Humans love traveling. It’s deeply woven into human nature to explore, experience new cultures, and create lasting memories. To give you a rough idea of how much the travel industry has grown in the last two years, here is an interesting stat.
In 2023 alone, the travel and tourism industry contributed 10 trillion U.S. dollars to the global GDP. That’s nearly 9.1% of global GDP. How much we travel is not the only thing that is evolving. The way we travel is also transforming dramatically. Today’s travel is more technology-driven.
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Thanks to digital platforms and social media, travelers, especially the younger generation, do extensive research to ensure safe and memorable experiences.
Sadly, despite all the preparation, things sometimes go wrong on the health front. While infections and recreational injuries are expected risks, there are lesser-known challenges that can catch even seasoned travelers off guard.
Having said that, the fear of the unknown mustn’t stop anyone from exploring the world. Stay prepared by educating yourself on potential risks that can make your journey smoother and safer.
Here are three unexpected but significant risks travelers may face during a trip:
Risk of Infection During Air Travel
The last thing one would think about while catching a flight is the risk of exposure to an infectious disease. Unfortunately, it happens more often than we realize. Air transportation is a perfect breeding ground for various pathogens, creating an invisible web of potential health risks.
Airplane cabins have relatively low humidity, which can dry out the nasal passages, making it easier for germs to enter the body.
Modern aircraft use recirculated air systems that, while efficient, can spread airborne particles throughout the cabin. Combine this with confined spaces, shared armrests, and hundreds of passengers from different geographical locations breathing the same air for hours.
This inevitably creates an ideal environment for disease transmission. The risk increases on long-haul flights where fatigue naturally lowers your immune defenses.
To protect yourself, consider wearing a face mask during flights, especially during flu season. Keep your hands clean with regular sanitizing, avoid touching your face, and stay hydrated.
Most importantly, boost your immune system before traveling with adequate rest and proper nutrition. If you notice any symptoms developing after your flight, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
Waterborne Illness Beyond Diarrhea
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are basically a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified some types of PFAS chemicals, such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), as group-1 carcinogens. So, how can it possibly harm you during your travel?
The risk primarily comes from contaminated water sources and marine life near certain facilities. One major source of contamination is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains these harmful PFAS chemicals.
This firefighting foam, extensively used at airports, military bases, and industrial sites, can enter ocean waters through runoff and seep into groundwater systems.
When traveling to coastal areas, especially those near military installations or airports, you might unknowingly be exposed to these chemicals through local water sources or seafood. PFAS from AFFF enters the water system, accumulates in marine life, and eventually makes its way into the food chain.
This has sparked major outrage worldwide, leading to a wave of AFFF lawsuits against firefighting foam manufacturers. So far, over 10,000 lawsuits related to firefighting foam have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation, reports TruLaw.
Navy professionals, firefighters, and military staff have alleged that AFFF foam manufacturers failed to disclose known PFAS-related health risks despite awareness of their dangers. The plaintiffs also highlighted the serious health complications they have suffered due to prolonged exposure to these chemicals.
The filing of the AFFF lawsuit by Navy personnel has resulted in the reevaluation of AFFF usage for firefighting purposes. Considering the negative impact of the foam on both human health and the environment, there has been a growing focus on adopting safer alternatives.
When traveling to areas with known PFAS contamination, stick to bottled water and be cautious about consuming local seafood. Research your destination beforehand to identify if there are any PFAS-related advisories in the area.
Heightened Skin Sensitivity
New environments can expose your skin to unfamiliar allergens and pollutants. Your skin’s protective barrier can be compromised when exposed to different climates, water hardness levels, and local irritants that your body isn’t accustomed to.
Another major culprit is sun exposure. Many travelers underestimate the strength of UV radiation, especially in regions near the equator or at high altitudes. Severe sunburn can not only cause discomfort but also increase the long-term risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Tropical destinations with high humidity can trigger excessive sweating and clogged pores, while arid climates might cause extreme dryness and irritation. Even seemingly harmless activities like swimming in different waters (chlorinated pools, salt water, etc.) can disturb your skin’s natural balance.
Moreover, local plants, different laundry detergents used by hotels, and unfamiliar skincare products can also trigger severe reactions.
To protect yourself, pack hypoallergenic skincare products, including a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Research your destination’s climate and pack accordingly. Consider doing a patch test with local products before full application, and always carry antihistamines for emergencies. Most importantly, give your skin time to adjust to new environments.
The Best Journeys Are the Ones You Are Well-prepared For!
While these lesser-known health risks sound alarming, don’t let them deter you from embracing the transformative power of travel. Stay informed, stay prepared, and be mindful of your surroundings. And don’t forget, the best stories come from journeys where you’re present, healthy, and ready for anything.
I'm also a freelance writer and creator. You can see my published work here. I've been featured by Impact Travel Alliance as a creative who is transforming travel, and by Matador Network as a vegan travel blogger you should be following on Instagram.
When I'm not writing, I'm traveling, reading a book, trying not to kill my houseplants, worshiping my dog, or having an existential crisis.
You can also reach out to me on Instagram and TikTok.
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