Another Nomadic Backpacker Travel Hacks blog post, this time with some tips and tricks for backpacking in the tropics
The Tropics lie between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S).
The climate is generally hot and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 28°C (77-82°F).
The seasons are defined by rainfall (wet and dry seasons) rather than temperature shifts.
For the traveller, popular countries such as Mexico, south of Mazatlán, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the northern half of Australia, most of India, Kenya, Tanzania, to name but a few, all lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
For me, the tropics are a great region for travelling in. But there are somethings that are worth considering:
- Strong sun
- Lots of insects and creepy crawlies worth avoiding, such as mosquitoes, spiders and scorpions
Malaria, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, kills around 600,000 people every year.
But malaria is not the only disease transmitted by Mosquitoes. You can also contract Dengue Fever, Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, and West Nile Virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
They also have one of the most annoying buzzing sounds ever.
According to Wikipedia, nearly all spider species produce venom, but about 100 are capable of causing significant harm to humans.
Did you know that there are over 2,000 types of scorpions, of which 25 species have venom capable of killing a human?
1. Use a mosquito net
Sleep peacefully and free from worry.
There is nothing worse than worrying if the mosquito that’s buzzing around your head is carrying malaria or not.
Sleeping under a mosquito net is the best form of defence you can take. 1000s of travellers don’t even bother, or pass out pissed with the net not secure or with limbs hanging out.
And do you know how many nocturnal critters are walking around at night? Cockroaches, scorpions, spiders. The list is endless.
2. Bang shoes before putting them on
Back in the day, when I used Tevas, I used to get a lot of bites on my feet. I learned that ants like to set up camp in the velcro straps and love to bite me when I put them on.
When I stayed at a camp in Gorgora on the north shore of Lake Tana, the Dutch owner reminded me that there are scorpions around, so “always bang your shoes before putting them on”.
Banging my shoes is now something I do automatically, wherever I am.
3. Shake out clothing before putting them on
This has become standard operating proceedure especially in the tropics. Bugs will make themselves at home in the pockets of your pants, the folds of your T-shirt.
Cockroaches like to hide in your backpack too, so it’s very worthwhile to shake everything out once in a while, especially before going home.
4. Carry a length of paracord or similar to use as a washing line
I always carry a length of paracord. I like to hang my clothes up at night, keeping them off the bed, chair and floor. Serves as a washing line too, and also to tie my mosquito net onto.
5. Wear long pants, long sleeves
Protect yourself against the tropical sun and biting insects by covering up. Remember, dengue fever mosquitoes bite in the daytime.
And having been sick with Dengue Fever in Nicaragua, I tell ya, it is no joke. Headache and fever aside, it feels like you have been run over by a truck
6. Wear stout shoes
Protect your feet from glass, thorns, and rusty nails by wearing sturdy footwear.
Never go hiking in flip-flops. They provide no support and offer no protection against stubbing your toes on rocks or accidentally stepping on a snake or scorpion.
7. Use Mosquito spray
Spray any exposed skin with insect repellent containing a high concentration of DEET. You might say, “But DEET is bad for your skin.” Maybe so—but malaria and dengue are far worse for your health.