Before you embark on packing the tee-shirts, shorts and shoes, think carefully. Eating strange food and living in different time zones, can seriously damage your health.
With sharp autumnal nights settling over the UK, thoughts turn to tropical holidays and I’ve started my list of essentials which I'd like to share with you.
Check passports and make sure they haven’t expired. Check if any Visas are necessary.
Check vaccinations and immunisations for your destination.
4. Check if malaria is prevalent in your area and get the pills. Some need to be started 3 weeks before departure. With malaria taking so many victims after they’ve returned from holiday, one must be doubly vigilant.
5. Sort out your holiday insurance and make sure you are well covered for the areas in which you are travelling.
6. Get the medical chest ready! The following are what I consider essentials for East Asia, with the exception of Thailand and Singapore which as modern countries, will sell heavy and bulky items like repellents, lotions, batteries, etc.
Insect repellent (remember to use it day and night as dengue fever has taken a hold in Asia and these little nastiest bite during the day), sting relief, antihistamines for allergies, diarrhoea remedy, pain killers, indigestion relief (for those funny meals you will try), antiseptic cream, wipes and plasters.
If sun protection cream or lotion will be unavailable in your chosen country, then include this also. You might also like to think of sea- sickness tablets if you are liable to be travelling boat. And re-hydration sachets. I know these are available most places, and you can make your own, but if you are suffering even a little bit from dehydration, being able to empty a sachet into some water and drink it, could make all the difference. Consider two more things, a mosquito net and water purification tablets.
Having sorted all this out, now you can start on the tee-shirts, shorts and shoes!
