1) Is there anything…anything…I can take that will help ward off stomach disasters when I go to India? Or…that I should take with me in the event the inevitable occurs?
2) Please share your opinion of the most comfortable walking shoes on the planet. I need suggestions for closed-toe options, and for the record, I hate closed-toe 'cause my dawgs can't breathe when they're all bound up!
3) Do you have any tips/suggestions for making long flights more bearable (the 15-hour-at-a-stretch variety)?
Thanks for chiming in!
1. I can’t help you there.
2. I think Clark’s and Bear Paws are some of the most comfortable shoes. Not the cutest, though…
3. The biggest iPod you can get your hands on. Though I don’t think the battery will last for 15 hours. Maybe more than 1 iPod? Watching movies would probably make time go by faster. If all else fails, maybe Angie will share her drugs… 😉
1. Ask your doctor. There are medications they can give you for this exact concern. It’s not uncommon to get something from your doctor when traveling overseas to be prepared for this.
2. No idea about closed toe shoes.
3. Books, movies, music, sleep.
1. I swear by Pepto Bismol. I drink at least a bottle a week… I have IBS and a sensitive stomach, so I’m pretty much 110 percent guaranteed to be running for the bathroom at some inconvenient, potentially embarrassing time!
3. The longest flight I’ve been on is 12 hours, and boy was it longggg!! I did Sudoku, word puzzles, played electronic Yahtzee, made lists of things I thought about, journaled, picked out future baby names, lol. Anything and everything were fair game! I also took some Tylenol PM to help me sleep through 4-5 hours of the flight. Good luck!
Check the movie schedule as soon as you get on the flight…plan your schedule around that! SLEEP! If you like crossword puzzles, word searches, sudoku, etc. bring gobs of those and a couple good books. Make sure you pack enough in your carry-on to survive in case your luggage gets lost (toothbrush, comb, underwear, etc).
Just a suggestion for your 2nd question – I wear New Balance 992s. They have come out with the newer version now – 993s, I think – and they are actually running shoes, but they are comfy, they let my feet breathe, and they are worth the bucks. My husband, who doesn’t have foot problems (which is why I ended up buying them in the first place) and who doesn’t run, also has a pair.
I think as long as the shoes are lightweight that’s half the battle. Shoes tend to become unconformtable after a long time in then if they are heavy and their own weight causes them to slip up and down your heel.
You can take a STERIpen for any water you’re a bit iffy on. Its a little UV light stick which you can stir a glass or bottle of water for 60 seconds and it purifies the water and the best thing to do is to follow the locals to find somewhere to eat and only eat in busy places (guaranteed turnover of food).
I just got a pair of new Pothia shoes (Costco had a rep come through, but I think you can get them elsewhere, too). They’re the MOST comfortable shoes I’ve EVER worn! Apparently, lost of doctors/surgeons wear them for the long days on their feet. They’re not real cheap (I think I paid around $55 for mine), but not outrageous for a good pair of shoes either — and they come in a variety of styles.
For the trip…take Dramamine and a book that you can totally get into!
Have a great trip!
Okay for the issue of runs well carry Imodium, and dont drink water there unless bottled. For shoes, I still live in my crocs ( not a pretty shoe but they are so comfie), and as for the 15 hr flight, your Ipod, a good novel, your laptop, ear plugs and mask for when you want sleep, and you should be set.
Traveler’s Diarrhea is what you are trying to avoid. Follow the typical advice, no fresh fruit or vegetables, no water (unless bottled water), no ice (unless made with bottled water), make sure the bottle water is new (and not refilled), brush your teeth with bottled water (not tap water).
Here’s a link to the CDC recs on traveling to India in case you haven’t seen it: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationIndia.aspx
I am not sure I agree with the anti-diarrheal medication because sometimes using these agents keep the “bug” causing the diarrhea in your system instead of allowing the “bug” to get out of your system.
Ask your physician for a prescription of either Cipro ( 5 days) or Bactrim (3 day supply). Get this filled before you travel and take it with you. Start taking at the first sign of traveler’s diarrhea.
Oral rehydration therapy….ie. don’t get dehydrated if you do get diarrhea.
