Traveling is exciting, and it’s the season for lots of international travel. It is also a season when we all need to be extra careful and very cautious of our health. You do not want to jeopardize your health while traveling. From disease outbreaks and poor water and food quality to meeting new people and being in new environments, Before you travel, remember there are a number of things to consider.

 

Before you travel

 

 

Before you travel, make a proper health plan:

  • Check government travel health advisories for the area to which you are traveling. This will let you know if there are health restrictions or precautions to take.

 

  • Most places require COVID testing prior to entry. You can find the information about the processes on the country portals, links to these portals can be found on some of the international airline websites. Also, it is a good idea to travel with your COVID vaccine card.

 

  • Please see your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip. You may need some immunizations or vaccinations for the places you are visiting and some vaccines don’t reach the highest protection until after 6 weeks of getting the shots.

 

  • Endeavor to have medical and dental check-ups before your trip. If you have health issues, find out about medications you’ll need to take with you. Carry extra prescriptions for the medicines as well. Bring your eyewear prescriptions. If you wear glasses and contacts. Wear a medical information bracelet, if needed. If you’re flying, make sure your prescriptions and eyewear are in your carry-on luggage.

 

  • Find out what your health insurance will pay for if you see a doctor while you’re in another country. Carry extra prescriptions for the medicines as well. Bring your eyewear prescriptions. If you wear glasses and contacts, bring both. Wear a medical information bracelet, if needed. If you’re flying, make sure your prescription medication and eyewear are in your carry-on luggage.

 

 

Consider what you’ll eat while traveling. If you’re going to a country with an increased risk of traveler’s diarrhea, plan to eat carefully. Drink water from commercially sealed bottles. Drink hot or carbonated beverages. Avoid ice. Use bottled water when you brush your teeth. Protect your mental health. Be careful and stay healthy.