We all know that, at some point during our travels, the likelihood of us becoming ill is fairly high, be it a stomach bug from unwashed food or falling over rocks on a beach.

With a little pre-planning, these will be the worst things that will happen to you and, if that’s the case, you’ll have escaped lightly!

Consider the following:

Travel jabs

The best place to start for this information is with your local doctor, travel nurse or travel clinic.

Try to do this at least a few months prior to leaving to make sure you have time to get all your injections done and up-to-date before leaving. Remember that it is a good idea to have a copy of the injections you have had. For some injections you will get a certificate which you will need in order to enter certain countries, or to cross borders (like with other documents, make sure you make copies of these and keep them somewhere safe). If you want to do some research before leaving, have a look at the following:

Masta, the medical advisory service for travellers
NHS - Gap Year Health

Nomad Travel Clinics
Malaria Hotspots

My Vaccs

First Aid Kits

There are lots on the market but, before buying the most expensive and largest on the market, do your research and find out what the medical care is like where you are going.

If you are going to a city, you may only need a basic first aid kit, but if you are going to be on a remote island, you may need something more comprehensive. Take advice from the travel clinic or organisation you travel with and ask people who have travelled there before. If you are going somewhere remote it may be worth taking a course in first aid so that you are better-equipped.

Register your details

There are companies that specialise in registering your details and providing you with a medical card that is recognised worldwide.

Again, this is only relevant if the country you are visiting is part of this scheme. One such scheme is The World Medical Card. If you are going to an EU country, make sure that you have signed up for your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Research the medical facilities in the country you are visiting before you go and make sure you are aware of what you do and don’t have to pay for.

Water and Food

What to look out for! The rules are easy: find out if the water is drinkable and, if not, stick to bottled water and make sure the seal in not broken.

Don’t have drinks with ice or eat food that has been washed in local unboiled water - these rules will help prevent stomach bugs and sickness. In terms of food, make sure all meats are fresh and thoroughly cooked. Ask about local dishes and what they contain. What is considered mild in one country may be red-hot in another! Always try local food but, if in doubt, keep it simple!

Alcohol and Drugs

Where drink and drugs are concerned, there are several simple rules:

1) Don’t touch drugs at all. Being caught in any country will result in your insurance becoming invalid and you foregoing many official channels of help. In some countries it even results in capital punishment. Also be aware that foreigners, especially women, are often targeted to carry or smuggle drugs, so be aware and vigilant of your luggage or people asking you to carry things for them.

2) Where alcohol is concerned, your spatial awareness is lowered and you are more vulnerable. Know your limits and don’t exceed them as this could lead to thefts, fights and, more seriously, sexual assault or kidnap. Also be aware that drink spiking is used in many countries, so keep an eye on your drink at all times and don’t accept drinks from strangers.