Winter has well and truly set in and you're dying to take that holiday to the hills. But fears of an impending bout of high-altitude sickness threaten to disrupt all memories of a pleasant holiday

* If you go by road, the gradual ascent through the mountains will affect you less. Conversely, if you travel by air, ask the air hostess for a cup of coke tea to help your body distribute oxygen better.

* Dehydration can accelerate the symptoms of high-altitude sickness, so drink lots of water. To make water more palatable at high altitudes, particularly if you are using purification tablets, try adding a dry drink mix
for flavour.

* If you experience debilitating headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath when at rest, severe confusion or hyperventilation, descend immediately.

* Hike high, sleep low; it helps. When you hike to a high altitude during the day and descend for the night to a lower altitude, you condition your body for higher elevations without sustaining the effects. It is also a good way to gauge how your body will react to elevation gains.

*u00a0If you experience moderate to severe symptoms of altitude sickness, descend immediately. If you are travelling with another person, agree to watch each other for signs. A person with high-altitude sickness may not recognise it, particularly if confused. A partner is a safety net.