11.3.1 Use the following Asia safety tips to return home happy and healthy!

1. Avoid things that bite

Many kinds of animals in Asia are dangerous, for example

1. Poisonous snakes
2. Komodo dragons
3. Mosquitos, the deadliest creatures which carry both dengue fever and malaria. You should avoid mosquito bites by spraying in the evenings and burning coils when sitting outside. 
4. Bedbugs are back! While nearly eradicated at one time, now the bothersome little biters are infesting five-star hotels and houses in the West.
5. Dogs, especially street dogs, are dangerous.  You need to visit a doctor in cases when you are bitten by them because they can carry rabies.
6. Monkeys, some monkeys in Asia are too unfriendly to play with.

2. Motorbike safety

Motorbikes are the number one cause of injury for foreigners in Asian countries. Even if wearing one is optional where you are traveling, always use a helmet, and remember that other drivers don't necessarily stick to the same rules that are observed in the West.

3. Adventures in the field

Asia is home to the most spectacular trekking in the world. Know the risks where you are trekking, never go alone, and get an early start in case you become lost or something goes wrong.

4. Bad stomachs, sunburn, and infections

Annoying ailments such as infections, traveler's diarrhea, and severe sunburn are common, and can really take the fun out of a trip. Give special attention to cuts and scrapes on your legs and feet — particularly if sea rocks or coral are the culprits; marine bacterial infections are very difficult to heal on the road.

Traveling a new continent means that you will encounter new food bacteria, which your stomach may not be prepared to process. The sun in countries nearer to the Equator is stronger than in many western countries, so don't be caught off guard. Activities like snorkeling or riding on the decks of boats can make you especially prone to sunburn.

5. Political unrest and terrorism

While unlikely, some travelers have recently found themselves in the middle of political demonstrations and unrest fueled by a new global attitude toward democracy. These demonstrations, and sometimes acts of violence, rarely target foreigners; however, you should be prudent in staying out of the way.

(Source: Adapted from http://goasia.about.com/od/healthandsafety/a/Travel-Safety-in-Asia.htm retrieved 24/2/2014)

 

11.3.2 How to avoid mosquito bites

• Low-energy mosquitoes in Southeast Asia stay close to the ground; they tend to bite feet and legs under tables while you eat. Use repellent on your legs and feet before dinner.

• Mosquitoes are attracted to bright clothing. Stick to earth tones or khaki clothing when trekking in Southeast Asia.

• Avoid sweet-smelling soaps, shampoos, and lotions in high-risk areas; remember, mosquitoes prefer to feed on flowers when not reproducing, so don't smell like one!

(Source: http://goasia.about.com/od/healthandsafety/a/How-to-Avoid-Mosquito-Bites.htm retrieved 24/2/2014)

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Language Focus 11.3

Language Focus 3

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Activities

Activity 9Activity 10