Common problems that travellers encounter, such as stomach upsets and those from insect bites, can be prevented by taking . . . → Read More: Preventing Medical Problems]]>

Common problems that travellers encounter, such as stomach upsets and those from insect bites, can be prevented by taking simple precautions.

These include such things as good hygiene and safe food preparation practices, drinking (and using) only treated or clean water, avoiding being bitten by various insects and worms, and getting vaccinated and taking pills to prevent diseases.

Clean water and water treatment

Everyone needs a minimum of about two and a half litres or just over half a gallon of clean water a day. In hot climates while doing things like carrying a backpack, hiking or just walking around in the sun, you will need even more, maybe around 4 litres or about a gallon a day, mainly because of loss from sweating.

It is extremely easy to become dehydrated while travelling in hot and unfamiliar climates. It is recommended to take a water bottle with you each day.



Public water in all of the USA, western Europe and some parts of eastern Europe is safe to drink. A lot of countries around the world, however, are not so stringent about the cleanliness of their water supply, which can mean health risks for travellers.

Drinking water can be contaminated with all sorts of infectious agents, ice (for example, in drinks (even in alcoholic ones)) is a major problem, as is finding safe water to use when brushing your teeth, washing (and swimming).

Salads, vegetables and fruits washed in local water should also be avoided, as well as and water-based products such as ice cream.

Check destination information on the Internet to find out in which countries you are at risk from inadequate sanitation and contaminated water.

Sites such as www.tripprep.com and www.cdc.gov are good sources of information. However, the main danger areas are:

- The Indian subcontinent

- Africa

- Mexico, Central and South America

- Russia and the former USSR countries

- Asia

There are five basic ways to get clean water. Buying bottled water, and either boiling, distilling, filtering or purifying water from local supplies.

Robert Sangster’s book here is a good place to find more information.

Bottled Water

Generally easy to find and sold in various sized plastic bottles. Other bottled drinks are somewhat safe and routinely drunk by travellers.

Bottled water can be expensive, but the main problem, though, is availability. It can’t always be found everywhere you go (or when you want or need it), and even if do find it you can’t be sure that it is really safe. Anyone can fill an old bottle with tap water, reseal it and sell it to you.

The worst thing about bottled water, however, is the hundreds of unrecycled plastic bottles that get dumped or left behind.

Boiling

Boiling water for a minute or two is the best method for eliminating infectious agents. Also the best method to use when making tea, coffee, and soups.

While boiled water is safe, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of drinking water as you won’t always have access to a stove or pan.

Distillation

Distillation involves a unit that boils water and then condenses the steam into a clean container, leaving nearly all of the solid contaminants behind.

This will kill and remove bacteria, viruses, cysts, heavy metals, and other particulates, more so in fact than any other system.

Useful if you can’t tolerate or don’t like the taste of iodine, or for long-term travellers (where using iodine for extended periods may cause problems. See below).

Most systems do need electricity to work, however, although there are some non-electric systems out there. They are also quite slow to produce clean water, as well as being heavy and bulky.

They also leave scale behind, which means that the distillation apparatus be frequently cleaned.

Filtration

Water filtration devices work by forcing water through materials which screen out particles. What gets filtered out depends on the size of the pores in the material used.

Filters of about 0.2 microns will remove dirt, bacteria and parasites, but waterborne viruses, such as hepatitis and polio, are 0.04 microns or smaller so may not be removed, and the water will need subsequent boiling or chemical treatment.

Filtering doesn’t change the taste of the water, however, and there is no need to wait. You can clean and reuse filters so it is also cheap.

Again this is a good solution if you are sensitive to iodine or where viruses might not be a problem, such as for backcountry use in the U.S. and Canada. Also can be used where the user has had all the vaccination for local viruses.

Mechanical filters can, however, be bulky, heavy, and hard to use for less experienced travellers. Filters can become clogged and if further chemical treatment is needed the cost per gallon increases.

Purification

Water can be purified with one of a number of chemical additives. The most popular is iodine, either in tablet or liquid form. Chlorine and silver are alternatives.

Iodine is used by putting 2-3 drops or a couple of tablets in water and letting it stand for about 30 minutes.

The dosage must be doubled for very cold water (e.g. from mountain streams).

Tablets and liquids are very compact and are good for short-term use or with filters.

Regular iodine stains badly (if it leaks in your bag) but you can find uncoloured (as well as regular) iodine in some places, for example, in pharmacies around the world.

