August/ 2019
cocktails in less regulated countries
(unless they are from your duty free
allowance).
If you must drink spirits, ensure
you buy spirits from a reputable
vendor, and check the seals on the
bottles are intact. Be suspicious of
alcoholic drinks offered for sale
in informal settings that are not
licensed to sell alcohol, (such as
market stalls). Avoid open bottles
of spirits – especially in beach bars.
If the alcohol seems really cheap,
maybe there is a reason? Of course,
steer clear of alcoholic drinks sold
in unlabelled containers, or illegal
alcoholic drinks. Check the labels on
branded products, if you can, looking
for labels that are poorly printed or
with errors.
Spread the word – unfortunately
this type of travel hazard is not
well known. If you want more
information just google ‘methanol
poisoning’ – sadly this problem is
not rare.
A U T H O R D R D E B O R AH M I L L S
Brisbane based travel doctor
drdeb.com
Travel medicine is not just
vaccinations, its also about getting
the information you need for a safe
and healthy journey. Ideally have a
travel consultation 6 weeks before
departure.
Dr Deborah Mills is a Brisbane
based travel doctor. She is author
of the book, Travelling Well, and
has been working with travellers
for over 30 years.
Women’s Network Magazine
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