Worst Summer Travel Dangers

When you're getting ready for your summer travel plans, some dangers might cross your mind. You might be worried about a plane crash, hurricanes, and other worst-case scenarios, but there are more likely summer travel dangers that you should keep in mind as you embark on a vacation within the next few months. Take a look at these possible summer dangers so that you can be prepared to deal with them if they should arise.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are the highest cause of drowning related deaths. You may also know them as rip tides.

A rip current is a strong channel of water that can pull a swimmer into deeper depths, no matter how strong the swimmer may be. A rip current won't pull someone under water, but it does pull people further away from shore, and further away from possible help.

Someone may find themself panicking and exhausted as they try to swim back to shore and fight the current. This fear and exhaustion can lead to drownings.

Rip currents can occur in knee-deep water, oceans, or even large lakes. Take caution and don't swim alone. If there is a lifeguard available, ask them about possible rip currents. Swim within the lifeguard's view. Stay away from jetties and piers, where rip currents occur most often.

Do not try to swim against the current if you get caught in one. This is the worst possible idea in this situation. Swim parallel to the shore so that you can swim out of the current or just relax and tread water until help arrives. Don't try to go in after someone who is caught in a rip current, as you may be pulled in yourself. Wait for professional help.

Jellyfish

You're more likely to encounter a jellyfish than a shark in the ocean and it might not be a friendly meeting.

Various species of jellyfish are found all over the world. Some can be harmless, while others can be poisonous. There are certain species of jellyfish that can leave a person in so much pain that they go into shock and cannot reach the shore. Transparent, colorless jellyfish are usually harmless, while red and purple tinged jellyfish carry painful stings.

Most jellyfish stings are easily treatable.You can take a sting out by cleaning the area with seawater and applying vinegar or baking soda. Later use calamine lotion or other skin crème to help soothe the area.

If you have a severe reaction like difficulty breathing or nausea, or if the sting leaves swelling or redness over a large area, seek further medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion

More Americans have been killed by excessive heat than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined, yet it's not something that people think about when going on vacation.

It's fine to enjoy the sun and nice weather on your summer trip, but take a break in an air-conditioned space throughout the day. The elderly, children, and infants especially need to take caution. Get out of the heat for a while and go to a restaurant, a mall, a museum, or any indoor tourist attraction if the weather is just too much to handle.

You may want to spend more time inside during mid-day and more time outside in the early mornings or evenings. Overeating, alcohol, caffeine and high-sugar drinks can also make heat-exhaustion or dehydration occur faster. Also, be sure to cover your skin to avoid sun damage.

Pickpocketing

This is more of a year-round, worldwide problem, so it is always important to take caution. A case of pickpocketing can ruin any trip.

Pickpockets tend to target unsuspecting tourists who are easy targets. They'll target someone from another country. There are several tricks that they use.

If someone drops something in front of you or asks for directions, a partner could be stealing from your bad or pocket from behind as you're distracted.

Equip yourself to deal with these scammers. Keep your cash and credit cards separate so they're not in the same place. Also leave some money or a credit card back in the safe at your hotel. You'll want to at least have some form of leftover money if you're targeted.

Don't let yourself get distracted by looking at a map, a cellphone, or looking around while lost. You'll turn yourself into pickpockets next victim.

Purchase a flat money belt or passport holder that you can wear under your clothes and keep your important belongings in it. Don't carry open tote bags. Take a bag that zippers and keep straps across your chest as opposed to over your shoulder. Certain companies like PacSafe make anti-pickpocket bags that are slash-proof and contain lockable zippers.

Make sure you have photocopies of your passport, tickets, credit card, and identification so that you'll have some sort of backup if you lose the real thing.

Insects and Snakes

If you're planning on being outdoors or going on hikes during your trip, you could encounter spider, mosquitoes, ticks or even snakes.

Stick to well-marked hiking trails. Wear long sleeves so you're not baring a lot of skin. Don't go near holes, hollow stumps, or high grasses

Carry insect repellant with you to keep the bugs away. You may also want to carry a basic first-aid kit in case bit or sting occurs.

After taking a walk or hike, examine your body and clothes to look for bugs or bites. If you happen to see swelling, bruising, or red streaks or if you have any pain of abnormal side effects, seek medical attention.