With iodine the water has a chemical taste (as it does with chlorine) which some find objectionable, and is coloured, although both the colour and taste can be removed by adding vitamin C (orange juice, for example) to the water, but only after the waiting period is over, otherwise the iodine will be neutralised.

There is some debate over the safety of iodine for long-term use and what is a safe maximum dose to ingest over and above the recommended daily amount. Reports of serious side-effects are few and far between, however. A 1998 study published in the Lancet described thyroid problems in a group of Peace Corps workers in Africa which was linked to their use of two-stage iodine-resin filters as their only water purification method for over two years. Then again a study in the 1960′s of Florida prison inmates who were given iodinated water for up to 15 years showed no such problems. Those with thyroid problems, pregnant women, or those with a sensitivity to iodine, might want to consider alternative solutions, however.

Read more about it here, especially the ‘Recommendations for Iodine Use in Water Treatment’ section.

Other approaches

A combination of methods works well. Some travellers (including myself) carry personal water purifiers which both purify and filter the water at the same time, and generally does it a lot quicker than with iodine alone.

Most purifiers use iodine as the active ingredient as part of a filter cartridge. The filtration process removes the larger, hard-shelled creatures such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, then the water passes through an iodised resin bed, where bacteria and viruses are deactivated. Some systems incorporate a carbon filter at the final stage of purification. These filters absorb traces of residual iodine and greatly improve the flavour of the water.

The most convenient method I have found so far, and one which I thoroughly recommend, is the Aquapure Traveller Water Bottle. You can fill the bottle from ANY water source, streams, ponds, rainwater barrels, and obtain safe, palatable, clear, odourless drinking water. It kills viruses and bacteria and removes parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Read more about it here, or watch the video:

As a backup I also carry a Steripen (the Adventurer model). This is an amazing product, it is an ultra-light UV water purifier that destroys 99.99% of the bacteria, viruses and Giardia in water. It emits UV light which purifies 16 ounces of water from any source in under 1 minute (32 ounces in 90 seconds). You can use regular camera batteries to power it but I bought the optional solar charger which means I can go anywhere in the world and not worry about drinking the water. I bought both the Steripen and the solar charger in the US but you can also buy them in the UK.

Another device (used by the US military), is MSR’s MIOX Purifier which creates a dose of mixed oxidants (MIOX) that is then added to the water to inactivate bacteria, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, (which iodine won’t kill). It runs on common camera batteries and uses regular salt to operate, and needs no maintenance.

One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at . . . → Read More: Clothing]]>

One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at home and that which you wear when travelling?

Certainly, if you live in the UK or the USA and you are travelling to Europe for a week, then you can just wear what you normally wear. In fact, you might look out of place if you don’t walk around in jeans, tshirt, a hoodie and running shoes.

Travelling further afield does involve some additional considerations, however, mainly to do with the varied climates you will encounter. But there are also cultural differences of which to be aware.

The best advice, wherever you go or whatever you choose to wear, is to try to look relatively neat and tidy. Also, especially if you are female, try not to wear clothes that are too revealing (showing skin other than your face and hands). Even if you think you should be able to dress however you want, not only is it objectionable and sometimes rude in some countries to do so, it is often unsafe and can put you in real danger.

Dress neatly and consider the environment and culture you are in and you will find that people will think better of you, will talk to you more often, and even offer you their hospitality. You will get fewer hassles, both from the locals and from officials such as customs and border police.

Also bear in mind that many religious buildings require skirts for women, trousers for men, (and sometimes long sleeves for both), and that you remove your shoes.

Tempting though it may be, in some places it helps not to try to dress like the locals, as they connect religious and/or cultural significance to what they wear.



The main criteria when choosing clothing for travel include whether or not it provides sufficient protection from the elements, and its lightness and compactness due to your space and carrying considerations.

In hot climates your clothes mainly function as sun and insect protection. Long sleeves and collars on loose-fitting shirts, baggy trousers, and a hat with a wide brim (at least 3 inches, 7.5cm) will work better than skimpy tops and shorts for keeping you cool and protected.

Jeans are not a good idea as they are hot to wear, hard to wash, slow to dry, and heavy to carry.

In the cold it is best to layer clothing and look for fabrics that are wicking, insulating, and wind blocking. The new, thin, purpose-made synthetic fabrics are best, worn in layers. They are light, wash well, dry with body heat and are most efficient in terms of weight, bulk and functionality.

