Long Haul Travel Tips

Exotic locations by their very nature do not necessarily have similar standards of facilities and service as you might expect at home. However, all the properties promoted on Iglutropical have been inspected by our chosen suppliers and comply with the local regulations in their country for health and safety.

Our Top Tips

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection, high factor sun screen and consider buying a hat.

• Try to stay out of the sun during the hours 12:00pm and 14:00pm.

• Keep hydrated! The strong sun and warmth will dry you out- keep drinking plenty of water.

• Use bottled water at all times and check the seal on the bottle before you drink it. Use bottled water to clean teeth.

• Don't have ice in drinks, rare meat or shellfish.

• Don't buy food (including ice cream) from street vendors

• Use insect repellent and a mosquito net in the evenings- especially in wet and/or wooded areas.

• Check with your doctor and the Foreign Office for recommended precautions for your destination.

• Use a hotel safety deposit box for all your valuables.

• Don't drink too much. You'll be unused to being in the sun and warmth and alcohol can affect you differently.

Safari Tips

• Always listen to your guide.

• Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

• Take a hat, UV protection sunglasses, sun screen, mosquito repellent and plenty of bottled water.

• Wear lightly coloured loose naturally breathable clothing (such as cotton).

• Pack a torch and a small utility knife (which you will have to purchase at your destination).

• Try not to take too much. Space (particularly on the vehicles) is very limited. Use soft bags.

• Never, ever, be rude to an elephant.

Health and Vaccinations

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures, such as malaria tablets are taken early enough (up to a month or more before departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. The Department of Health (this link is to a non-ABTA, non-ATOL site) has a free leaflet 'Health advice for travellers' (available on request tel 0800 555 777), otherwise consult your GP or a specialist clinic. When travelling to certain countries, it is recommended that you should be vaccinated against diseases such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Malaria, Meningitis, Polio, Tuberculosis. You should contact your GP or a specialist vaccination centre for further information.

Air travel can cause problems, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), for some people particularly for those with bronchial or circulatory problems, who should consult their GP. For further information concerning the risks of DVT, and preventative measures, please click here. Information provided by Travelheatlth.co.uk.(This link is a non-ABTA, non-ATOL site). Alcohol should only be drunk sparingly as it can lead to dehydration and nausea. Expectant mothers, who are beyond 26 weeks of pregnancy should consult their doctor to confirm their fitness to fly. Sub aqua divers should seek advice before diving or flying. If you have any concerns about fitness, consult your GP for advice.

The tropical sun is very strong and it is wise to use a high protection sunscreen and avoid the midday sun. You should also include a good moisturiser within your luggage, which helps sunburn recovery. In certain months, the tropical climate brings short spells of heavy rainfall and high winds which may affect facilities such as watersports. See individual resorts for more information. With world weather patterns becoming more erratic, unusual rainfall, storms and even flooding are occurring. Our average weather information is a guide only.

Tropical locations by their very nature have more bugs and creepy crawlies than more temperate climates. It is difficult to avoid being bitten by insects and other animals so go prepared. Insect repellent and antiseptic cream should form part of your luggage. At night, remember that insects are attracted to light so keep doors and windows shut when possible.