Book excerpt: The Rough Guide to Travel Survival is the essential field manual for every adventurous traveller, or those that just want to feel a little safe while away. This book is arranged into easy-to-read chapters covering preparation, basic travel, survival strategies, environment-specific situations (arctic and mountain, sea, political hotspots, natural disaster, desert, jungle) with easy-to-follow diagrams throughout. Each of the main chapters has step-by-step, practical advice for all situations, in all environments, from surviving an avalanche or navigating in the desert to coping with an ambush or a hostage situation. The book concludes with a set of comprehensive and indispensable appendices packed with instructions, from first aid to making a fire.