You should take at least factor 30 for children and 15 for adults. Avoid being in direct sun between 11am – 3pm and wearing a wide brimmed hat helps.

A DEET preparation is best but avoid contact with jewellery as it can tarnish it. Antihistamine cream or tablets can help to reduce discomfort if you do get bitten or stung.

In most areas tap water is safe to drink but if in doubt stick yo bottled water. Alternatively rehydration sachets can be used to replace the natural salts in your body if you experience a tummy upset with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Basic items such as antiseptic cream, plasters, paracetamol and a thermometer. Heartburn relief tablets are handy to combat the effects of over indulgence on holiday.

You should wear comfortable clothing and get out of your seat to stretch your legs. Flight socks can help prevent the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on journeys of 4 hours or more.

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is the latest card designed to replace the EHIC but all existing EHIC cards are valid until the date they expire and will cover Australia, New Zealand and all EU countries. This system covers necessary health care in state-owned facilities, pre-existing medical conditions, maternity care, routine treatment, GP appointments and A&E visits.

Check the hospitals in the area you are visiting as not all are covered by EHIC or GHIC.

Click here to learn more and check important exclusions.

Generally, vaccines for Australian travel will be the same as the routine vaccinations in the UK. These may also include the seasonal flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccination.

Depending on your planned itinerary and the areas you intend to visit, travellers may need to consider vaccinations against the following:

Yellow fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, Tetanus, and Rabies.