Information in the guide is very clearly laid out. The pre-trip planning section in Part 1 deals with such things as vaccinations, what to pack in your medical kit, hints and tips about staying well once you arrive (handy "tips for your tummy") and an informative section about flying encompassing fitness to fly, fear of flying and coping with jet lag. The vaccination section in Part 1 is easily cross-referenced with Part 3 of the book, "Where in the World?" a country-by-country guide to the sorts of health risks you may encounter at your destination.

The A-Z of possible problems which makes up Part 2 of the guide could prove crucial help if despite all the careful preparation you happen to fall ill overseas. There is a description of each disease and its symptoms together with diagnosis and treatment. Clearly the amount of detail available is limited but the information is provided with the aim of answering three basic questions "Is my life in danger?" "What can I do about it?" "Do I need medical help?". Stomach-churning anecdotes from fellow travellers show too, that it is possible to suffer rat bites in Hanoi and explosive diarrhoea in Tibet and live to tell the tale. --Sarah Crawford

Nick Jones has travelled extensively and although an experienced doctor faced an unpleasant situation in a remote part of the Far East. He realised how important it is to be well informed about health matters when away from home hence this great book.

The 'it can't/won't happen to me' syndrome is a foolish yet all too prevalent approach to travel. No one can possibly know all the intricacies of the medical support systems in other countries and many travellers come up against bureaurocracy and poor communication in the most surprising places.

This book is a 'must take' part of anyone's luggage - it reassures, informs, directs and most importantly promotes understanding.

With this book you will at least have it to consult at a worrying time. It's actually compulsive reading. It made me want to give it to every young person who is preparing to go abroad who never expects to fall sick, won't listen to his/her parents, ....