Health

Prior to your trip, it is highly recommended that you see a doctor for a check-up. Make sure that your tetanus and thyphoid vaccines are up to date, which are essential for traveling anywhere. Rabies and hepatitis vaccines are also recommended. However, no vaccines are specifically required for China. In parts of southern China, there is a small risk of malaria, so if you will travel to a risk area we will inform you, and you can consult your doctor for the appropriate malaria medication. For a directory of travel doctors in over 50 countries see the official website of the International Society of Travel Medicine .

You should bring an extra supply of your prescription medication, as well as a copy of your prescription should you need an emergency refill. Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage, in case of misplaced or lost luggage. In addition to this, it is helpful to have a copy of your medical record that includes your blood type, immunization record, allergies, and any medication that you are currently taking. It should also include your doctor’s name, address, phone number and an emergency contact.  It is also recommended that guests inform Overland of any pre-existing medical conditions before the trip, so Overland can prepare accordingly if necessary.

A medical kit is also helpful to have, though we will also provide one for each vehicle. Should you prepare your own, we suggest packing (in addition to what is listed above):

• Aspirin
• Band-aids
• Antihistamine (for allergies and/or insect bites)
• Cold and Flu Tablets
• Antibiotics
• Insect repellent

(For more on what to pack, click here)
Safety

We at Overland feel both fortunate and confident in describing China as a very safe country. Basic street crime is virtually non-existent in China. China’s court system is well known to hand out punishments swiftly and severely, and the people are well aware. Any crime committed against a foreigner is punished with even more severity.

In very rural or undeveloped regions it will be important to follow any directions given by our tour leader. If camping there may be wild dogs, bears, or snakes during the night. Some people in the countryside, while not hostile, could become nervous at the sometimes (extremely) rare sight of a foreigner. Therefore it also important to act courteously, and remember that we are guests.