Travel health: what to plan before you leave
Travel brings new food, climates, and germs. A few smart medical moves before you go keep you from losing days to illness or scrambling for care abroad. This guide gives clear, practical steps you can take now—no jargon, just useful actions.
Before you go: vaccines, meds and paperwork
Check required and recommended vaccines for your destination at an official source (CDC, WHO, or your local travel clinic). Some shots need weeks to take effect, so book early. Ask your doctor about routine boosters, travel-specific vaccines (like hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever), and malaria prevention if you’re headed to a risk zone.
Gather prescriptions and a short med list with doses and generic names. Carry medicines in original packaging and pack a signed doctor’s note when you travel with controlled drugs. Put copies of prescriptions and your travel health insurance on your phone and in your luggage. If you take daily meds, bring an extra supply and plan for delays—an extra week is a good safety margin.
Consider talking to a travel clinic about antibiotics for severe travelers’ diarrhea and other destination-specific risks. Your clinician can advise whether it’s appropriate for you and write a prescription you can fill before departure.
Packed for safety: a compact travel health kit
Build a small kit you can carry on the plane. Essentials: pain reliever/fever reducer, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, oral rehydration salts, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent (DEET or icaridin). Add blister care and any personal meds plus extra contact lenses or glasses if you use them.
If you’ll be at altitude, ask about acetazolamide. If you have chronic conditions, carry a summary of medical history and emergency contact numbers. Store meds out of extreme heat or cold and keep a small cooler pack for temperature-sensitive drugs when needed.
On the road: keep water and food safety in mind. Drink bottled or treated water where the tap is risky, avoid ice made from local water, and favor cooked food over raw. Wash hands often or use sanitizer after transit, before eating, and after restroom stops.
Know how to get help where you’re going. Locate the nearest hospital, embassy or consulate phone, and reputable pharmacies before arrival. Many countries have licensed pharmacists who can help with minor issues; for anything serious, use a clinic or hospital. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if you’re traveling to remote areas.
Final simple checklist: verify vaccines, pack prescriptions and copies, assemble a travel health kit, learn local food and water rules, and save emergency contacts. Want more on buying meds, saving on prescriptions, or country-specific advice? Browse our travel health articles for step-by-step guides and real-world tips tailored to common destinations.