Your tourism experience may not always be 100% memorable for all the right reasons. Things could go wrong and oftentimes, it's beyond your control. Here are 5 travel problems you could face as a traveler to Ghana and how to deal with them.
Getting lost
You are in a totally new environment, all hyped up to discover places and make memories. But there's one thing. . . you don't know your way around. Chances are you could get lost in the mall, at the airport, on tour, on the way to your hotel or somewhere else. It might sound impossible in a time when you have GPS at your fingertip, however, that may not be the case if you're disoriented in a foreign country, do not speak the language or don't have Wi-Fi. Here are ways to get out of this situation.
Before you leave on your trip download google maps and then download the offline map for whichever cities you'll be visiting. Offline maps are downloaded on your device’s internal storage by default, but you can download them on an SD card instead. With the offline map you can find your way even without an internet connection, just make sure your device is on and you have an external power source like a power bank. But what if you're lost with a battery dead phone and no external power source?
Using a pen and paper is old but gold. Unlike gadgets, a pen and paper will never fail you if you simply write the name of your destination (hotel) and show it to a stranger for directions. This comes in super handy when you're in a foreign language destination. This may not be ideal in every location as you want to be discreet about who you share certain information with, but it's safer than flashing your mobile devices to avoid getting mugged. Remember, your expensive phone could be worth a year's wages to a local so use common sense.
This can be a lifesaver in situations were you're almost stranded and don't have any of the options in 1 and 2. A data e-SIM keeps you connected to the internet 24/7 such that if you get lost you can easily:
- Contact your hotel for a hotel pick up wherever you maybe in the city by simply sharing your location.
- Use the online google map to find your way to a landmark.
You can activate Afrosim e-SIM for as low as $9 and stay connected throughout your trip. To activate visit Afrosim.com.
Jet lag
If you're a frequent traveler, you pretty much know what happens when you rapidly jump across time zones. You mess up your circadian rhythm and your body internal clock gets out of sync. You experience symptoms like fatigue, lethargy, confusion, irritability, dizziness etc. So instead of getting on with your travel activities when you land you're dragging away in your room. Here are things you can do to reduce the side effects of jet lag.
Before you go on a new time zone, add solid sleep to your to-do list. At least a week to your trip, stay super hydrated and don't forget your nutrients, this will help your body process the change that's about to come. Simply put, follow this three step pattern to prepare your body for your trip; Have enough sleep, drink plenty of water, load up on healthy food before flying. This will keep your body hydrated before hitting the sky and increases your body's chance of overcoming gastrointestinal issues.
Catching a night flight? It may not be a good time to play movie catch up, remember that the blue light from your device can affect your circadian rhythm. So remember to pack an eye mask, ear plugs and a neck pillow. It will also do you some good to skip the free wine rule on flights because alcohol leaves a deeper imprint in your body at higher altitudes. When you're tempted, remember to stay hydrated. . .with water.
Insect bites
If you're traveling to Ghana this is one of the most important things you should pay attention to. This is because malaria is endemic to Ghana and transmitted all year round through mosquitoes (not all mosquitoes can infect malaria). Get local advice to know the active times for the insects as they vary around the world. Try to avoid being out at these times. If you are, make sure you're covered up or wearing a good repellant. It will help to carry a good, non-toxic repellent plus some essential oils to treat the itching for when you do get bitten.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is a travel problem that can strike at any moment. Both out of eating food that's completely new to your body or accidentally eating contaminated food. Symptoms can include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea. If it's bad then it can hit you within hours of eating or drinking the contaminated thing. Anti-diarrhea tablets can be a lifesaver... literally. It will do you some good to also pack some toilet paper just in case it gets messy. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids too.