Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel to ensure you get all the appropriate vaccinations you need, especially if you are travelling to countries where disease is a risk.

If you are currently on medication, take an adequate supply of your prescription with you, as it may not be available locally. Also bring a legible repeat prescription from your doctor or part of the prescription packaging showing the generic name (rather than the brand) so that you can get replacements.

If you take medication according to a strict time schedule (e.g. insulin, contraceptive pill) and are travelling across time zones, ask your doctor how to adjust your schedule.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring along a spare set and your prescription.

Carry a basic medical kit to treat minor ailments such as cuts, insect bites, colds, allergies, stomach-ache and diarrhoea.

Be careful of drinking tap water and having ice in your drinks as, in some countries, the tap water is not pure. If you are unsure, only drink bottled water with a serrated top and wash fruit and vegetables in clean, purified water or peel them if possible. You can purify water by boiling it vigorously for 5 minutes or by using water purification tablets.

When eating out, try to make sure that the food has been cooked thoroughly and has not being lying around and then reheated. Avoid shellfish and undercooked meat in countries where the hygiene standards are poorer.

Never bathe in polluted rivers and streams.

Always practice safe sex — use condoms!

Avoid over-indulgence in drinks and drugs.

Use insect repellent to avoid getting bitten.

Make sure you have adequate medical insurance to cover you whilst abroad before you leave home.

For particular countries click here: http://www.tripprep.com/

Travel Clinic Appointments On Monday afternoons