Also, for the flight…you may want to ask your physician about prevention for blood clots (increase risk on longer flights)…some recs are to take an aspirin a day for several days before hand (assuming no risk factors).
Lastly, pray for protection and safety….
Be Blessed.
S. (Pharmacist)
At home i would say Immodium, but I have to agree that a doctor’s visit is TOTALLY in order here, because some things you have to, um, let go?
Don’t – seriously don’t – drink the water. Drink water only from bottles where you remove the cap yourself (sometimes they refill and reuse, so you need to feel that pop yourself when you unscrew the cap).
Pack an extra toothbrush or two in case you forget and place it under the tap (use bottle water to brush your teeth). In the same vain, pack a small roll of duct tape to place on the faucet in the bathroom, so that you don’t forget.
If it’s a veggie or fruit, don’t eat it unless it’s been cooked well or has a heavy peel. Bananas – good. Apples – bad. Watermelon – good. Raw carrots – bad.
As for shoes… Keens.
We went to India in 2005 and had a wonderful trip. Here are my suggestions:
1. Only drink bottled water and yes, only use bottled water for hygiene/teeth brushing/etc… That worked for me. We ate the fresh fruit and had no problems–most of it was “enclosed” such as bananas, oranges, etc… I took Immodium with me just in case but didn’t need it.
2. I wore Tevas most of the time and love them.! Open toe sandals. Not cute but work great!
3. We traveled from FL to Kerala! It was 30 hours overall, with a stop in London and Doha. It was brutal but helped to have books, movies on the computer, computer games and the Ipod! BTW–we traveled with a 1yr old….it was hard but certainly managed. I took some anti-anxiety meds with me just in case….forgot to tell you…I was 6 months pregnant as well…but never needed the meds. GOOD LUCK and ENJOY–it is a BEAUTIFUL country!
Everyone has great advice (and I’m devouring it as we’ll need it soon too!) …
I second the talking to your doctor about what to take/bring re: the tummy.
I ALSO agree on the tennies … I have a pair that are super lightweight and are netted. Or I was going to suggest Merrells.
The flight – oy – I’m dreading ours! I second the (1) mask/ear plugs (2) bring an extra pair of socks in your carryon … you’ll want a fresh pair to go “shoe-less” in on the plane (3) some minty or other revitalizing smelling lotion and (4) some of your favorite snack-age. Sure, international flights have snacks and drinks and such, but I was happier with my won Reeses Pieces and trail mix!
1. I have no idea (sorry).
2. I too, hate closed toe shoes, and usually wear sandals year round. However, when you’re doing a lot of walking sneakers are the best option. Get a good pair and your feet will thank you.
3. Tylenol PM?
Asics shoes! They’re running shoes but very supportive. I have a store near me and they are very skilled at fitting the shoes to me and my needs. The best! But the shoes are also lightweight and flexible and breathable!!! Great for heat. Not so great for rain. But we get more heat than rain where we live, so it works for me. And my custom orthodics fit nicely in these as well.
1. Take it from someone who came back from Brazil with a 103 degree fever and a nasty–NASTY–intestinal infection . . . be extremely cautious. Even in the shower–keep your mouth closed. But I was cautious and still got very sick. SO, take Immodium with you, for sure. But the best advice I can give you is to see your doctor before you go and beg him to give you a course of Cipro to take along with you “just in case.” The minute you start to spike a fever, start the antibiotic. I don’t think I would ever travel to a 3rd world country without it.
2. I have a pair of Nike mary janes that I absolutely LOVE. I slip a pair of Dr. Scholes insoles into them for some extra comfort (which is a good suggestion in itself). Here’s a link so you can look at them–they are cute AND comfy!
http://www.seejanerun.com/p-2775-womens-free-mary-jane-si-by-nike.aspx
3. I agree with the person who said to just check the movie schedule on your flight, watch one or two, and then SLEEP. You are going to need as much rest as possible. Otherwise, I’d just take a book to read, but that’s me. 🙂
I’m not sure for 1 or 2, but I have been on several VERY long flights (China, Thailand, Brazil).
–I can only sleep at a window seat, so I make sure/beg/trade to get one. I take SnoreStop so I’m not worried about snoring in someone’s ear on the plane and try to get as much sleep as possible.
