13. Do bear in mind, though, that many stomach upsets are largely preventable by following good personal hygiene1 practice and taking care of what you eat and drink.
14. Put together a comprehensive first aid kit2 to take with you and make sure it is tailored to the environments in which you are going to be travelling. That way you will know exactly whats in it and where to find each item.
15. If a doctor prescribes medication, be sure to take the full course. Some medicines require that you continue to take them even after returning home. Make sure you do this. A lot of people think that, simply because they are home, they are safe. This is not the case.
16. If you become ill once home, make sure that you tell your doctor you have been overseas and list the countries and regions you have visited, even if your illness develops months after your return.
17. When you first arrive at your hotel, be sure to keep your luggage with you at all times; dont rely on hotel staff to keep it safe. Many people have their luggage stolen when checking in or checking out of their hotel.
18. Keep your wits about you and watch out for people standing3 too close or who appear to be listening in on your conversations. They might be trying to find out which room you are in and whether you are travelling alone. If they see you later on in the restaurant or by the pool, they will know your room is unoccupied.
19. Never accept a room on the ground floor, as these are the easiest for criminals from outside to break into.
20. Elevators can be dangerous places, particularly for women on their own. If a suspicious-looking character gets in, leave the elevator as soon as possible.
21. Where possible, select a hotel that has installed electronic locks. Old-fashioned metal keys are usually hung up behind the reception desk, so if a criminal wants to see who is in and who is out, they only have to look behind the desk.
22. As soon as you check in to your room, test that the door lock and the deadlock4 are working. If theyre not, ask for a new room. Whenever you are inside your hotel room, make sure you use the deadlock. It is also worth investing in a device that jams the door. This can be a simple door wedge inserted on your side of the door, or something more elaborate, such as a door jammer.
23. Check that your room has a peep hole so that, if anyone knocks, you can see whos there. If you are unsure whether the person at the door is legitimate5, call reception and ask them to confirm that your caller is genuine. Tell the person at the door what youre doing: if they are genuine they will understand; if not they are likely to leave before security arrives.
