As a solo traveller, you’re your own safety net. You don’t have a travel companion to lean on if you get sick, miss a meal, or find yourself navigating a pharmacy in a foreign language. That’s why taking time for medical preparation is so important.

Before I set off on overseas journeys, I sit down with a travel health professional. Having travelled and worked as a doctor in places as diverse as the Peruvian Amazon, the Indian Himalayas, Angola and Darfur, I’ve seen first-hand what preventable illness can do. It’s taught me to respect the different health risks posed in foreign countries.

If you’re travelling to a region where mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria are a concern, it’s essential to speak with a travel doctor well before departure. They can help you understand the specific risks for your destination and advise on how best to reduce your chances of getting sick. That includes practical guidance on avoiding mosquito bites, recognising early symptoms, and knowing when and where to seek medical help if needed. In areas where serious illness is a risk, personalised advice from an expert can make all the difference.

Even for more common issues like traveller’s diarrhoea, a travel doctor’s input is invaluable. They can walk you through simple preventive steps, explain what to pack for basic self-care, and help you recognise when professional treatment may be needed. Understanding safe food and water practices might seem basic, but having the right strategies in place – tailored to where you're going – can prevent a few uncomfortable days from turning into a major disruption.

And beyond those specifics, a travel doctor can help you prepare for the broader range of health risks that come with international travel. They stay up to date with regional outbreaks, seasonal patterns, and emerging health concerns, and they’ll consider your medical history when offering advice. With their support, you’re not guessing or Googling, you’re making informed, evidence-based decisions to protect your health.

These may seem like small things, but they add up to something greater. You travel lighter, and not just in your luggage. You’re free to enjoy the spontaneity of solo travel, knowing you’re as prepared as you can be. Prepare your body and what follows is peace of mind.