A windproof coat or rain shell, long underwear, insulating layers of clothing, gloves, heavy socks, and hats are essential in the cold.

If possible, try to get clothing that has a dual purpose, but without compromising. Find things that can be used both in the daytime and the evening. Keep it simple including the colours. Black, navy, and white are good choices.

A rough guide is to take three outfits, including the one you are wearing. This way you wear one, can wash one, and have a spare set. If everything mixes or matches you should be fine for a long time. If you need a change, or if things wear out, you can always buy replacements (cheaply, usually) wherever you are. Also, clothing you buy overseas will be appropriate for the climate or conditions in which you find yourself.

The next few pages list things to consider when choosing travel clothes, working from the inside out, top to bottom.

Undershirt/base layer

Good as a first layer in cold weather, a long-sleeved silk, cotton, wool or synthetic undershirt can . . . → Read More: Underwear]]>

Undershirt/base layer

Good as a first layer in cold weather, a long-sleeved silk, cotton, wool or synthetic undershirt can be bought quite cheaply. You can also use it as a thin shirt on its own in hot weather.

Boxers/shorts/undergarments

Whichever you wear (some travellers don’t wear any!), look for fast drying fabrics and choose comfort over style. Nylon is not so good in hot weather as it doesn’t breathe and this can cause infections.

Cotton underwear is good, as are some of the new synthetics. Some travel underwear is designed to be washed in the sink in the evening and will be dry by the morning.

Choose darker colours (not white), beige or off-white are good, as white will eventually go that way anyway. You can buy good quality underwear anywhere in the world (cheaply too) so don’t take more than 2-3 pairs to start with.

When I am at home in the States or in Europe I wear cotton boxers but when I am travelling, especially in hot countries (or far from a laundry) I wear Magellan’s boxers (shown here) as they meet all of the above criteria.

Long (thermal) underwear/long johns

You can buy high-tech, lightweight (polypropelene) underwear (leggings) which are good for layering. Try to get some dual-use ones that can also be worn on their own as trousers.

These combined with a similar top can, in terms of weight, be as useful as an extra sweater or down jacket for keeping warm.

You can also get leggings made of very thin merino wool. Icebreaker make the Bodyfit 150 which is the lightest pure merino base layer available. They make thicker models but the 150 is their all-weather model.

You can buy them from Blacks in the U.K., although they have stockists worldwide.

Swimsuit/bathing suit

Shorts can sometimes be used as a swimsuit (for men) and vice versa. Those with pockets are better for use as shorts.

Be aware that, despite their infrequent use in the USA, Speedos are worn all over Europe and are mandatory in some swimming pools there, they just won’t let you in if you are wearing any kind of shorts. But you can buy them (and shorts) locally wherever you are.

For women, a one-piece bathing suit or tankini can also be adapted for day wear.

Socks

Don’t wear cotton socks, even if you do them at home and are happy with them. Far better to use one of the new synthetics in hot countries, such as CoolMax, Capilene, and PolarTec. Socks should ‘wick’ (draw) moisture away from your feet, something that cotton does very badly which can mean blisters, infections, and bad smells. Cotton is also slow to dry if you wash your socks (or get them wet).

Make sure they fit your feet correctly and avoid one-size-fits-all socks.

You must wear socks with boots but you don’t have to if you wear sandals or running shoes. Bear in mind, though, that if you choose not to, your shoes will eventually smell (very badly).

Also, the right socks can help you avoid blisters and will stop your shoes and sandals from getting and feeling sweaty. You can get very short socks for sandals which are cooler and look like you aren’t wearing any.

Choose off- or non-white colours. Remember that socks can also be bought anywhere in the world so only take 3-4 pairs to start with.

Thorlo or similar are good for hiking or walking. These are padded and are made of CoolMax. They come in a variety of thicknesses depending on how they are used. For general use (for example, walking around cities in hot weather), I wear Thorlo Light Hiking Mini Crew socks (above). I also have a few pairs of Brasher socks, also made of CoolMax.

Most countries will want to see your passport, but in addition to this there are sometimes other things you . . . → Read More: Passport]]>

Most countries will want to see your passport, but in addition to this there are sometimes other things you need to know which aren’t so obvious. For example, some countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months after you plan to leave that particular country and if it isn’t you won’t be let in. So it pays to get your passport renewed if it is quite close to expiring.

Some countries, such as South Africa, have other requirements. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 30 days after your intended date of departure, but also it must have at least two blank pages for an entry stamp.

