Germs, bugs and diseases are easy to pick up in any country if you are not used to the climate or conditions. The risk of becoming ill is even greater in hot and humid environments or places where sanitary conditions are primitive or if you are travelling on crowded public transport.

During this section of the course we'll give you advice on maintaining high levels of personal hygiene. A discipline that is crucial if you want to remain as healthy as possible whilst travelling.

"Whilst climbing in Alaska in 2003 I spent 23 days unable to wash, by adopting our Planet Wise policies on hygiene I was able to stay healthy and well".
- Mark Hide

Your ironing sir!

Where's the door?

A close shave

 

The course will examine…

• Problems associated with drinking water - How much to drink? How often? Where to find safe water, and How to use filter systems?
  
• How to safely prepare food.
  
• Why and how to inspect kitchens?
  
• Washing yourself and your clothes.
  
• Toilet issues. You're going to get sick no matter how careful you are and will need to discuss this with your travelling companions. Our simple scale takes all the embarrassment out of it - even during breakfast.
  
• Female hygiene. We break the group into males and females to cover this subject. The girls get to ask fellow female travellers all those questions they couldn't ask elsewhere. The guys learn the same stuff without getting embarrassed.
  
• Medicines and third world pharmacies.
  
• What to do if you become sick.
  
• For the more adventurous we also delve in to the delights of altitude sickness - how to spot it and the relevant treatment.
  
• Sun worship - when to cover up, the dangers of too much sun and simple precautions for keeping safe.
  
• Jet lag and D.V.T.