TREKKING in Nepal, scuba-diving in Cebu or sightseeing along the Thai-Burmese border make attractive holiday propositions.
But tourists often underestimate the importance of vaccinations and venture to underdeveloped parts of the region unequipped for the hazards they may encounter.
''The risk of getting something is dependent on where you are and how long you are there,'' warned Dr John Simon, a specialist in tropical diseases. ''If you are only going to be somewhere for a few days, chances are you are either not going to get it orit will not develop until you get back.'' But if you have plans to travel around a country for more than a week, you would be well-advised to spend some time with your doctor learning about the precautions you need to take.
Most doctors recommend patients join a medical evacuation group if they are visiting obscure places - falling ill or having an accident in a remote part of Cambodia can be fatal unless quality medical treatment is close at hand.
Companies such as Asia Emergency Assistance or International SOS Assistance provide emergency evacuation services to members.
But pre-holiday immunisation can go a long way towards preventing life-threatening diseases. Dr Simon listed some infectious diseases and what could be done to minimise the risk of catching them.
Cholera: a severe disease that can result in death through dehydration, it is spread through drinking contaminated water.