If you also require a visa to enter South Africa (EU and USA citizens currently don’t), then you must also have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for the entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter the country without the two blank pages will be sent home (at their own expense).

So, as you can see, it pays to check these things well in advance. A good place to find current entry requirements for most countries in the world is using the World Country Guides on the World Travel Guide website (scroll down when you get there and click on the country you want to go to on the map).

Many tropical diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, are transmitted by . . . → Read More: Avoiding Insect Bites]]>

Many tropical diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, are transmitted by insect bites, usually through the insect’s saliva.

No antimalarial drug is 100% effective and in the case of some diseases (for example, dengue fever) there is no protection at all, so it is best to avoid getting bitten in the first place.

Luckily, insects aren’t a problem in most countries around the world, just annoying, and in those places where they are, only some of them carry diseases.

For example, there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, and 420 species of the Anopheles mosquito, of which only about 70 are capable of transmitting malaria. Of those 70 species, only about 30 to 40 species are considered “good transmitters”. For each of these 30 to 40, only 5 to 10 percent of the insect population is capable of transmitting malaria.



These may seem like good odds, but the sheer numbers of the Anopheles mosquito around the world can make them appear less favourable. In parts of Africa, research has shown that some (unprotected) people suffer around 300 to 1,000 infectious bites per person per year, i.e. one to three malarious infections per day.

To get infected, you have to be bitten by a disease-carrying insect, and although it may take more than one bite from that insect to transmit the disease, you can still get infected from just one bite from one insect.

You can greatly reduce the chance of any infection by taking precautions to limit the number of times you get bitten. Even in low-risk or non-malarious areas it pays to do so, as insect bites can be irritating and sometimes painful.

When reading about and comparing repellents, insecticides and netting, remember that a lot are sold for domestic use (in the backyard at home), some just for backcountry use (in the USA), and some for use abroad.

Be careful to choose the right combination for your situation. For example, a close mesh net is ideal for keeping out tiny insects in the forests of the US but would be too hot in the tropics where a more open mesh mosquito net (treated with an insecticide) which lets in the breeze would be fine.

Clothing

One of the best ways to stop getting bitten is to reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, as well as enclosed shoes and long socks (not open sandals or flip flops).

Covering up in this way also (partially) protects against exposure to the sun.

Fabrics must be either thick or closely woven (not knit) as well as loose-fitting, as insects can bite though thin fabric or can reach your skin through tight clothing.

Luckily, loose clothing is also more comfortable in hot climates.

Also, light colors (khaki, for example) appear to be less attractive to mosquitoes.

The best shirt I have found that meets all of the above criteria is the Craghoppers Nosquito Long Sleeved Shirt. I personally have two of these (in Stone and Khaki) and they are worth every penny. Part of the ‘Bear Grylls’ range of clothing they are practical as well as very stylish. You can read more about them in the Clothing section of this website.

Craghoppers also make the best travel trousers too in the Craghoppers Kiwi Trousers. They are similar in performance to the shirt and are (justifiably) a best seller.

To deter ticks, tuck trousers into socks, and remember to inspect yourself for ticks after outdoor activities.

Spraying or soaking your clothes with an insect repellent or insecticide is also recommended (see below). The Nosquito shirt above is treated like this.

You can find anti-mosquito clothing treatments here or here.

Repellents

The next method for keeping the insects away is to use an insect repellent on your skin.

Humans and animals give off various chemicals that attract insects. Insect repellents are thought to work by blocking the stimulation of the receptors that detect these chemicals.

The most popular (and also the most effective) repellents are those which contain DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide). Others contain oil of lemon eucalyptus, botanicals, and other chemicals (picardin) but despite their claims, these may not be as protective.

Read more about the alternatives here. There is an update to this information here. Both give recommendations for domestic (USA) use. To find information about overseas travel, read the information here.

When evaluating claims make sure they are comparing like with like (some tests use lower concentrations of DEET, for example, when they claim their product is more effective), and check which insects they protect against (some are only more effective against ticks and certain (non-malarial) mosquitoes).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers DEET-based products safe when used as directed. This means they should not be used under clothing or on open cuts, wounds, or irritated skin, and shouldn’t be used with sunscreen.

Combination repellents and sunscreens are still being evaluated by the EPA, but because sunscreens are meant to be applied liberally and frequently and DEET products are used sparingly, you will inevitably end up putting on too much of one or too little of the other. Better to use separate products at the same time, applying sunscreen first, then the insect repellent.

