Top Travel Tips

1. Eat and drink safely! Wherever you are in the world - eat and drink carefully. Food and water can become contaminated in a variety of different ways - that includes water in swimming pools, lakes, rivers and the sea, so try not to swallow water whilst bathing. Diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A can all be caught from contaminated water, but they can easily be avoided by taking simple precautions:
   
   
   • Always wash your hands after using the lavatory, before handling food and before eating and drinking.
   • If you have doubts about the water for drinking, washing food or cleaning teeth - boil it, sterilise it with disinfectant tablets or use bottled water - preferably carbonated, in sealed containers.
   • It is generally OK to drink hot tea or coffee, wine, beer, carbonated water and soft drinks.
   • Eat freshly cooked food that is thoroughly cooked and still piping hot.
   • Avoid food that has been kept warm.
   • Avoid uncooked food unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
   • Avoid food likely to have been exposed to flies.
   • Avoid ice cream from unreliable sources such as kiosks.
   • Avoid - or boil - unpasturised milk.
   • Fish and shellfish can be suspect in some countries - especially uncooked shellfish, such as oysters.



2. Take care in the sun! Many people travel around the world in search of sun. While the sun is an important source of vitamin D and should be enjoyed - overexposure can cause sunburn leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
   
   In order to avoid these dangers and risks take care not to burn. This is even more important for children, and babies should never be placed in direct sunlight.
   
   It is advisable to stay out of the midday sun altogether, use what shade there is at other times, and cover up using a wide brimmed hat and tightly woven but loose clothing. Sun cream, which protects against harmful UV, should be used to protect those parts of your skin exposed to the sun and you should also wear sunglasses that filter UV rays to protect your eyes.
   
   A side effect of overexposure to the sun is sunstroke or heatstroke. Avoid strenuous activity during the midday sun and make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to balance the loss of body fluids through perspiration.



3. Avoid insect and animal bites! Use plenty of insect repellent to cover up your arms and legs. Animal bites can lead to infections which can be serious and sometimes fatal.
   
   Be wary of even apparently tame animals as rabies is still prevalent in some countries. For more information on malaria, rabies and tick-borne diseases visit www.dh.gov.uk



4. Take care in water! Never go swimming alone. Whilst swimming will cool you down in hot conditions, remember that fatal accidents can happen very easily and in the most unexpected conditions.
   
   Watch out for your friends and family and make sure they are watching out for you too! An adult who can swim well should ALWAYS supervise children.
   
   If you are going to dive into the water, make sure it is deep enough for you to do so. Many people are permanently paralysed or even killed as a result of diving into shallow waters.



5. Take care on the roads! Traffic accidents are a major cause of death amongst travellers. Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian always check the local traffic regulations as these can vary enormously from what you are used to.
   
   If you are in a car ALWAYS wear your seatbelt, If riding a bike or motorbike ALWAYS wear a helmet.
   
   If you are hiring a car, first check the general condition and then the insurance cover. Obviously you should NEVER drink and drive.



6. Hazardous sports and diving. If you are going to take part in a hazardous activity - always follow the relevant safety guidance; make sure there are adequate emergency medical facilities on hand; and check your medical insurance fully covers you in the event of an accident. Divers should allow a minimum of 24 hours between their last dive and a flight.


Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or culture - travel can be hugely rewarding and worthwhile - just make sure you make all the necessary preparations and follow simple precautions to ensure your travel is safe! Above all - have fun!