Enjoying the Night Life

Far be it from us to tell you not to enjoy the nightlife when you travel abroad.  Some medical tourism destinations (Bangkok, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro) are world-renowned for their nightclubs and partying, and you’d be missing out on a ton if you stayed in your hotel room after the sun went done.

That being said, nighttime partying is not without its dangers.  Common sense should protect you in most situations, but below are a few tips for enhanced safety and security.   

Never Leave Food or Drinks Unattended

Never let your food or beverage out of your sight.  If you are by yourself and have to go to the bathroom, take your refreshments with you or finish them right then and there. 

Never Accept Drinks from Strangers

Chivalry is not dead, but it can be dangerous.  If you’re someone who enjoys having drinks bought for you, consider suspending this habit for the duration of your medical tourism vacation.  Pay for your own drinks, and don’t let leave them unattended for any reason. 

Ask Your Doctor

Depending on the types of procedures and follow-up medications that you receive, you might not be allowed to drink alcohol.  Certain drugs, when mixed with alcohol, can produce devastating effects.  Thus, be sure to consult with your medical tourism practitioner before partying the night away.   

Certain procedures also require that you avoid alcohol in the days or hours leading up to the operation.  Again, please consult your physician or dentist before drinking alcohol. 

Curb Your Alcohol Intake

This is fairly universal advice no matter who are where you are, but it is especially important if you’re by yourself in a foreign country.  Drinking and partying can be extremely enjoyable.  But if you don’t have friends who can help keep you out of trouble, you should seriously consider limiting your alcoholic intake to just one or two drinks.  Even still, this is a slippery slope.  At one time or another, almost all of us have started with just one drink only to lose control and wake up the next morning to a pounding headache. 

Avoid Eye Contact

In many Western countries, eye contact can mean any number of things, from casual interest to outright disdain.  In some cultures, however, eye contact can often mean that you are available and waiting.  The same goes with smiles.  A quick grin that you simple offer as a “hello” or “thank you” can often be construed as an invitation for sex. 

To further complicate things, it’s not unusual for tourists to receive stares from locals.  These stares can be ones of curiosity, humor, friendliness, or "interest."  You’re the outsider, and so at any given time, there are bound to be more eyes on you than the reverse.  Just don’t get pulled into any prolonged gazes because you might end up with a guest or two that you didn’t necessarily ask for. 

No Means No!!!

Social practices and gender norms vary from region to region, but in all places, you have the right to say no.  Don’t ever feel like you have to “go with the flow.”  If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, remove yourself as quickly and safely as possible.  Don’t hesitate to call out for help.  If you're ever in physical danger, don’t hesitate to fight back. 
 

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