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While you're away
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Last modified date:8 February 2007
Simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting ill or having an accident while you're away.
Food and drink
Lots of travellers get diarrhoea from eating or drinking something contaminated. You can also get diseases like cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A from contaminated food and water. You can reduce the risk by taking these simple precautions:
- always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before handling food or eating.
- if you're not sure whether the water is safe, sterilise it by boiling it or using purification tablets, or use bottled water (preferably fizzy) instead. Always use clean water for washing food and cleaning your teeth as well as drinking.
- avoid ice unless you're sure it's made from treated, chlorinated water. This includes ice used to keep food cool as well as ice in drinks.
- make sure food has been freshly and thoroughly cooked and is still piping hot - avoid food that has been kept warm.
- avoid uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
- avoid food that is likely to have been exposed to flies.
- avoid ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks or street traders.
- avoid - or boil - unpasteurised milk.
In addition, fish and shellfish can be suspect in some countries. Uncooked shellfish, such as oysters, are especially risky.
While you're on holiday, try to eat a healthy balanced diet. A healthy diet contains lots of fruit and vegetables; is based on starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice; and is low in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar.
Taking care in the sun
As well as giving you painful sunburn, too much sun can age your skin and increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Remember, the sun is extremely strong in many holiday destinations - don't underestimate its power. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with proper UV filters, and follow the SunSmart code, as recommended by Cancer Research UK:
Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
Make sure you never burn.
Always cover up.
Remember to take extra care with children.
Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.
Babies should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
Another risk is heatstroke or sunstroke. Don't do anything too energetic during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm, and make sure you keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of non-alcoholic liquids.
Swimming
Never go swimming alone. Adults should keep an eye on each other, and children must always be supervised by an adult who can swim well. Young children should never be left alone near water, even a paddling pool. Remember, the water in swimming pools, lakes, rivers and the sea could be contaminated, so try not to swallow any while you're swimming. If you are diving into water, make sure it's deep enough. Each year, many people are permanently paralysed as a result of injuries sustained from diving into shallow water.
Driving abroad
If you're planning to drive, make sure your insurance covers you for medical or hospital expenses in case you have an accident. Talk to your insurance company or a motoring organisation (such as the AA or RAC) before you leave to make sure you're fully covered.
Road safety
Traffic accidents are the major cause of death among travellers. Whether you're driving or walking, always check the local traffic regulations. If you are in a car, always wear seatbelts and put children in a child restraint. If you are on a motor- or pedal-bike, always wear a helmet and put children in a child restraint. If you hire a car or a bike, check its condition and your insurance cover. Never drink and drive.
Dangerous sports
If you're taking part in potentially hazardous sports like skiing, canoeing, mountaineering or diving, you must:
- follow all the relevant safety guidance
- make sure that there are adequate emergency medical facilities on hand
- check that your holiday insurance covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're scuba diving, you must allow 24 hours between your last dive and your flight.
Insect and animal bites
Use an insect repellent, and keep your arms and legs covered if there's a chance of being bitten - follow the precautions on avoiding malaria. Remember, you can catch tick-borne diseases in cooler countries, not just in the tropics. Animal bites can lead to serious - and even fatal - infections. Keep away from animals, even if they seem tame. Read the information on avoiding rabies, and what to do if you are bitten by an animal.
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