Accidental Tourist: 6 Ways To Prevent Injury On Vacation

August 31, 2012 | Filed under: The List,Travel | Posted by: Cherrell Tarantino

Vacations can provide us with the most memorable experiences of our lives, but they can also easily be ruined by an injury or illness. Most injuries can actually be easily avoided with a bit of forethought and planning, so it is important to consider the following six tips before your vacation begins.

1. Follow the Local Pedestrian Laws

Just because a dozen other people rushed into the crosswalk as the light was changing, that does not mean that you should do the same thing. According to our sources at The Perecman Firm, it is common in areas like Times Square for people to crowd into the crosswalk, but you do not want to ruin your NYC vacation by getting injured by an oncoming vehicle.

2. Stretch every Morning

If you will be doing a lot more walking than you are used to, then you should take some time every morning to stretch and do some light exercises. You should also stretch again before you go to bed. These simple steps can help you avoid pulling a muscle.

3. Drive on the Correct Side of the Road

Imagine for a second that you just got into a rental car in the U.K., and you are super excited about starting the road trip of your dreams. If you fail to drive on the left side of the road, however, your dreams could quickly end with an accident.

4. Avoid Sunburns

As simple as this seems, many travelers forget about common, everyday things such as sunscreen when they go on vacation. Take a moment to think about exactly how much you dislike having a sunburn while you are at home. Take that and magnify it by at least 12, and you will have an idea of what it is like to get a sunburn while on vacation. Not only can it be embarrassing, but it can also be painful enough to prevent you from doing everything on your itinerary.

5. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

It is common for tourists to get so wrapped up in looking at landmarks or taking photographs that they fail to notice what is happening right next to them. If you fall off a curb or trip on a crack in the sidewalk because you are craning your neck up to look at the Empire State Building, then no one is going to feel bad when they laugh at you, even if you obtain a minor injury as a result of being distracted.

6. Always Buckle Your Seat Belt

Whether you are driving or you have hailed a cab, you should always wear your seat belt. Even if you are in an area that does not mandate seat belt usage, it is important to remember that there is a really good reason to wear one no matter where you are.

Whether you are overseas, in New York City or visiting the country, it is imperative to get medical attention immediately for any serious injuries. If you are injured as a result of someone else’s misjudgment or negligence, you should also consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Molly Henshaw is a freelance writer living in the DC metro area, and a contributing author for The Perecman Firm, a NYC law firm specializing in personal injury. David Perecman has won 2 of the largest verdicts in New York state, and the company’s trial lawyers have a reputation for honesty and excellence.

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Posted by Cherrell Tarantino on August 31, 2012. Filed under The List, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry