Your travel checklist

• Be prepared - check the latest travel advice for your destination before you leave.
• Take out adequate travel insurance to cover any activity that you plan to participate in, especially adventure sports - it's reassuring to know that in any emergency you'll be well taken care of.
• Get the right vaccinations - visit your doctor or travel clinic for a check-up at least 6 to 8 weeks before travelling and find out if you need any vaccinations for your travels.
• Pack the right clothing - if you are travelling to countries that are in a malaria zone, take light coloured, loose fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Don't forget your mosquito repellent.
• Arm yourself with information - many travelers fall ill within days of arriving at their destination from drinking water and eating food that is not safe. Find out before you travel how safe their food and water is.
• Take enough medication - if you are taking prescription medicine, make sure you have enough to last the trip, including extra if your trip is delayed for some reason. Keep your medication with you on the flight but remember that many airlines do not allow you to take open containers of liquid onboard. This means that you may need to take double the amount of medication. Always carry your medication in its labelled container, do not decant it into a smaller container for the flight. You may wish to take a record of the drugs and in some cases a letter from your GP to confirm that the drugs are prescribed.
• Keep a record - have a list of prescription medicine that you are taking and documentation of any immunisations you may have had for the trip.
• Leave a record - leave the same information, including the name and contact details of your doctor, with someone back home. If you lose your possessions or if you are incapacitated, at least someone will have your medical details.