DEET-based repellent should be applied following the manufacturer’s instructions to all exposed skin. It should also be kept away from your eyes, mouth and nasal membranes, and definitely should not be swallowed. Spray the repellent onto hands and then apply to face. You should use just enough to cover exposed skin and it should be washed off whenever safe to do so.

Even though you should not use it on your skin under clothing, many people apply it to the outside of their clothes on sleeves, collars, socks, and cuffs as additional protection.

Be aware that DEET can also melt some plastics, such as eyeglass frames, rayon, spandex, and other synthetic fabrics, and can damage leather and painted or varnished surfaces.

DEET products come in different concentrations which can be confusing. In concentrations over approximately 25%, DEET does not work better, it just lasts longer. If you are hiking or sweating a lot it will dissipate much faster and last a lot less.

Products containing 25% to 35% DEET are recommended by the CDC for adults. These will usually repel mosquitos for several hours (read the instructions), and there should be no need to reapply it more often that this. Ultrathon, made by 3M, contains 33% DEET which slowly releases the DEET for an effectiveness of up to twelve hours. Another similar product is Sawyer’s Controlled Release.

Some DEET products consist of a 100% formulation for maximum effectiveness of up to eight or ten hours. 100% DEET is probably overkill for mosquitoes, you just don’t protection for 12 or 13 hours. For most situations of casual use (and for a few fours in the morning or evening when mosquitos bite), around 25% should be fine. You can always re-apply it every few hours if you’re in the jungle, too.

There may be circumstances where constant reapplication may be impractical, however, such as where there is a rapid loss of repellent due to rain or heavy sweating. Some people also use higher concentrations when traveling to an area where there is a very high density of biting insects.

As well as being a lower concentration, Ultrathon is also absorbed less through the skin, thus making it safer than 100% DEET. In addition, it is recommended by many health care professionals. If you have sensitive skin you can get it in a spray can at a 23% concentration which lasts up to eight hours.

Insecticides

Whereas insect repellents are designed to keep insects away, insecticides stun or kill insects that come into contact with it. In this way the two methods compliment each other and should both be used (one does not replace the other). Ideally, use a combination of a DEET product on exposed skin, and wear insecticide-treated clothing.

Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical, widely used as an insecticide and as an insect repellent. It is usually applied to mosquito netting (see below) and clothes. Permanone, Coulston’s Duranon, and Sawyer’s are brand names of permethrin.

When applied to clothing by aerosol or trigger spray, Permethrin provides protection lasting up to two weeks or two washings. Clothing soaked in a Permethrin solution is effective as am insecticide for months if it is stored out of the sun.

There should be no problems using it as long as it is used according to the instructions, as it has a low toxicity, is poorly absorbed by skin, and is generally environmentally safe except that it is toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects, fish, aquatic insects, crayfish, and shrimp.

More recently, Deltamethrin has become more popular and widely used. It is a member of one of the safest classes of pesticides. However, it is still a neurotoxin and should be treated with care. It is used by companies (e.g. Tana Netting and Travel Health Help) to manufacture long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets.

Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets are a very useful and practical way to prevent insect bites, especially when sleeping at night. There are a number of things to look out for when buying a net.

There are basically two types, circular or rectangular. The circular type hangs from the ceiling by a string, with the net fanning out from a ring at the top and tucked tightly under the mattress on all sides. The rectangular type ties to the ceiling with four strings and hangs straight down on all sides of the bed, with the fringes again tucked under the mattress. Whichever type you choose it should be wide enough not to touch the body while sleeping.

The mesh size should be large enough for air circulation but as small as possible to keep out the mosquitos. For effective malaria protection, the mesh size that is recommended is 120-200 holes per square per inch. This will not keep out some types of sand flies, however, which can also transmit diseases to humans.

‘Noseeum’ netting is a lot finer at 500-600 holes per square inch, but the airflow is greatly restricted which can be stifling. Spraying or soaking mosquito netting in Permethrin or Deltamethrin dramatically increases effectiveness (see above). Store the net in a plastic bag to keep the permethrin effective longer.

Finally, make sure there are no gaps or holes in the netting around you and that there are no mosquitoes already inside the netting before you get inside or got to sleep.

Mosquito head nets may also be useful. Head nets alone are not enough in malarial areas, though.

Other preventative measures

Mosquitoes can bite any time. However, the peak hours of mosquito biting activity are usually at dawn and dusk, so try to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors at these times.

