Healthy Travels: Preparing for International Adventures

Traveling abroad is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. However, making sure that your health is in check before you leave is crucial to having a safe and enjoyable trip.

This blog will help walk you through essential steps to prepare for international travel, focusing on health, medications, and vaccinations. Please note that this is not intended to substitute for medical advice, because everyone is different, and your personal health history may necessitate additional measures. This is an overview of some suggestions.

1. Research Health Risks and Requirements Before booking your trip, research your destination’s health-related requirements and risks. Some countries may have specific vaccination mandates, health advisories, or environmental risks like waterborne diseases or high altitudes.

• Visit Reputable Sources: Check websites like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or WHO (World Health Organization) for up-to-date health information.

• Understand Local Conditions: Be aware of climate, pollution levels, and potential allergens that may affect your health. You can check these things often by a simple Google search.

2. Schedule a Pre-Travel Health Check-Up Visit your healthcare provider for at least 4-6 weeks before departure. This allows time for any vaccinations to take effect and for health professionals to address your concerns.

• Vaccinations: Ensure you’re up to date on routine vaccines like tetanus, measles, and flu. Contingent on your age, you may want a Pneumonia and RSV vaccination. Depending on your destination, you may need additional vaccines for diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A/B.

• Travel Medicine Doctor: Consider consulting a travel medicine specialist who can provide tailored advice and administer destination-specific vaccines. Most major cities have plenty of options.

• Costco SafeGuard Services: Some Costco pharmacies offer travel health services through SafeGuard, including consultations and vaccinations. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers. This isn’t available in every state.

• Discuss Chronic Conditions: If you have ongoing health issues, discuss how to manage them while traveling. This includes adjusting medication schedules for time zone changes.

3. Organize Medications Carrying the right medications is critical for international travel. Here’s how to prepare:

• Stock Up: Bring enough prescription medication to last your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays.

• Documentation: Carry a copy of your prescriptions and a doctor’s note explaining why you need the medication, especially for controlled substances.

• Original Packaging: Keep medications in their original packaging to avoid issues at customs.

• Over-the-Counter Essentials: Pack pain relievers, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, and motion sickness remedies.

• Pack any medications in a Carry on: You never know where your luggage might end up or be delayed. If you have daily meds you need to take, the safest place is with you.

4. Pack a Travel Health Kit A well-stocked health kit can save you time and discomfort while abroad. Include:

• Adhesive bandages and antiseptic wipes

• Thermometer

• Insect repellent (preferably with DEET) if you are traveling where there are insects

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

• Over the counter: allergy meds; pain meds (Tylenol); Pepto Bismol tablets, Tums, or Rolaids (unusual foods can wreak havoc)

5. Understand Health Insurance Coverage Domestic health insurance often doesn’t cover international travel. You should verify what your coverages are with your insurer.

Research your options:

• Travel Insurance: Purchase a policy that includes medical evacuation and coverage for emergencies. Be sure to look at the fine print, particularly about pre-existing condition coverages. There are MANY options, so this may take some time to research and get the best plan for your personal situation.

• International Plans: Some insurers offer short-term international health plans.

• Local Hospitals, Urgent Care, Pharmacy: Familiarize yourself with medical facilities at your destination.

6. Stay Healthy During Your Trip Maintaining good health while traveling is just as important as preparation.

• Hydration and Diet: Drink bottled or purified water and eat freshly prepared food to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

• Sleep: Do your best to get your sleep schedule on local time as soon as possible and avoid jet lag. Listen to your own body!

• Preventative Measures: Use mosquito nets, wear protective clothing, and avoid swimming in freshwater where parasites may be present.

• Exercise Moderation: Adjust to local conditions slowly to prevent altitude sickness or heatstroke.

With proper planning and precautions, you can minimize health risks and focus on enjoying your journey. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your travels are as safe and stress-free as they are memorable.

Bon voyage!