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Quiz: Have a Healthy and Safe Trip

Test yourself on how to travel and stay well around the world

Christina Ianzito and Kimberley Lovato,

AARP

En español

Published January 26, 2022

/ Updated September 13, 2023

8 Questions

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Even with the best of intentions, it’s not uncommon to fall ill or run into problems while on vacation. Luckily, there are things savvy travelers can do to mitigate these unwelcome souvenirs. Whether it’s knowing what to bring on board to make your flight more comfortable or learning the best practices for visiting a favorite national park, staying safe and healthy starts with being in the know.

Train your inner travel sage before your next adventure begins.

Quiz: Have a Healthy and Safe Trip

[ {
 "question" : "True or false? Your Medicare insurance might not cover you if you get sick or injured during an overseas trip.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Medicare does not cover American travelers outside the USA and its territories. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to purchase additional travel insurance with emergency medical benefits. Benefits vary by plan, so talk with an agent, read the terms and conditions carefully, and pick options that fit your personal needs, budget and travel itinerary. Preexisting conditions are also something that some plans cover, but they don’t often have specific payment rules.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Drinking alcohol at high altitude:\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Is the name of a popular cocktail in the Alps.",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Increases the amount of alcohol in your blood. ",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Make the drinks taste fruitier. ",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Can increase sensations of altitude sickness.",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Technically, your blood-alcohol content is the same whether you drink at sea level or at the top of Mount Everest. But as alcohol works its way through the bloodstream in locales where the air is thinner (meaning higher elevations where less oxygen is present), feelings of light-headedness, dizziness and nausea may occur more easily. More water is always a good choice.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "It’s best to carry a wad of American dollars with you when you travel because it’s safer.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "It’s generally not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash, lest you mark yourself as an easy target for theft. Before your trip, alert your bank or credit card company that you’ll be traveling abroad and plan to use local ATMs (check with your bank about foreign transaction fees). However, there are situations (tipping) where carrying cash is necessary. If you must, experts suggest you stash cash and cards in several different safe places.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "When flying you should: \n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Carry on all of your prescription medications ",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Wear compression socks",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Drink lots of water",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "All of the above",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Bring all necessary prescription medications aboard so there is no risk of being without them should your luggage get lost. Liquid, gel, paste and aerosol medications are exempt from the TSA’s 3-ounce rule. Compression socks help increase blood circulation, thus preventing swelling in your lower legs and feet on long-haul flights. Planes have low relative humidity levels (20 percent or less), so drinking water keeps your body hydrated and helps your eyes and skin feel less irritated.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "The best way to protect yourself and the national park you’re visiting is by:\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Keeping a safe distance from wildlife",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Picking activities everyone in your group can safely and successfully complete",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Packing out your garbage",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "All of the above ",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Most national parks require visitors to keep a minimum distance from animals, especially predators such as bears and wolves. Make your visit memorable, fun and injury-free by choosing activities everyone can complete safely and successfully. Leave No Trace is an environmental principle and National Park Service ethos for a reason: Rubbish, food and plastic can damage plants, animals and ecosystems. Respect the park by leaving what you find and packing out what you brought in.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is:&nbsp;\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "An app-based step class to help you keep fit on the road",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "A free online service of the U.S. Department of State for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "A foreign exchange program for smart students",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "An inflatable travel step ladder",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for American citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad. Citizens who enroll in STEP enter information about their trip, allowing embassies or consulates to contact them in case of emergency. In addition, travelers can receive important information about safety conditions in the destination country. If crisis strikes, enrollment in STEP makes it easier to receive help, such as an evacuation.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "Why is washing your hands good for you at home and while traveling?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "It helps your manicure last longer",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Washing your hands makes them smell florally fresh",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Handwashing removes dirt and germs, and helps prevent the spread of infection to yourself and others",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "Soap and water moisturize your hands",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), germs can easily enter the body when people touch their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, making themselves and others sick. Germs can linger on handrails, tabletops and other high-touch surfaces, and can get into food and drinks if hands go unwashed.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "&nbsp;If you have a medical emergency abroad, you should:\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : " Immediately get in touch with your doctor in the USA",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Call 911",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Locate a medical professional or call the emergency medical services number near you",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : " Ignore it",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Chances are that in an emergency, your doctor at home won’t be available to help in a timely manner, and calling 911 only works in the USA, Canada and parts of the Caribbean. Before you depart, jot down the emergency service number in the country you are visiting. Know how to reach the doctor on your cruise or tour. You also could contact the U.S. consulate or embassy at your destination to locate appropriate medical services.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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Christina Ianzito covers fraud and scams and is book editor for aarp.org and AARP The Magazine.

A California–based freelance travel writer, Kimberley Lovato has contributed to numerous publications, including National Geographic Traveler and Virtuoso: The Magazine.