1. The AAA of Avoiding malaria, etc. see also www.malariahotspots.co.uk Awareness of risk Avoidance of bites Antimalarial pills – Doxycycline (daily) – Mefloquine/ Lariam (weekly) – Malarone (daily) – Chloroquine +/- proguanil not now effective enough for Africa

2. Stout shoes and cover-all clothes protect you from all manner of cuts and bites and stings

3. Other biters

4. Blister beetles carry warning colouration; they can be round and metallic-shiny Remember that repellents repel more than mosquitoes

5. Strikingly marked creatures are usually noxious. Wear shoes when swimming or strolling on tropical beaches.

6. The most dangerous creatures, though, are domesticated Beware of dogs (rabies) And even 6-year-old elephants

7. How will you feel? Look after your mental health (culture shock makes people vulnerable) Pack plenty of books or other ways to ‘escape’ Read about your destination Work out how you’ll keep in touch

8. A word about the nightlife

9. The ugly side of romance: a choice of 26 STIs, and the risk of rape and robbery

10. Remember…. People are always watching. Travel brings diplomat-type responsibilities and can be a burden when coping with your emotional journey. Make alliances / find buddies.

11. Homecoming Imported infections? Screening not needed except for HIV and schistomiasis (Africa) Malaria Skin ulcers The blues (for up to 18m after years away). If you feel well, you most likely are well.

12. Research Read and Network before departure and continue while away, so you’ll come back fit.

13. And FINALLY - in summary Check what jabs and malaria pills you need from www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk then visit your GP or travel clinic www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk Or… flick through a decent travel health book Check security the situation at www.fco.gov.uk and also www.state.gov/travelwww.fco.gov.uk Play safe; be insured; carry spare funds… and be informed.

14. Then you’ll return with lots of good photos and stories – and no unwanted souvenirs. Jane is at www.wilson-howarth.com

15. discounted to £7.50 5 th edition (2009) rrp £8.99 Jane’s memoir on life in Nepal is in bookshops rrp £9.99 discounted to £7.50 www.wilson- howarth.com

16. My minimal first aid kit Drying antiseptic (?iodine; potassium permanganate) Water bottle with a good seal Purification tabs Repellents + sunscreen Antimalarials if necessary Knowledge of oral rehydration Bum cream e.g. Sudocrem or Anusol Paracetamol (soluble) ?thermometer (esp for malarious regions) Antihistamine tablets or steroid ointment Steristrips + wound dressings Crepe bandage Dental first aid kit if over 40 Torch Condoms ?health guide or means of remote health advice