–Watch all the movies. Pray that your plane has the screen in the seat in front of you that lets you pick your own movies or TV shows!
–Books! Lots of books and magazines that are fluffy and you might not normally indulge in.
–And the practical stuff–make sure you walk around and drink lots of water.
I’d be happy to answer any questions if you want to email me, Robin!
Jessie
I have a packing list I can send you if you want it!
Also, take Pepto. I’ve heard that if you take one a day, it will help prevent any stomach issues.
If you’re sensitive to smells, take some Mentholatum.
As for the flight, I have no idea. Maybe some sleeping pills and a bottle of wine?
I don’t have any suggestions for #1 & #3 but for #2, I recommend Teva casual shoes. I bought a pair for a trip out to SoCal last fall when I would be trekking all over and I knew my sneaks would be uncomfy. I loved my Tevas so much that I rarely wear my sneaks when I do local schlepping here now. 🙂 Looking at the Teva site, I don’t see the model I have but the Siri model looks good – http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=w&categoryID=424&productID=4215&model=Siri. For better pricing (and limited selection) check out Sierra Trading Post cuz that’s where I got mine for a great deal (ETA – here is the link to what I got and love – http://www.sierratradingpost.com/shoes/1264K_p-teva-aravalli-shoes-for-women/)
1. Consult your doctor, telling him what you’re doing, and what he recommends. Also – google some travel blogs (the real ones, not the one’s selling trips) because I bet they have some great tips.
2. Can’t help, sorry.
3. The usual stuff, such as books, and your ipod etc. However, about every 2 1/2 hours or so – get up and go potty. Even if you don’t have to go, you can wash your hands. Put some face wash napkins in your carryon – the no water needed kind, I think Pond’s makes some. Then, use them when you go potty. It’ll perk you up. yes, it’ll take away your makeup, just reapply it on your last potty before landing. The point is it’ll make you feel refreshed.
Agree with Susie A on all her advice for #1.
I wear New Balance runners, but also swear by Born and Clarks if you want some non-athletic shoes. They are pricey, but oh so worth it. LOVE them!
I fly 19-20 hours every year to Australia and thank God for movies on Qantas. Check the airline you are flying to see what kind of on flight entertainment there is. Qantas has movies, tv shows, music, video games…you’d be surprised at what might be on offer. I don’t really like listening to music on planes, but my hubby does and takes his mp3 player. A good book, a couple of magazines, a neck pillow so you can attempt to catch some zzz’s.
I second slip on shoes for the plane so you can take them off and for ease of getting through security. Just make sure they are not too tight as my feet always swell on long flights and it’s sometimes hard to get them back on!
I usually request an aisle seat so I don’t have to climb over people to get up. You will want to get up and go to the back of the plane and stretch.
If you can get your hands on some peppermint oil, I recommend this. This was a lifesaver for me on a flight to Bali when I surrounded by smelly people. I just put some under my nose (for the smells) and on my temples and the back of my neck for headaches. Works a charm!
Good luck!
I just realized from my comment that I am most assuredly a mother. How many times can one woman say “potty” in one comment?
I think #1 has been well-answered by others. =)
For #2, I’d recommend Chachos over Tevas for open toed shoes — they offer more support in the foot bed. I have both. For close toed shoes, you have lots of great suggestions.
For #3, I wish you were local; I’d lend you my Kindle (which I just got back from my BFF, who took it to Paris). Nothing better for travel. If you’re like me and can’t sleep on planes, get some sleepy pills while you’re at the doc and make sure to try them at home before you go since some people act strange on them. You want to know before you fly.
I have a friend who travels extensively who sent me a great email prior to my first Taiwan trip. I’ll forward it to you.
I have no helpful advice for #1 and nothing more to add to everyone else’s comments on #3 but for shoes – Merrell’s are usually very comfy and I love my New Balance tennis shoes. My preference is for really great flip flops – Columbia or Merrell brand – though!
Good luck and I’ll be praying for you.
When I went to Ethiopia last year, my doctor told me to take Pepto Bismal pills and eat two before I had any food I was worried about eating (which was everything, but I ate them before ‘homemade’ meals and in some restaurants). I also took Cipro with me in case of severe sickness and, of course, anti-diarrhea pills. But I didn’t get sick because I only drank bottled water and really only ate the granola bars and dried fruit I brought with me. Best wishes and blessings on your trip! God is with you!
