomiting, travel sickness: e.g.Motilium®, Trawell®
Skin protection
- Sun cream (recommendation: protection factor > 30, the choice depends on your skin type, the intensity of the sun's rays and your activities).
- Insect bite reactions: (Fenistil®, Tavegyl Gel®)
Eye protection
- Sunglasses, lens cleaner
- Conjunctivitis: non-purulent: eye drops (e.g. Oculosan®); purulent: (e.g. Ciloxan®)
Cold: nasal drops, spray before the flight (Nasivine ®, Triofan ®)
Allergies: personal medication (antihistamines, asthma medication, etc.)
AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases: Condoms or Femidom®
Water disinfection: sterilization tablets (e.g. Aquatabs®, Micropur forte®)
INSECT-AND-TICK-BITE-PROTECTION_ECTM_Factsheet_Layperson_EN.pdf
Sauerstoffmangel im Flugzeug ist heutzutage kein Thema mehr. Auch auf 12 000 m ü.M. entspricht das Sauerstoffangebot im Flugzeug etwa der Höhe von 2000 m ü.M. Die Luftdruckveränderung im Flugzeug ist kaum wahrzunehmen. Es sei denn, Sie sind erkältet, dann kann sich durch das Anschwellen der Schleimhäute die Verbindung von Rachen und Mittelohr verschliessen.
Der zunehmende Aussendruck beim Landen würde Sie dann im Ohr schmerzen. Am besten Sie sorgen vor: mit Nasentropfen, -sprays oder -salben; auch Kauen und Gähnen hilft, den Druck zu lindern. Die trockene Kabinenluft bewirkt zudem ein Austrocknen der Nasenschleimhäute, dagegen hilft eine Nasensalbe.
Thrombosen: Mit ein paar einfachen Vorkehrungen verhindern Sie Durchblutungsstörungen Ihrer Beine durch das lange Sitzen. Schränken Sie Ihre Beinfreiheit nicht durch Gepäckstücke ein, lockern Sie Ihre Muskeln durch ein paar Übungen im Sitzen oder stehen Sie auf und gehen ein paar Schritte. Trinken Sie reichlich (alkoholische Getränke mit Mass!) und Sie werden vor allem lange Interkontinentalflüge besser überstehen. Gut angepasste Kompressionsstrümpfe helfen Ihnen bei Venenleiden.
Der «Jet lag» trifft Sie nach dem Überfliegen mehrerer Zeitzonen mit Erschöpfung und Schlaflosigkeit, denn Ihre innere Uhr stimmt nicht mehr mit der Ortszeit überein. Kleine Nickerchen im Flugzeug, nach der Ankunft, so schnell wie möglich den neuen Lebensrhythmus übernehmen (inkl. Licht- und Sonnenexposition tagsüber) und Sie haben das Übel am schnellsten überwunden. Medikamente können Ihnen dabei helfen, erkundigen Sie sich bei Ihrem Arzt.
Alle Medikamente für die Reise führen Sie am besten im Handgepäck mit. Ist deren Einnahme zeitlich streng vorgeschrieben (z.B.Insulin, Antibabypillen), besprechen Sie vor Ihrer Abreise mit dem Arzt, wie die Anwendung bei grossen zeitlichen Verschiebungen erfolgen soll.
Sind Sie krank oder behindert, ist das Flugzeug Ihr Transportmittel: Sie erhalten Unterstützung, einen Rollstuhl oder die Möglichkeit zu liegen, wenn Sie die Fluglinie rechtzeitig informieren. Liegendtransporte werden stets begleitet. In Notfällen ist mit dem Flugzeug meistens eine rasche Rückkehr nach Hause möglich (s.u." Vorbereitungen und Versicherungen: Medizinische Notfälle im Ausland" ).