Every traveler's checklist likely includes passports, outfits, itineraries, tickets, and devices to make sure the trip is well-documented. Yet, the thrill of going on vacation makes it easy to overlook health and safety needs. As the travel season intensifies, it's time to put one's well-being at the top of the list. From minimizing the stress of lost baggage or flight disruptions to being equipped for unexpected medical emergencies, prioritizing health ensures smoother and more enjoyable travels.

Meet Dr. Kim Cantos, affectionately known as The Moonlighting Doctor on social media, whose life seamlessly intertwines his dermatology practice with his passion for travel. His adventures take him from the serene beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyoto to the best sunset sail tour in Seattle. With a passport adorned with stamps from vibrant locales worldwide, Dr. Cantos has firsthand experience navigating the diverse health challenges that can arise during travel.

In an an exclusive conversation with Manila Bulletin, Dr. Cantos shares invaluable insights into essential health considerations for travelers. Drawing from his own experiences and expertise, he provides practical advice on addressing common health issues people may encounter abroad. From dealing with dehydration in humid climates to managing motion sickness, he shares valuable insights to make every journey memorable, safe, and healthy.

Balancing adventure and self-care

“As adventurous as I am, I also remind myself to travel smart. As a doctor, I know how expensive it is to get sick abroad. These are things that can ruin not just a great vacation, but also our pockets to pay for medicine and even hospital bills,” Dr. Cantos reflects.

The Moonlighting Doctor stresses some key health concerns travelers should watch out for.

Dehydration: First, he emphasizes the significance of combating dehydration and heat exhaustion, especially when traveling in humid climates. Dr. Cantos advises staying adequately hydrated, seeking shade whenever possible, and wearing sunscreen and comfortable clothes that are well-fitted to the type of activities lined up for the day.

“Hydration is crucial for me. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water is something that I don’t miss even while traveling,” says Dr. Cantos.

Overfatigue: Dr. Cantos underlines that feeling chronic tiredness or lack of energy even while on vacation is more common than one might think. Especially for travelers with hectic schedules, he emphasizes the need to include enough time for rest in the itinerary. “You need to be well-rested before and after your journey.” As a well-traveled individual, Dr. Cantos gets plenty of sleep before flying out and catches at least another eight-hour sleep as soon as he arrives at his destination.

Motion sickness: A common concern for travelers, Dr. Cantos offers practical advice, “Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before traveling, and have nausea medication on hand.” Additionally, there are ways to manage it without medicine such as distracting oneself with calming activities like listening to music and having flavored lozenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC.  

Infectious diseases: “Traveling exposes you to different environments and potential pathogens,” Dr. Cantos explains. “It’s best to stay up to date on vaccinations, practice frequent hand washing, and use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of diseases.” He emphasizes that these preventive measures protect both individual health and the well-being of fellow travelers and visited communities.

Medical emergencies: A lot of unforeseen things could happen while traveling and the most concerning cases are almost always health-related. When one gets sick, they automatically miss out on the fun. Food allergies, physical injuries, and even diseases caused by an infestation of pests as what happened recently in airports and well-traveled destinations – these are all risks that can quickly derail even the most meticulously planned trips.

“Protect your health by being vigilant about food safety and dining practices, having an emergency medication or first aid kit on hand, and seeking medical attention if you experience any symptoms,” Dr. Cantos advises.

But beyond health and safety measures, “Having reliable travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for peace of mind wherever you go.” Dr. Cantos stresses the importance of ensuring adequate coverage for unexpected medical expenses. “Remember, it’s better to have insurance protection and not need it than to need it and not have it."

In the face of twists and turns, comprehensive travel insurance can be your steadfast anchor abroad. That's why Dr. Cantos entrusts his adventures to AXA Smart Traveller with a lifeline offering up to P3.5 million in coverage in case of sickness and a separate P3.5 million in case of injury sustained while traveling. With AXA’s 24/7 assistance and Schengen accreditation, travelers can rest assured knowing that help is always just a call away in case of medical emergencies, anywhere in the world. Setting the standard for unparalleled protection, AXA Smart Traveller is also a proud recipient of the Platinum Seal for travel insurance, presented by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2024. 

Travel is more than just discovering new places; it's about being prepared for whatever comes your way. Whether in a bustling city or a rural village, having the right protection enables every type of explorer to focus on the adventure ahead.

Find out more about AXA Smart Traveller by heading here. Be a #SmartTraveller today and stay prepared for whatever your journey might bring.