Hygiene and body care
Photo: Amattilaine, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Personal hygiene is important to health and social custom. It's also important for reducing the risk of diseases on the trip, including travellers' diarrhea and infected wounds. While business hotels and other high-end accommodations usually have good bathrooms, outdoor life, budget travel and travel in developing countries can pose a challenge. Clean water is not always available.
EquipmentAirport security is harsh on liquids, but most sanitary products are also sold in air travel size packs. Be prepared to unpack your equipment for the security crew.
Sanitation on the roadHe craves for water, who comes for refreshment,drying and friendly bidding,marks of good will, fair fame if 'tis won,and welcome once and again.
Public bathsVisiting a public bath house can be an economical option for a traveller without other access to showers, such as a camper or an urban backpacker. In South Korea, Japan and China you can even sleep there.
Ceremonial bathingBathing has a role in several religions. Hinduism encourages bathing in the Ganges, at Varanasi and other sites. Christians are initiated by baptism, at occasion done in open water.
Hair careHairdressing, including shaving and body hair removal, is usually cheaper in a low-income country.
ToiletsToilets are very different from place to place.
RespectDifferent cultures have different standards for nudity and expression of sexuality.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Hygiene and body care" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Amattilaine, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons