Packing a medical kit for Southeast Asia is different than packing for Europe. In Europe, if you forget something, you pop into a modern pharmacy. In rural Laos or the islands of Indonesia, the local ‘pharmacy’ might be a roadside stall selling counterfeit meds sitting in the sun.
In the pharmacy, Bali is the #1 destination that confuses patients. They look at a map of ‘Indonesia’ and see a big red ‘Malaria Risk’ warning. I spend a lot of time calming travelers down and pulling out the specific island maps. The reality is nuanced: Bali itself is generally safe, but the island next door
Visiting Machu Picchu one of the seven wonders of the world is a dream for many — a mystical journey into the heart of Incan civilization nestled high in the Andes of Peru. But while the stone citadel inspires wonder, it also sits at nearly 8,000 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. For many travelers,
Central Vietnam is a region of contrasts, where history, nature, and culture intertwine to create an unforgettable journey. Step back in time among the imperial ruins of Hue, lose yourself in the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, or soak up the sun on Da Nang’s golden beaches. Venture into the world’s most stunning caves in
Imagine waking to the beauty of mist-shrouded mountains in Pai, the air crisp and cool as you cradle a steaming cup of Thai tea. Picture yourself wandering through ancient temples in Chiang Mai, the scent of incense mingling with the chants of monks. Northern Thailand is a symphony of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and thrilling
Imagine standing at Aling-Aling waterfall in Bali, adrenaline pumping as you leap into turquoise waters. An unforgettable experience—until something goes wrong. A miscalculated jump, a sudden injury, and suddenly, your nomad adventure turns into a search for medical help in a foreign country. For digital nomads, adventure comes with risks. Whether you’re hiking in the
Being a digital nomad means having the freedom to work from a beach in Bali for one month and a mountain town in Vietnam the next. However, the Instagram photos don’t show the aftermath. In my pharmacy, I see patients who return with $50,000 hospital bills because they didn’t declare their asthma, or panicked families trying to crowdsource a medical evacuation flight because their ‘cheap’ insurance had a scooter exclusion.
Recent measles outbreaks in places like Thailand and Vietnam are a reminder: even familiar diseases can be a real threat when you travel. As a Canadian Pharmacist, one of the most common questions I get is: “Do I really need these shots?” While you absolutely need protection against high-risk diseases like Typhoid or Hep A for
Travel insurance can feel confusing — especially when credit cards promise travel coverage that seems “free” and standalone plans come with premiums and fine print. As a Canadian pharmacist who reviews health and insurance information with a safety-first lens, I want to help you make the decision that fits your trip and health situation, not
You’ve spent months planning your dream trip to Vietnam—Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Dalat’s cascading Pongour Waterfalls, and Hoi An’s glowing lanterns. But before you can immerse yourself in these cultural wonders, there is a long flight to endure. Did you know that sitting too long on a flight can put you at risk of deep vein