Use sunscreen; doctors agree that prolonged exposure to the suns rays can be harmful in the long run. If you can avoid keep away from the sun between 1 o'clock and 4 o'clock when it is strongest. Choose a good sunscreen according to its strength; the higher the number of the sun protection factor (SPF) the better. The number on the sunscreen bottle refers to how long you can stay in the sun without burning.

Do not eat raw fruits and salads outside your hotel without washing them thoroughly. Also if you are not sure of the standard of hygiene at your hotel avoid all cold and raw foods. This is especially important in tropical destinations where standards may not always high; otherwise you risk contracting salmonella or any of the Hepatitis diseases or worse a parasite infestation or cholera.

Ensure that the water you drink is safe. Even bottled water may not be safe. Buy bottled water if you do not trust tap water at your destination. Use bottled even to brush. It may be cheaper if you buy a water purification kit for travel and you will be surer of its safety.

For tropical destinations make sure to buy mosquito and insect repellent especially if you are going to spend lots of time outside. Also try to put on long sleeved shirts in white especially in the evening when mosquitoes come out to feed. Since there is chance that you will be bitten take anti-malarial drugs one week before your journey to avoid an infection.

Check country status reports and learn about the political situation of the country and the level of crime. Learn which areas to avoid. Take a common sense approach while touring your favourite place. Avoid all areas deemed dangerous, do not take walks at night that you would take back home especially unaccompanied. Also know who you can trust and do not discuss in detail your personal plans or situation with new people. Avoid public displays of cash that you may be carrying .If possible invest in a moneybag that can be worn under your clothes. When purchasing souvenirs watch your surroundings carefully check to see who may be watching you. Keep expensive items like camera, jewellery and watches off-sight in crowded areas.

Do not forget you medication if you suffer any illness that needs continual medication. Find out how you can refill your prescription if you overstay or if you lost your medication. Keep in mind that you may not find the same brand of medication in some countries especially in developing countries so it may be a good idea to stock up.

And finally to make sure you are back home ask for a safe deposit box at your hotel where you can keep your passport and extra cash and any other valuables.