Yet another important and serious topic to cover - travel health. We don't want to scare and stop you from travelling, but there will be dangers out there in other countries which may affect your health - if you don't take precautions. Please don't skip this section, read it and take it on board - we don't want you in a region known for malaria, when you haven't taken the medication required to protect you!

Time To Visit Your Doctor

Once you know the countries you are going to visit on your travels, go and visit your doctor - the sooner the better. Your doctor will be able to tell you which vaccinations and other medication you will need. Its important to arrange this as early as possible you may have to have a course of vaccinations over several weeks and also allow time for the vaccinations (and other medication) to take effect before you set off on your travels.

Costs & Visa Conditions

Some vaccinations can be quite expensive so its worth making an allowance for this when working out your target figure when saving for your trip. Some countries are strict regarding health as part of their visa conditions - For example, if you are arriving into a country from a country that has a Yellow Fever epidemic, you will only be granted entry if you hold a yellow fever certificate (which you get after having the yellow fever vaccine). Make sure you check the visa conditions for things like this.

First Aid Kits & Travel Insurance

Its wise to pack a first aid kit in your backpack, it doesn't have to be high tech, but it will come in useful in some way if you injury yourself. First aid kits will sort out minor injuries, but your travel insurance will sort out anything else if something happens. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance, otherwise you will be paying out huge fees (that you can't afford) in hospital because you didn't bother to buy travel insurance.

Independent Journey Recommends.....Websites

Fit For Travel - http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/
"Provides travel health information."

FCO, Know Before You Go - http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/
"Avoid dangers and risks by checking government information on how safe it is to travel to countries worldwide."