ABSTRACT
Although there have been notable medical advances throughout the twentieth century, the contemporary traveller is still vulner able to health hazards on account of the very nature of travel itself. Travel exposes the individual to new, cultural, psycho logical, physical, physiological, emotional, environmental and micro-biological experiences and challenges. The traveller’s ability to adapt to, cope with, and survive these challenges is affected by many variables which include his pre-existing physical, mental, immunological and medical status. This in turn is modified by personality, experience and behaviour and differs according to age, gender, culture, race, social status and education. The final aspect of this challenge relates specifically to the unfamiliar environ mental exposure which encompasses climate, altitude, sunlight, hygiene and disease prevalence. For these reasons it is not surprising that health problems affecting the traveller have been recognised throughout history.
