Before You Go

Staying safe in the sun

Every year, between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and over 130,000 malignant melanomas are diagnosed. Incidents of skin cancer are especially high in Australia and New Zealand where the sun is harsher - remember, the sky may look overcast but you can still get burnt. As the adage goes, only Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. Limit exposure during midday hours by wearing protective clothing and a high-factor sunscreen. Sun hats will help protect the eyes, face and neck and a a pair of UV protective sunglasses is another essential investment.

Food and drink

If you're unsure about the quality of tap water, stick to bottled water. At restaurants ask for chilled bottled water rather than having ice. To avoid the legendary 'Delhi Belly', make sure your food is cooked right through and is piping hot. Try to avoid food from unreliable sources, such as kiosks or street traders that may sell food which has been sitting in the sun for hours. That's not to say you shouldn't sample the local cuisine, but don't get carried away if you know you are prone to stomach upsets. There are a number of precautions you can take to protect your health when on the road. Wash your hands frequently, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close by, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Drink lots of water: this will keep your body hydrated and flush out any nasties.

Insects and animal bites

To prevent insects feasting on you as a starter, main course and dessert, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, especially at night. Use insect repellent containing deet, sleeping bags impregnated with insect repellent and sleep in a screened room or use a mosquito net. Start taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) a few weeks before you travel and while you are away as it is thought to produce a smell (undetectable to humans) that repels mosquitoes.

Malaria is spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes and can be fatal. Get advice from your doctor or a specialist travel clinic if you are travelling to a malaria hotspot. If you have to take medication, follow the instructions carefully as you might need to start taking it before your trip starts and after it ends. The symptoms of malaria include fever and in some cases, complications affecting the liver, kidneys, blood and brain. If you have a fever or feel ill while you're away, see a doctor as soon as possible and let them know you've been to a country where malaria is present.

Rabies is viral infection of the nervous system and can be contracted if you are bitten by an infected animal. Once the symptoms appear, rabies is usually fatal. If you are in a rabies-infected area stay away from animals, no matter how cute they are - just look at Old Yeller! A vaccination is available and is suggested if you are travelling to remote areas; however, if you have been vaccinated and are bitten you still need to seek immediate medical attention.

Swimming

Never go swimming alone and make sure children are supervised by an adult who can swim well. If you're in the sea, pay attention to the tides and currents and make sure you swim between the flags as rips can be dangerous. If possible, go to a beach where lifeguards are patrolling. Don't dive straight in! One of the main causes of accidents abroad are injuries sustained from diving into shallow water.

Driving Abroad

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and disabilities all over the world. Always check local traffic regulations, wear a seatbelt (or helmet and protective clothing) and stick to the speed limit. Never drink and drive - not only do you put your life and other peoples lives at risk, but your insurance policy will be invalidated if any incidents occur.

Personal Safety

Travelling abroad, especially to a country where you don't speak the language, may seem daunting. If you employ some common sense, there is less chance that anything will go wrong. Take advice from locals and tour guides about areas to be avoided, especially at night. Take only registered taxi cabs, preferably one you have booked in advance. Carry only a minimum amount of cash when out walking or sightseeing and don't leave valuables such as expensive cameras in plain view. It may also be worth considering wearing a money belt beneath your clothes to store things such as your passport and credit card. If you're attacked do not resist, hand over your valuables and make a run for it! And remember to always tell someone where you are going if you are venturing out alone.

First aid kits

Whether you're embarking on a trip to a remote part of the Amazon jungle or a week in the Costa del Sol, a first-aid kit is a must. It should include: Band-Aids, insect repellent, antiseptic cream, water sterilization tablets, painkillers and anti-diarrhea tablets. Depending on where you're going, you might also want to take an emergency medical travel kit with you. These can be purchased in pharmacies and specialist travel stores and contain sterilized medical equipment, such as syringes, needles and suture materials. Emergency medical travel kits need to be clearly identified otherwise you might find yourself getting pulled aside at customs.

Before You Go