International travel is exciting, but it’s important to think about what could endanger your health while traveling. From disease outbreaks and poor water and food quality to testing and mask-wearing requirements, there are a number of things to consider.
Path to better health
Before you travel, plan ahead:
Please check the World Government travel health advisories for the area you are traveling to. This will tell you if there are health issues restricting your travel or alert you to important precautions to take.
Some destinations require COVID testing prior to entry. This information may need to be entered into a country-specific travel portal. Links to these portals can be found on most international airline websites. Additionally, it’s a good idea to travel with your COVID vaccine card.
Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before leaving. You may need vaccinations or immunizations for the areas you are visiting. Some vaccines do not reach their highest protection until about 6 weeks after receiving the injections.
Get medical and dental checkups before your trip. Be aware of the health problems you have. Find out about the medications you will need to carry with you.
Find out what your health insurance will pay if you see a doctor while you are in another country. Carry enough of your usual prescription and over-the-counter medications in their original containers. Also carry a few extra medications for a day, in case you are late getting home. Bring your prescription glasses. If you wear glasses and contact lenses, bring both. Wear a medical information bracelet, if necessary. If you travel by plane, make sure your prescription medications and glasses are in your carry-on luggage.
Bring a first aid kit. Not all items listed below are necessary. You can customize your kit. May include:
- Your prescription medications, in their original containers.
- Medicine for diarrhea and upset stomach.
- Antacid for indigestion
- Cough and cold medicines
- Pain medications (aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen)
- Decongestants and antihistamines for allergies (non-drowsy formula)
- Antibiotic ointment
- A mask to cover your face and nose (can be used to protect against a virus outbreak or high levels of contamination)
- Adhesive tape
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Moleskin for blisters
- Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and lip balm
- Medicine for motion sickness (dimenhydrinate)
- Other medications for nausea and altitude sickness (promethazine and acetazolamide)
- Scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, razor (checked bags only if flying), thermometer and mirror.
- Wipes and hand sanitizer
Things to consider
Consider what you will eat while traveling. If you are traveling to a country with a higher risk of traveler’s diarrhea, plan to eat carefully. Hot, well-cooked foods are usually the safest. Avoid eating street food, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw or uncooked seafood. Peel the fruits yourself. Drink water from commercially sealed bottles. Or drink hot or carbonated drinks. Avoid ice. Use bottled water when brushing your teeth.
