When we pack our bags and head of to an out-of-the-way destination to pass our holidays, we often only worry about the plane ticket or hotel reservation. Just as important is finding out about the diseases we could catch during the journey or once at the chosen destination, many of which have nothing in common with the afflictions we are used to.

Information, a priority
The first step in preventing conditions of this type is information: finding out about the health situation of the country you are heading to and the range of afflictions that can be caught. In this regard there are official centres where this type of data can be found, together with health advice, precautionary measures, vaccinations and the hospitals to head to in the event of an emergency. The best option is to visit your GP to gather information and to have a general check-up just in case you have any disorders that could prevent you from travelling. Don�t forget that some vaccinations and immunizations must be applied up to ten weeks before setting off on the journey. This is why you must keep your vaccinations up to date, above all, the hepatitis B and tetanus ones.

A complete first aid kit
The next step is to prepare a well-equipped first aid kit, which should include an antiseptic for external use, bandages, gauze, a high factor sun cream, balm, salves for skin rashes, and an anti-fungal preparation for the feet. You should also pack diarrhoea cures, travel sickness pills, painkillers, a good insect repellent and fever reducing medicine. Once on your journey, if you are travelling by plane and the trip lasts several hours, it is best to get up and stretch your legs once in a while and drink plenty of liquids, since the cabin surroundings are very dry.
Diarrhoea and height sickness are two typical afflictions of travellers. The latter usually manifests itself above 2,500 metres in height and provokes headaches and nausea, which can be prevented and alleviated with medicine taken 24 hours before, as well as during, the journey.

Dehydration: an avoidable problem
Diarrhoea, meanwhile, affects up to 50% of travellers to African, Southeast Asian and South American countries and is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or drink. It is generally not serious and the symptoms tend to ease off after three or four days, but it is important to avoid dehydration by drinking liquids with sugar and salts. The best preventative measures are ensuring that you always eat well-cooked food, peel fruit and drink bottled water. If you have to drink tap water, boil it for 10 minutes or else chlorinate it with tablets. You should also ensure that meat and fish are well cooked, never buy food from street stalls and always wash your hands thoroughly before sitting down to eat. 

Protect yourself from insects
Many of the health problems in tropical areas stem from insects, some of which transmit serious illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever. It is thus essential to use a good insect repellent, close windows at night and use mosquito nets. Also remember that the number of mosquitoes increase at night and that perfumes often attract them. Another good piece of advice is to shake the bed covers before sleeping and examine shoes before putting them on in the morning.

Other additional preventative measures include using closed and comfortable shoes, quality sunglasses, caps and hats, and sun cream not only on the beach, but also on mountain trips or even if strolling through the city.