Interested in gout

First gout attack happened about 8 years ago during the visit of my
(then) 19 year old nephew from Germany. (no stress involved, it just
happened)
Father had gout so the doc says "To be expected". (not much help but
got the drugs that cured it in a week)
Have had minor attacks (sore toe joint, slightly swollen) immediately
took the drugs and it went away almost on the same day, only twice
since then.
Didn't take any notice of it ie change diet or stop drinking (would
rather not walk, actually).
Went on 4 weeks holiday to Asia and was walking around a city in the
first week when in the morning the old foot starts to complain. Well,
can't have that on holiday now can we? So off to what passes for the
local pharmacy where the little old lady gives me some pills that I
can't read and have no idea what they were. Worked a treat - after 2
days all well again and for the rest of the holiday no problem.
On the 16 hour return flight the old foot starts to feel "funny" not
ha ha, but peculiar. Get home and go straight to see uncle doctor. He
prescribes the usual anti-inflammatory which doesn't work for about a
month of sitting on my progressively fatter ass.
Now here comes the "funny" bit (peculiar, not haha) had the tests for
blood and all that and my values were less than for my last (unrelated
to gout) blood test for 1 1/2 years - but back then I didn't have
anything.
Have also learned that it can be seasonal too, mainly in spring - go
figure.
Doctor basically said just carry on with life as normal and when you
feel it coming on take the pills. So any advice?