Becky B
I love Avia shoes, with a Dr. Scholl’s insert (the one for “working feet”.
And you should spend your flight time writing the Great American Novel, of course.
I’ve been to India and did not get sick! 🙂
The key is do NOT drink the water or anything with ice or that might have been made with the water without being boiled etc. And take some immodium along just in case! 🙂
For the flight, I always took two tylenol PM and slept 8 hours of it – that helped with the time change too 🙂 And make sure to rbing some good books — if you like Christian fiction (that isnt cheesy) you should try Lisa Samson – she’s great!
1. I have stomach issues in Arkansas, so I’m no help to you.
2. I am a dude and wear nothing but dress shoes, running shoes, or flip-flops. I’m no help to you on this either.
3. I have suggestions for 3.
Fifteen hours is long. I suggest the movie options, of course (the on demand schedule should be fairly good). But most importantly, Spend time in the quiet. Without movies or books. Time with your thoughts. On the way to Lichinga, I found that to be my best time to prepare. On my way back, I found it to be my best time to decompress and debrief. And bring a journal to write the quiet thoughts down. You’ll get some good writing done in the quiet time.
HEY Robin!! When Missy was in Uganda and all the other place she served, she would always have a glass of wine at night. She said that seemed to ward off all the bacteria and other “things” floating around!
I love my Merril’s but I’ve never walked in them as much as you are going to be walking.
I’d take my Ipod for the plane ride!
Can’t wait to read all about your trip! ~Bebe
Immodium works well. I’ve also heard that it is helpful to include yogurt (like Activia with probiotics) in your diet prior to long-distance travel to improve your digestive health. Interesting thought. I don’t know if it is true but I can’t see how it would hurt.
If you are flying an Indian airline, use caution eating unfamiliar food. I once ate food aboard an international carrier which was heavily flavored with curry and it did not do good things for my body.
Another suggestion is to bring along herbal teas. Some varieties will help you sleep better and others will help calm your stomach (ginger). I’m not sure of the latest boarding restrictions but if you are allowed to pack tea bags in your carry-on, there is always hot water available on planes.
Ryka walking shoes have been the most comfy shoes I’ve ever worn in my life. The rest – I cannot help you there. Maybe you need to carry some chlorine tablets (like what you would take on a camping trip).
2. Brooks tennis shoes are great, and a lot of them have mesh which allows air in. Also check out a good pair of arch supports (Ideal feet or Good feet) you will be able to walk forever without your feet hurting. I love mine.
3. Take some books that you have been wanting to read. Don’t forget to wear some compression socks, I like JOBST. It helps circulation in your feet and legs so you don’t have as much swelling while on an air plane.
i would suggest a pair of Crocs 🙂 they’re easy to slip on and off, they’re water resistant, they’re more likely to keep your piggies cool, and they’re really comfortable. i wore mine with SmartWool socks while staying in Belize for several days. even though i’d packed tennies and other closed toed shoes, i never took my Crocs off. i wore them everywhere. 🙂
I know when my kids went on missions trip or other trips they were told to bring Charcoal tablets, Garlic pills (purchased at Wally World)… I can’t think of the others right off. And their own bottled water (this was to South America). I know when I visited my sister in Mexico City all she let us drink was bottled water.
Have a wonderful time. I am sure you will get it all figured out.
When traveling my wife hits Costco and gets the industrial size generic Imodium pills. She then takes six every day, which is very effective in plugging things up.
When flying for extended periods be sure to get up and walk around often, to keep blood flow to the legs going. Drink lots of water, which will force you to at least walk back and forth to the facilities.
If the flight is at a good sleeping time (which some of it MUST be) DRAMAMINE rocks! I NEVER can relax and sleep while traveling, but if I take one of those babies, I’m out. Time flies when you’re out 🙂
1. Don’t drink the water. Don’t clean your teeth with it. Don’t eat salad – that’s what’s caught me before, it was rinsed in the water and made me really sick. Take immodium for when that happens to you.
