Before You Go
See your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your travel. Most vaccines take at least four weeks to take effect and you may require prophylactic treatment before starting your travel.

Make sure you are fit to travel in your planned destination. If you have any serious or long-term health problems, certain places and activities may not be suitable.

What to Take
  Carry your doctor's name and telephone number just in case of emergency.
  Take copies of all prescriptions in case you lose your supply or run out. You may not always be able to get prescriptions - or more than likely you'll end up paying a great deal - so take enough medicines for the duration of your trip.
  Pack a first aid kit. Remember to take it everywhere you go.
  When going to developing countries, you may want to carry an emergency medical kit, as hospitals may not have sterile supplies of needles, syringes and other equipment.

BUT BEWARE: In countries with strict laws against illicit drugs use, carrying syringes may get you into trouble with the authorities. Some travellers get around this by carrying certificates with their kits authorising the use of contents under medical supervision.

  Make sure you have adequate health insurance for your travel and you take the paperwork with you everywhere you go. If you are planning on taking part in higher risk activities such as diving or skiing, check to see if you are covered.

  Take enough sanitary towels and tampons for your journey. They may be difficult to find and/or expensive in some places.

  If you are planning on engaging in sex, take plenty of condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.

  Take nutritional supplements (vitamins and minerals), as it may be difficult to follow a balanced diet.

Food and Water - Better Safe Than Sorry
In developing countries, it is advisable not to drink water from the tap. You may want to take a water purifying kit with you. Otherwise, boil your water or stick to bottled water. Even though this might be an expensive option, you don't want to risk getting sick - IT'S NOT WORTH IT!

Other things to keep in mind include:

  Remember to use clean water for brushing your teeth and washing food utensils.

  Order drinks without ice. They may be made from contaminated water.

  Make sure hot food is served piping hot. Avoid eating food that may have been sitting around for a while (like those from street vendors and stalls).

  When eating fruits and vegetables, peel them yourself. Try to avoid fruit that is served to you with ice.

  Try to avoid eating fresh salads or garnishes which accompany your meal. If you have a craving for fresh vegetables stick to the bigger restaurants, preferably those within international chain hotels.

  Do not consume milk or dairy products that haven't been pasteurised.

  Only eat meats and fish that have been cooked thoroughly.

REMEMBER: DON'T GO "NATIVE" !! Just because you see all the locals eating something it doesn't mean that you should try it. Remember that they have different bacteria in their stomachs and are used to their food. It might not make them sick but chances are you will be.

Flying
Avoid jet lag. Wear comfortable clothing, drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages. If you are on a long journey, try to break it up with overnight stopovers.

Move around or do some simple physical exercises during your flight. Although disorders such as thrombosis and bloodclots (now commonly referred to as “economy class syndrome”) are not too common, it’s always best to not sit too still in confined spaces for long periods of time.

On The Go
In hot sunny climates, avoid sunburn. Always wear sunblock (at least SPF 15) and avoid the beach at mid-day.

It is best to avoid ear/body piercing, tattooing and acupuncture in foreign countries unless you can be sure the providers meet stringent hygiene requirements. There is always a risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Even activities such as hairdressing and manicures can be hazardous if dirty equipment is used.

If you require medical treatment on your travels, contact the local British Consulate (or the consulate or embassy for your nationality) for information on facilities that are safe and accessible.

Practice caution when swimming. Take local advice on whether or not beaches are free from dangerous sealife and/or hazardous currents. Do not swim in fresh water unless you are certain it is clean.

DID YOU KNOW? That if you have stomach upsets, your body may not absorb the oral contraceptive properly. Use condoms as a safety measure against pregnancy.

Insect Bites and Stings
If you are travelling in areas with malaria, avoid mosquito bites. Anti-malarial medicines are not 100% guaranteed.

Some mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever can be very serious. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines or preventative treatment and the best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Wear adequate clothing - cover your legs and arms, especially when going out at night or into wooded areas.

Use a good insect repellent. There are many repellents on the market with different ingredients but most travel health experts recommend those containing DEET. However, be careful when using DEET as large amounts and prolonged use can have adverse effects on the nervous system. You should also practice caution with application as DEET can disintegrate synthetic materials and clothing.

Treat your clothing with permethrin (an insecticide with relatively few reported side effects) prior to leaving for mosquito-infested areas.

Stay in accommodation with mosquito screens or mosquito nets. Alternatively, you can take your own mosquito nets (some of them are impregnated with insecticide).

Wildlife
Take local advice if you are venturing into the wilderness. Encounters with wild animals can be dangerous and you should always take necessary precautions.

DO NOT TOUCH any wild animal, even if they look harmless and cute. Animals can carry rabies, plague and many other diseases. If you are bitten, seek IMMEDIATE medical assistance.

After Your Return Home
Complete any course of medication you are on. Treatments and prevention measures can be rendered ineffective if you don't finish the course.

If you have spent time in developing countries, there is always a chance you may have caught something (although it may not always be serious). The incubation period of some infections can vary and you may get symptoms some time after your arrival home.

If you notice any symptoms such as high fever, severe diarrhoea and stomach/intestinal pains, see a doctor and explain that you have travelled recently.