Escaping the UK winter? Many popular winter-sun destinations, including the Caribbean, Thailand, Egypt, Mexico, Sri Lanka and the Gambia, carry health risks you won’t meet in Europe, from food and water-borne infections to mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. A quick pre-travel consultation tells you exactly what you need for your trip.
Do I Need Vaccinations for Winter Sun?
It depends on where you are going and what you will be doing. A week in the Canary Islands or Madeira usually needs nothing beyond routine UK vaccines. Further afield, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are the vaccines most commonly reviewed, with others considered for longer stays, rural travel or activities such as diving trips to remote islands.
Popular Winter-Sun Destinations at a Glance
- The Gambia: high malaria risk throughout the country, so antimalarial tablets are recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is also recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over.
- The Caribbean (Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia, Dominican Republic, Cuba): Hepatitis A is commonly advised. Dengue is present across the region, so daytime mosquito bite prevention is important. Some areas, such as parts of the Dominican Republic, have a malaria risk.
- Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka: Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly reviewed, with Rabies and Japanese encephalitis considered for longer or rural trips. Dengue is common.
- Egypt and Morocco: Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly reviewed, and travellers’ diarrhoea is common, so food and water hygiene matters.
- Mexico: Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly reviewed, and dengue is present in many resort areas.
- Dubai and the UAE and the Maldives: usually only routine UK vaccines and Hepatitis A, but check your itinerary with us.
Not sure about your destination? Try our Travel Vaccination Checker or book a consultation.
Mosquitoes, Sun and Water
There is no widely used vaccine for most travellers against dengue or Zika, so preventing bites is your main protection: use an insect repellent containing DEET, cover up, and use air conditioning or nets where available. Take high-factor sun cream, drink plenty of safe water, and be careful with ice, salads and street food in places with poorer sanitation.
Cruises
Caribbean and Asian cruises can visit several countries in one trip. Bring your itinerary to the appointment so we can check each port of call, and make sure your flu vaccine is up to date, as outbreaks can spread quickly on board.
Travelling with a heart condition?
If you’ve had a heart attack, stent, heart surgery, a pacemaker or ICD, or have heart failure or AF, check you’re fit to fly before you travel. Your airline or travel insurer may ask for a fit-to-fly letter. Our partner service, Heart Fit to Fly, provides letters from a consultant cardiologist, online and UK-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I book?
Ideally 4 to 6 weeks before departure, but even a last-minute appointment is worthwhile for advice, malaria tablets and single-dose vaccines.
Do I need malaria tablets for the Caribbean?
Most Caribbean islands have no malaria, but some areas, such as parts of the Dominican Republic, do. We will check your exact itinerary.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for the Gambia?
It is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over. Berkeley Travel Clinic is an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre (centre no. UKYFVC9726) and can give the vaccine and certificate.
Sources and Further Reading
- NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – The Gambia
- NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – Country information
- NHS – Travel Vaccinations
Clinically reviewed by Dr Aftab Gill, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
