If I'm traveling to a remote area of the world I have learned to be prepared. Through experience and education there are a number of things I will do and bring with me in my backpack. I'll share these with you:
Before you venture out here, read some tips
Never drink the local water. It may have bacteria the locals have immunity with, but not me. That goes for ice too. Bring bottled water.
Always use my bottled water to rinse off any utensils before I eat. You never know.
My backpack is a medicine cabinet. I put all medications in there as well as wound care (gauze, bandages, antibacterials).
Anticipate disease and get pre-emptive medicines. I am prone to back flare ups so I bring a round of doses of prednisone. I also bring doxycycline in case I get malaria or an infection. I speak with my doctor once per year and she prescribes this on a precautionary measure for travel (I've probably got 10 bottles of antibiotics now).
Carry your cash on you. It's safer than in your place of stay (even if there is a safe). Just don't bring more cash than you'll need. Use ATMs to access more. If you're not in an area of ATMs (rare), then chances are you don't need much cash.
But always have cash available. Most remote areas don't take credit cards.
If you're concerned about disease in the area you'll visit, get vaccinated before you travel. This is time consuming and can be out of pocket. As I mentioned in an earlier post I no longer get them. I did originally but I deem them unnecessary now. But your risk tolerance may be different.
Bring candy. You may encounter children begging. It's hard to turn them down but you should never give them money. I'll post soon a series on foreign charity. But candy brings a smile and they leave happy. Make sure it's not Chocolate as it will melt.
Learn a few words (hello and thank you) in their language. It pays dividends. I typically learn a few on the plane ride.
Make sure you have a translation app on your phone. Although English is the universal language, it's not always well spoken.
Don't back down from new experiences (within reason). Even if it turns out badly and you don't enjoy, they make for the best stories. Some of my best stories are the ones where I got in trouble. I don't regret any of them (in retrospect, of course).
Don't be shy to interact with the local people. Although they normally appear shy and apprehensive when you approach, that quickly gives way to their appreciation you seek to interact. Not always, but usually (90% of the time).
Eat and buy locally. It's cheaper, it helps the local economy, and it provides a unique experience. So many foreign travelers don't even leave their hotel area or simply sit on a beach. Go to the local shops and only buy what you really want (no impulse buying). Before I buy I think , where will this purchase be in 6 months? If in a drawer somewhere, I don't buy.
Don't forget the mosquito repellent. It's hard to buy in a lot of areas so bring your own
Protect yourself from the sun. Do your skin a favor. Bring the SPF 50.
Bring your own TP. You never know. Even if you find a public toilet it may not have paper. Much of the world does not use it. They use the bidet method without the bidet if you know what I mean,
I'm sure there are many others I've forgotten but I think these are the main ones. Now get out there!
I went to Mexico once and got the stomach virus over there and it continued once I got home. I absolutely understand and would encourage filling that package with all the stuff you need to ward off any bacteria you might pick up in the jungle. 🙏
You can never be over prepared