2. Thongs. (You probably know them as flip flops – we call them thongs. Those undies you’re thinking of? We call them G Strings. I just call them uncomfortable.) Yes, I know thongs aren’t closed shoes but they are the most comfortable footwear in the world.
3. Valium.
My husband travels on missions trips regularly. He has been to Africa numerous times and this is what he does… (I read it in a earlier comment, so this seconds that along with all the other water / produce suggestions)
He takes one before every meal and one at night. He has never had any issues as long as he does this and eats smart.
what it does is coats your stomach so parasites and bacteria cannot attach to your digestive system. Be prepared for when you “go”… it will get very dark.
When he leads trips, he suggests those who go do the same. The ones who do, are great… the ones who don’t… well… you know!
Have a great trip. You will be a changed woman.
Immodium is a must as well… just in case.
You might consider taking something like Tagamet if you are sensitive to spicy foods. If you take it prior to eating, it can help you handle the food better. Also, you could consider eating vegetarian, due to the possibilities of the meat not being fresh. But as someone mentioned before, make sure you don’t eat any raw veggies.
Not sure if someone mentioned this or not, but remember, not only should you not drink the water, but don’t get ice in your drinks because it’s made from-duh-the local water.
Granted, it was almost 20 years ago, but I work my birkenstocks and comfy sneakers when I went to India. Yeah, I looked kind of goofy, but everything you are wearing is likely to look goofy to the natives.
Check with your doctor about the stomach issues, and you should also ask if you should be on malaria medication. We had to back when I went, but it may not be an issue (BTW-you are likely to not be able to donate blood for several years after coming back from India)
Remember that the electrical outlets are different in other countries. Not only are the actual shape of the prongs probably different, but the current itself. Those travel adaptors frequently are just good for stepping down the voltage a bit for heating implements (hairdryer etc) and may not be safe for electronics. If you are bringing things that need to be plugged in to be charged (ie Ipod, laptop etc) make sure you find out how to do that.I’m sure there are products available etc. . .
Ok, sorry if any of that is repetitive to what others have already said.
Have a fantastic trip-India is an amazing country-I’d love to go back!
I love my Simple sneakers! Take at least 2 pairs of comfy shoes, since sometimes all you have to do is switch shoes to feel better and get pressure on different points of your feet (hopefully eliminating blisters from popping up).
I swear by a few magazines and at least one long novel! Take paperbacks so you can leave them behind if you need to without regrets. 🙂
Waving my hands and jumping up and down!!! You MUST get Tummy Tuneup or another probiotic. http://www.beeyoutiful.com/review/product/list/id/4/
I’ve seen it work, and last week when my 10yo was vomiting constantly, my son and I NEVER got the bug because we were already on acidophilus. Acidophilus needs to be kept refrigerated, which is why I’m suggesting Tummy Tuneup instead.
As far as shoes, Ecco are very good and they are breathable. I have the same issue–I can’t stand wearing shoes–my feet feel like they’re on fire.
Oh, Robin, I thought of one more thing. In addition to taking Cipro with you, you should also start taking probiotics before you leave and take them throughout your trip. (I take one every day, but I have digestive “issues.”) Probiotics (like Bifidophilus and Acidophilus) are the “good” bacteria that your system needs, plus they eat up any “bad” bacteria you may get. You can find this same good bacteria in yogurt, but you’d have to eat a heck of a lot of yogurt in order to get all the benefit from taking one capsule. They don’t hurt you–all they can do is help. So DO THIS!!! 🙂
In addition to the stuff already mentioned, get some charcoal capsules. Some people swear by these for food poisoning. I think they have them at Whole Foods. You probably woudn’t want to take them at the same times as antibiotics. Leave at least a couple hours in between. Also bring acidophilus (for digestive health)and maybe some extra vitamins like Emergen-C packets to mix w/bottled water.
When I was in India, I swore by papaya pills–chewable tablets that I purchased over the counter here in the states. I only had one uncomfortable morning in eight weeks of being there.
I also prayed and had others pray for my stomach. I am extremely sensitive to foods, especially spicy ones. I believe God answered these prayers and I was able to partake in foods that would have otherwise “ripped me a new one.”
Oh, and we took filter water-bottles and were able to drink water from any tap without ill effects.
Be blessed!