Preparing for a Visit to Tropical Areas- What to Expect (and Mosquito Netting to Pack)

Are you headed to a tropical paradise for your vacation this year? If so, great choice! The tropics are beautiful, no matter what time you decide to go. You can explore the rainforest, enjoy the hot summery days all year around, and bask in the greenery that surrounds you. However, with the tropics come a few risks that you might not have expected. Read on to find out.

Those Pesky Mosquitoes

Unfortunately, mosquitoes live in the tropics as well. In fact, mosquitoes thrive in the tropics. It’s important that you protect your family from mosquitoes with mosquito netting and other mosquito traps. Mosquitoes in the tropics carry harmful diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Contracting these diseases will put a halt to your happy tropical vacation. Ask the hotel or accommodation about mosquito netting or other protection and if you plan on doing any camping, it’s a good idea to bring mosquito netting or other mosquito trappings to ensure you are safe. Mosquito netting and other mosquito repellent are sold in all outdoor sporting good stores at home and overseas.

Rainforest Leeches

Sure, leeches exist everywhere, but leeches are very commonly found in the rainforest. Leeches will attach to your skin and suck your blood, similar to fictional vampires. However, leeches are real and they can leave some pretty itchy and bloody marks on your body. Leeches come out when it rains so if you plan on doing some jungle trekking or bush walking make sure you wear long tight pants to protect your legs. Leeches are attracted to bright colors so white socks beware!

Ocean Stingers

Also known as jellyfish, many tropical paradises such as Thailand and Australia have jellyfish in the water that can cause painful stings and even hospitalization and death in some instances. Check the signs to ensure that jellyfish are not in the area and always swim in the nets provided. A trip to the hospital due to a jelly sting is not the best way to spend your vacation. .