Travellers urged to get health advice

People looking to take a luxury holiday abroad this summer should ensure that they take the appropriate health precautions, reports the Associated Press.

According to new figures released by the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), ordinary package holidays could be replaced by trips to exotic locations such as India, Asia and Africa this year, thanks to last-minute deals provided by travel agencies in a bid to lessen the effects of the credit crunch.

However, Dr George Kassianos of the UK Malaria Guidelines Committee warned holdaymakers that these destinations can be more risky if precautions are not taken.

"Travellers need to recognise the importance of speaking to their GP or travel clinic before going abroad. With people visiting more exotic destinations and malaria hotspots changing over time, up-to-date health advice should be considered just as essential as renewing your passport," he said, according to the news provider.

Earlier this month, an Abta spokesperson said that all travellers should ensure that they take out an insurance policy before going on holiday to avoid the risk of steep hospital costs should an accident befall them.

The organisation also noted how worldwide holiday planning has become much easier thanks to the wealth of information available from portals such as guide books.