Preparing for Expedition Travel: Why a Layered Approach to Insect Protection Matters More Than Ever

For many parents, preparing a child for an overseas expedition with Camps International involves balancing excitement with practical concerns about safety and wellbeing.

Vaccinations are organised, travel insurance is arranged and packing lists are carefully checked. Yet one important aspect of travel preparation is often overlooked: effective insect bite prevention.

As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, experts are warning that insect activity is changing too.

Climate change is altering insect behaviour

Warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are creating more favourable conditions for mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects to survive and reproduce.

According to NHS England, there were 454,238 visits to its bites and stings advice pages between June and August 2025 – an increase of almost 20% compared with the same period in 2024, when there were 386,352 visits. Increased insect activity is expected to continue throughout 2026, particularly during periods of warm, humid weather.

The UK is also seeing the increasing presence of the Asian tiger mosquito, a species capable of carrying diseases such as dengue fever. Meanwhile, cases of dengue fever acquired in popular Southern European destinations are becoming more common.

For students travelling internationally, understanding how to minimise the risk of insect bites is becoming an increasingly important part of travel preparation.

Why do some people get bitten more than others?

If your child is always the one reaching for the anti-itch cream while others seem unaffected, they are not imagining it.

Research suggests factors including body temperature, carbon dioxide production, skin microbiome and certain fragranced products can make some people more attractive to biting insects.

For these “bite magnets”, relying on a single layer of protection may not always be enough. A more comprehensive approach to prevention becomes particularly important when travelling to destinations where exposure to biting insects is higher.

Why insect protection needs a rethink

For decades, insect bite prevention has often centred around a single solution: applying repellent.

Emerging research suggests that certain fragranced products, including perfumes, body sprays and heavily scented toiletries, may increase a person’s attractiveness to mosquitoes. This means that even when repellent is applied, some elements of a daily routine could potentially work against it.

This growing understanding is why we developed the incognito® Simple Step System (SSS) – a layered approach to bite prevention designed so that each step works in harmony rather than in conflict.

Importantly, not every step will always be necessary. The level of protection should reflect the destination, activities planned and individual risk factors. However, Steps 1 and 2 form the foundation of effective bite prevention.

Step 1: Prepare Your Skin

Many people don’t realise that the products they use daily could influence how attractive they are to insects.

Preparing the skin by reducing exposure to heavily fragranced products helps create the best foundation for other protective measures to work effectively. Many parents are surprised to learn that effective bite prevention may begin long before repellent is applied.

For young travellers, establishing this routine before departure makes maintaining good habits easier while abroad.

Step 2: Apply Insect Repellent

Repellent remains one of the most important tools in preventing insect bites. However, not all repellents work in the same way, and families are increasingly looking for options that balance effectiveness, sustainability, practicality and personal preference.

Many widely used insect repellents rely on active ingredients such as DEET. While these products have a long history of use, some families prefer to explore alternatives, particularly when protection may need to be applied frequently during extended trips.

incognito® repellents use the strongest and purest form of PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), a naturally derived active ingredient recommended by public health organisations as an effective alternative to DEET. Our formulations have been clinically tested to provide 100% protection against Aedes mosquitoes for up to 8 hours, offering families reassurance without compromising on efficacy.

For students spending extended periods outdoors during expeditions, consistent application and reapplication of repellent should become part of their daily routine. Developing these habits before they travel helps ensure they can take responsibility for their own wellbeing while abroad.

Together, Steps 1 and 2 form the foundation of the Simple Step System and offer 100% protection against Aedes mosquitoes.

Step 3: Layer with Extras

For students who are particularly prone to bites, travelling to higher-risk destinations or spending long periods outdoors, additional layers of protection can provide valuable reassurance.

No single measure can eliminate risk entirely, which is why layering protection can be particularly beneficial for those who are more susceptible to bites.

Step 4: Ambient Protection and Bite Relief

Even with the best preparation, bites can happen. Bite relief products and measures to discourage insects indoors can help keep travellers comfortable, allowing them to focus on enjoying their expedition experience.

Helping young travellers build independence

One of the greatest benefits of expedition travel is the opportunity for students to develop confidence, resilience and responsibility.

Learning to manage their own health and wellbeing is an important part of this journey.

A simple, easy-to-follow approach to insect protection allows young people to develop healthy habits whilst providing parents with additional peace of mind.

Preparing for a changing world

As climate change continues to influence insect populations and disease patterns globally, bite prevention is becoming an increasingly important consideration for international travel.

For families preparing for a Camps International expedition, taking a layered approach to insect protection can help ensure students are equipped to embrace every opportunity their adventure brings.

Because the best Camps International expeditions are the ones where young people feel confident, prepared and free to focus on the experiences that matter most – building friendships, making a difference and creating memories that last a lifetime.