Getting sick on a tripAlthough relatively rare, it has the potential to ruin your vacation, or worse.
For some trips, staying healthy can be as simple as carrying extra sunscreen. Elsewhere, hidden threats like viruses and bacteria could make you very sick if you’re not prepared. Additionally, some countries have additional steps you must take to enter with medications.
This checklist will help you stay safe and healthy on your travels and avoid unexpected snags so you can focus on what’s important: making memories.
Related: Norovirus is on the rise: Here’s how to protect yourself when traveling on a cruise
Investigate your destiny
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler health The site is a great place to start. Search the country you’re visiting for an overview of health issues, vaccine recommendations, and other guidelines. You may be surprised by what you find.
For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for travel virtually anywhere. Measles is increasing globally, according to the CDC site, which states: “Most people who bring measles to the United States are unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.”
Staying up to date on vaccines like MMR is the first step to healthy travel, but some places (even popular, heavily touristed destinations) may have additional destination-specific risks. For example, you may need a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine if you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors in certain parts of Austria, and pregnant women should avoid it. Costa Rica due to the risk of the Zika virus.
Related: How to know if you need vaccines before your next trip
Get a travel health consultation
It’s a good idea to consult a travel health specialist before any trip, but especially if you are visiting an area with high health risks, remote areas, or if you have underlying health conditions.
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The doctor will inform you about the health risks at your destination and share what you should (and shouldn’t) do to protect yourself. This may involve recommended vaccinations, as well as other guidance, from what mosquito repellent to use to how to prevent blood clots on long flights. They can also advise you on current health issues, such as the DRC’s Ebola outbreak in 2026, as well as review applicable documentation requirements.
At a recent consultation for an upcoming safari in Tanzania, my doctor recommended a tetanus booster shot (I had already received the other vaccines required for my dream trip to Madagascar). He also advised me to avoid tap water and raw foods, prescribed anti-malaria medication to take during my trip, and told me to bring proof of my yellow fever vaccine, which is often required when traveling in Africa.
You’ll want to visit a clinic that specializes in travel, as primary care providers may not be up to date on the latest health issues around the world and may not have all the vaccines you may need. The International Society of Travel Medicine clinic directory can help you find a provider near you.
Make your appointment a month or two before departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses over a few weeks. Keep in mind that your health insurance may not cover travel-related preventive care, but you can use HSA funds for these expenses.
Related: The best credit cards to pay your medical bills
Prepare medications and documentation.
For any medication you take, you’ll want to pack enough quantities to last the duration of your trip, and preferably a little more in case you’re delayed getting home. This may require getting permission from your doctor to refill a prescription in advance.
Recently, while standing in line at the pharmacy, I overheard a customer trying to refill a prescription a couple of days early because he was about to go on vacation. Because of those extra days, your insurance would not cover the cost. The pharmacist could not help him; He needed to contact his doctor and had very limited time to do so. The lesson? Save yourself this kind of stress by checking the dates of your recipes well in advance.
Additionally, depending on where you are going, you may also want to bring over-the-counter medications. For example, some European countries require a prescription for certain pain relievers and antacids that we are used to getting over the counter in the US.
When it comes to medication procedures, requirements vary from one country to another. It is always a good idea to bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you will be traveling with. In some countriesYou may need to apply for a permit or get a letter from your doctor for certain substances (even those that do not require a prescription).
Related: 5 things you should never carry in a checked bag, even if airlines allow it
Take care of yourself while you travel
It’s hard to make the most of your vacation when you’re feeling exhausted, so pack everything you need to help you sleep. For me, this means eye masks, earplugs, melatonin supplements, and my comfiest pajamas. (What can I say? Hotel beds don’t suit me.) You might also consider trying one of these Applications that will help you combat jet lag.
If, like me, you’re prone to catching viruses on flights, you might want to pack some zinc in your carry-on luggage to help fight off a cold before it starts. Also, check out our tips for reduce the risk of getting sick on a plane.
Depending on your travel plans, you may also need insect repellent, motion sickness medication, or Band-Aids in case you get blisters while sightseeing. I keep a personalized first aid kit filled with mini versions of the essentials; I can modify its content depending on where I’m going and then I’m ready to go.
Related: Do you really need a motion sickness patch for your cruise?
Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
As we saw during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the global health situation can change in the blink of an eye. You can’t predict the future, but there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected.
The US State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Programor STEP, is a great resource. Join once and you can record every trip you take to stay up-to-the-minute on relevant safety concerns at your destination. You’ll receive updates from the nearest US Consulate on topics related to health, safety, weather and more.
Another smart step is to protect your trip with travel insurance. Some travel credit cards have built-in travel insurance, but you may want additional coverage, such as a cancellation for any reason clause (CFAR). Consider this ahead of time, as most CFAR policies must be purchased within a short period of time (between 24 hours and two weeks) after making your first trip payment.
I got CFAR insurance for my safari this summer and now, with the Ebola outbreak threatening to spread to Tanzania, I’m glad I did. While many policies will cover medical expenses if you contract Ebola on a trip, they may not cover cancellation for fear of an outbreak.
Ideally, you won’t need to use these tools, but they will give you added peace of mind while abroad. At worst, you’ll be glad you had them.
Related: The best credit cards with travel insurance
In a nutshell
Taking your dream trip isn’t just about planning an epic itinerary, booking unforgettable activities, and maximizing your points — it’s also about staying safe and healthy while abroad.
While there are health risks around the world, many are mitigatable and should not deter you from traveling. Research and pack accordingly and you’ll be ready to explore the world safely and responsibly.
