About the Author
This article is written in collaboration with travel writer and adventurer Bea Meitiner, the voice behind Bea Adventurous.
Bea's travel blog is dedicated to helping people explore the world more meaningfully — from solo adventures across Africa to road trips through Europe. She shares practical tips, honest insights, and real experiences from destinations where preparation genuinely matters.
A firm believer in conscious travel, Bea's approach is simple: connect more, consume less… and never forget the insect repellent.
All accompanying images in this article have been generously provided by Bea Meitiner of Bea Adventurous.
Explore more from Bea: https://bea-adventurous.com/
Introduction
In Bea's words:
There's a very specific kind of regret that hits at 2am.
You're in a hot room. The fan is doing absolutely nothing. You've just drifted off… and then…
Bzzzzzzzz.
You slap your arm. Miss. Another buzz. This time near your ear…
Here are some of the key mistakes travellers make — and how to avoid them.
#1. Not starting with the right base (and attracting mosquitoes)
One of the most overlooked factors is what you use before you even step outside. Many fragranced shower gels, shampoos and body lotions can actually make you more attractive to mosquitoes. So while you're applying repellent, you may also be unintentionally attracting them.
What to do instead:
Choose neutral or purpose-designed body care that won't attract insects.
#2. Forgetting to top up your protection
Applying repellent once and assuming you're covered for the day is one of the most common mistakes. Heat, sweat, swimming and general activity all reduce its effectiveness.
What to do instead:
Top up regularly throughout the day — especially in warm or humid environments — and keep protection within easy reach.
#3. Only protecting obvious areas
Many travellers focus on arms and legs but miss key areas such as ankles, the back of the neck, and behind the knees. These are prime targets for bites, and even thin clothing may not provide full protection.
What to do instead:
Make sure all exposed areas are covered and consider applying protection to clothing where needed.
#4. Assuming it's only an evening problem
Mosquitoes are often associated with sunset, but in many destinations they're active throughout the day. Relying on evening-only protection can leave you exposed.
What to do instead:
Build protection into your daytime routine, not just your evening plans.
A better way to avoid mosquito bites when travelling
One of the biggest misconceptions is that avoiding mosquito bites comes down to using a single product. In reality, the most effective approach is to layer simple habits that work together. From avoiding attractants, to applying and reapplying protection properly, to considering your environment — small steps combined make the biggest difference.
Think of it as a system, not a single solution.
Read the full guide from Bea
This is just a snapshot of what travellers often get wrong. For a deeper dive into what actually works in high-risk destinations, read Bea's full guide here: https://bea-adventurous.com/how-to-avoid-mosquito-bites-when-travelling/
Supporting your protection routine
If you're looking for a simple way to put this into practice, explore the incognito® Simple Step System — designed to help you stay fully protected without overthinking it.