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Last updated on April 13th, 2023 at 06:47 pm
Whether you plan to travel to the tropics or hit the slopes at a snowy resort, don’t forget to plan for your health. While every destination is different, these tips can help you plan for a safe and healthy trip.
Tips for Healthy Travel
Learn about your destination
Visit the CDC travel health website to learn about any health risks and to get the most up-to-date travel information and warnings in effect in the country you’re planning to visit.
It is also important to understand the laws and culture of the places you will be visiting. You can learn about countries using resources like websites, guidebooks, and other media.
Think about your health status
No one wants to miss or postpone a trip, but there are times when staying home might be best for health reasons. Have you had any recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries? Do you have any special health needs, due to disability, pregnancy, or a compromised immune system? Take these questions into consideration before you leave home.
See your doctor
The best time to see your doctor is four to six weeks before traveling. If it’s less than four weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. You might still benefit from shots or medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.
If you need Covid-19 tests to meet travel requirements, you may want to consider a concierge medicine practice. These health care providers can visit you at home or the office, allowing you easily fit a visit into your schedule before your departure.
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Pack Smart
If you’re traveling abroad, it is important to bring copies of your passport and travel documents. Put copies in each piece of luggage, in case you lose the original documents. Don’t forget to leave a copy with a friend or relative at home too.
Some people choose to save a photo or scanned copy of their important documents to Dropbox or Google Drive, or even email the the document copies to themselves. If you do this, sign out of these apps on your phone (or laptop) in the event you lose your device or it is stolen.
Along with your documents, a travel health kit can also help make your trip a safe and healthy one.
What to include in your Travel Heath Kit:
o Prescribed medicine
o Over-the-counter medicine
o Antidiarrheal medication
o Antihistamine or allergy medication
o Decongestant
o Anti-motion sickness medication
o Medicine for pain or fever
o Mild laxative
o Cough suppressant/expectorant
o Cough drops
o Antacid
o Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
o 1% hydrocortisone cream
o First aid supplies
o First aid quick reference card
o Basic first aid items (bandages, gauze, Ace bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators)
o Moleskin for blisters
o Aloe gel for sunburns
o Digital thermometer
o Oral rehydration solution packets
o Sunscreen (SPF 15 or above)
o Insect repellent
o Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
o Health insurance card and copies of claim forms
If you’re traveling with prescription medications, bring a copy of your prescription. Pack a note on letterhead stationery from the prescribing physician if you’re bringing controlled substances or injectable medications.
Plan ahead for illness or injury
Check your health insurance plan to see if they will cover your health needs abroad. Think about purchasing additional health insurance for your trip if your insurance doesn’t cover you.
Pay attention to your health during your trip, and see a doctor if you’re injured or feel ill. When traveling abroad, be sure you know the local emergency number in case of a sudden severe illness or injury.
Additional Resources
To get more tips for healthy travel, visit http://www.cdc.gov/travel or call 1-800-CDCINFO.
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Photo by Paul on Unsplash
Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel on Unsplash
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Donna Martin
thank you for the tips
Amber Albertson
I needed this! Thank you! We are traveling in june with our two kids that are under two and I have been struggling so bad even thinking about it
Sue E
I don’t see a mask or gloves on that list of things to pack, with the Corona Virus and all. I have to bring a doctors note because I am a Diabetic and I need to bring syringes. I also bring Benadryl, because eating foods you are not used to could cause an allergic reaction. A lot of people I know have cut down their traveling, because of the virus. The hand soap is important. Be careful and safe everyone!
Dale Steele Nicolov
it is a good idea to take some medical supplies to avoid medical issues while traveling.I took an anti biotic with me to Cuba when I went .I didn’t need it but my friend did .
Christina Gould
I’ve never seen a health kit packing list before. Thanks for posting!
Linda Linneman
I would love to take a great family vacation. I haven’t done that in a long time. I really appreciate this information you shared. Thank you so much. God Bless