You can use insecticides in the form of aerosols, vaporizers, candles, smoke spirals or others in living and, most of all, in sleeping areas. Close all doors and windows and spray the walls.

Mosquito coils are spiral-shaped candles that repel mosquitoes and other bugs with the natural chemical pyrethrum. They burn for several hours, and are useful when cooking dinner while camping, or in hotel rooms without screening.

Citronella (in the form of candles, soaps, sprays, etc.), is a natural repellent, useful in backyards in the USA but is not effective in serious biting insect areas.

Avoid wearing perfumes and aftershaves, which attract some mosquitoes. Also, for the same reason, don’t use scented soaps, shampoos, or deodorants. Unscented deodorants are available.

Mosquitoes do not attack as long as you walk quickly or if there is a breeze as they need to land on you to bite. While many hotels in the tropics lack screens, they often have fans which produce enough breeze to prevent mosquitoes from landing as long as the power holds out.

Stay in mosquito-protected rooms after twilight and at night, that is in rooms with air-conditioning or mosquito nets attached to windows and doors and those with fans.

For tours in the country, or if camping out, carefully select sites for sleep. Try to keep away from stale waters, ditches and water barrels. Also try to avoid traveling in high-risk areas during the rainy season.

The Medical pages list the various diseases and vaccinations available. This section gives information on where and when to . . . → Read More: Vaccinations]]>

The Medical pages list the various diseases and vaccinations available. This section gives information on where and when to get them, how long they last, whether you need boosters, possible side-effects, and so on.

Don’t rely on the information given below. Try to get to a specialist travel clinic, or seek advice from a qualified professional.

Some clinics will give you a free consulation, other charge a fee (usually refunded if you then have the vaccinations at the clinic).

In the UK you can get vaccinations from your GP (usually for free), or go to one of the specialist travel clinics, such as the Nomad Travel Clinics, or The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London.



Or do a basic search on the Internet in your country to find one. For example, this website has a list of directories for other countries, including the USA.

Check the Links – Websites page for more links to health information by country.

Remember to start your vaccination programme at least six weeks before departure.

Polio

How – usually given as a childhood vaccine. Recommended every 10 years for travel to areas outside of Europe, Australasia or the Americas.

When – anytime before departure.

Tetanus

How – a routine childhood vaccine. Boosters needed every ten years for travel to areas where immediate treatment may not be available, or after a cut or injury.

When – anytime before departure.

Diphtheria

How – a routine childhood vaccine. Boost every 10 years.

When – anytime before departure.

Hepatitis A

How – vaccination protects initially for one year and then a further injection boosts immunity to 20 years, possibly life.

When – two to four weeks before travel.

Hepatitis B

How – a course of vaccines is required, three injections over six months although more rapid schedules can be done for those leaving with less time available.

When – ideally six months before travel.

Typhoid

How – available as a single shot or as a combined vaccine with Hepatitis A. Provides approximately 80% protection for three years.

When – two weeks before travel.

Yellow Fever

How – vaccine with immunisation lasting for 10 years.

When – 10 days before travel.

Meningitis A, C W135 and Y vaccine

How – vaccine covering four strains of Meningitis.

When – two to three weeks prior to travel.

Japanese Encephalitis

How – a course of three vaccines.

When – six weeks prior to travel.

Rabies

How – a course of vaccines over one month. Further treatment is still required after a bite but both reduces the amount of treatment needed and changes the treatment required. In some developing countries there are no guarantees as to the quality or availability of treatment.

When – four to six weeks before travel.

Tick Borne Encephalitis

When – six weeks prior to travel.

Cholera

How – a course of two oral vaccines. Gives 80% coverage for two years.

When – a minimum of three weeks prior to travel.

Once upon a time, everyone who travelled carried traveller’s cheques, but not anymore. Nowadays, credit cards are the norm.

You probably won’t need your driver’s licence when backpacking but if you do intend to drive your regular licence . . . → Read More: International Driver’s Permit/Licence]]>

You probably won’t need your driver’s licence when backpacking but if you do intend to drive your regular licence and passport should be fine. I have driven in the USA with my British driver’s licence and vice versa without any problems.

Some countries, however, may require and international driving permit. This is pretty much just a translation of your regular licence into various languages. It also has your photo inside, which could serve as an id in an emergency, plus it lists all the classes of vehicle you are allowed to drive, useful if you want to rent something like a motorcycle (or a bus, perhaps).

Check with your local automobile club, for example, The AAA in the USA or The AA in the UK for more details.