Road Wise Health and Space Saving Tips
Schlepping heavy luggage can be a nightmare. Who has not at some time thought that “perhaps I should have left that bottle at home” or limited oneself to just two pairs of shoes. This column will appear regularly on Roadlovers.com with tips and ideas from our readers.

Space Saving Ideas:
All In One Shampoo/Conditioner:
Face it. Your hair won’t fall apart if you leave the fancy hair products at home for a week or two. Instead, buy a combination shampoo-conditioner or even shampoo-conditioner-bubble bath. One of our friends found his for two dollars at the local Dollar store and loved it. That’s at least six ounces saved.

Shampoo Laundry Detergent:
Shampoo is designed to be gentler than laundry detergent yet also remove oil. This makes it especially suitable for hand laundry. Take along a slightly larger bottle than you’ll need for hair washing or use the free miniatures given out by hotels.

To Your Health:
If You Have to Touch It, Kill It:
Have you ever seen one of those TV shows that takes a special light and points out all sorts of bacteria laden surfaces, or shows unspeakable stuff on the sheets? Door handles, musty carpets and ice bucket handles can house all sorts of icky things. You’ve got to think safety first. Trade your moisturizing spa soap for the cheap antibacterial stuff. There are dozens of cheap antibacterial soaps around like Dial or Irish Spring. A little dry skin is a lot better than a runny nose or worse. It pays to practice a little language learning, too, while you are in a pharmacy in your destination. You can teach the locals a littl English while you learn what "pello" means.

That Fatigue May Be Lack of Water, Not Lack of Sleep:
Did you know that dehydration can cause fatigue? Water is necessary for replenishing your cells. Without sufficient water you will experience fatigue and even a slow down of our thought processes. Treat yourself well and make the most of your travel. Put out the three Euros (about $4.50) and buy yourself a bottle of water. Your memories will thank you.
Remember: Alcohol can dehydrate you. Drink water as well as the local fermented stuff.

Alcohol Can Stave Off Food Poisoning:
Sometimes you just can’t avoid what lingers in the food the local chef is serving. Maybe it’s the only restaurant in that part of Timbuktu. Or those tapas have been on the counter since yesterday. Fortunately for you there is a way to make your meal safer. Alcohol. Vodka, beer and other alcoholic beverages will kill the bacteria in the food when consumed along with your meal. One four ounce glass of red wine won’t be quite enough so we suggest something a bit stronger. Whether you are in Peru, Belize or France, in the desert, rainforest or urban jungle, keep a stronger spirit available for your protection.

JK McCrea
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