SAN DIEGO. Approximately 2.7% of America’s national gross domestic product (GDP) is due to travel and tourism. The U.S. Travel Association highlights that figure in its 2016 annual travel report. To help you plan, enjoy and survive your next trip, here are two useful travel stats and a pair of important travel tips to make your adventure a successful one.
Top 5 reasons to travel to the U.S.
Among its numerous travel stats, the U.S. Travel Association report cites five primary reasons why both domestic and foreign travelers come to the United States. Few, if any, will be a surprise to seasonsed travelers. Here’s that short list:
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Fine dining
- National parks/monuments
- Amusement/theme parks
Travel stats tell us that travel is a Top 10 Industry in most American states, generating millions of jobs
Here’s another one of those interesting travel stats. The U.S. Travel Association notes that 2016 spending by U.S. residents and international travelers to the U.S. averaged approximately $2.8 billion a day, $118 million an hour, $2.0 million a minute and $32,800 a second. That’s a tidy sum, indeed. And it’s a big annual boost to the U.S. economy.
Travel tips: Consider travel insurance, and keep an itinerary
Whether for business or pleasure, planning your needs and itinerary well in advance of your trip helps assure its success, particularly if you or your travel party need to address specific health conditions or disabilities.
For extended trips, purchasing travel insurance can provide financial protection while also giving you peace of mind.
More travel tips: You may need to get appropriate vaccinations well in advance of traveling to a foreign destination
Regarding peace of mind, here’s one of today’s key travel tips. It’s important to be fully informed on each destination country listed in your travel itinerary. Make sure you thoroughly research any health or medical warnings which might be prevalent. Some countries may require you to obtain specific shots and / or vaccinations before you visit. Requirements often include hepatitis A and B immunizations as well as various anti-malarial drugs for visits to the tropics. You’ll need to document these immunizations. So get these matters cleared up well in advance of foreign travel.
(image via flickr:David Woo.jpg)
The International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers offers current online assistance and information about every country’s requirements and any up-to the minute local health risks as well.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta also recommend that you preparing for and obtain the appropriate immunizations well  advance of your trip. The CDC emphasizes you take the following important steps.
- To reiterate, be sure to determine whether you need travel health or evacuation insurance. If you do, purchase it.
- Register with the U.S. embassy within your destination country or countries.
- Carry an information card written in the local language of your destination(s). The card should list your blood type, any chronic illnesses, medical diagnoses, special devices or dietary restrictions, and a list of regular medications and / or typical allergies you may have.
- Bring all your medications in their original prescription bottles in plastic inspection bags. If possible, keep these with you in the event that carriers lose your luggage.
Note: Many hotels provide qualified on-call, mobile physicians who can visit a sick or weary traveler on short notice right in the privacy of his or her hotel room.
(image via flickr:Carissa Rogers)
More travel tips: Be sure to learn more about your destination before you set off on your trip
Upon arrival and after checking in to your hotel room upon arrival, be sure to plan time to stay healthy.
- Remember to work out at the hotel gym or workout room; and,
- Take the stairways instead of the elevators whenever practicle.
Upon arrival and after check-in, contacting the American Consulate in every destination country is also a good way to learn more about any potential criminal activity or military action taking place in or around your destination. The same holds true for the latest health advisories, weather conditions, food and water contamination alerts and any other recommended safety measures.
More on health:
- Remember to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the climate of whatever locale you visit.
- To prevent upper respiratory and other infections that can be contracted from being in crowds or foreign locales, taking additional vitamin C is highly recommended by many as a preventative measure.
- Consider maintaining continuous airflow near seating areas, and make healthy dietary choices including bringing healthy protein bars and allowable snacks.
Also, be sure to take advantage of opportunities to explore new sights and sounds. Regard them as as opportunities to get an informal  workout as well.
Finally, get some rest before you get going. Many travelers find that recovering from jet lag is difficult. Taking care of yourself by recalibrating up front with some extra sleep will actually get your vacation off to a great start.
The joy of travel
Three final travel tips:
- Traveling, whether for business or leisure, can be one of the most enjoyable and enriching experiences you can have.
- Remember to be well-prepared before the travel journey begins.
- And most of all take care of your health!
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Until next time, enjoy the ride in good health!
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