How to Stay Well While Traveling

Nothing ruins a trip faster than coming down with an illness. To make matters worse it can often be difficult to receive the level of care you need or determine how to treat an illness when overseas. Stay well while traveling by following these travel guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Area guidebook
• Medications
• First aid kit
• Traveler's insurance policy
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Sealed bottle water

Plan Ahead

1. Research your destination. Learn about local customs, common ailments and the culture to protect yourself. Look for government run websites which may offer printable guidebooks on your destination and resources for tourist.

2. Consult traveler's resources such as The Center for Disease Control. The CDC provides updated information on vaccines and staying safe while traveling.

3. Visit with your primary care doctor. Review current medical conditions, update prescriptions and receive any booster shots that may be needed.

4. Access a travel specialist or travel clinic. Find out which immunizations and medications you need based on your travel destination. The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) offers a directory of travel physicians.

5. Prepare a medical kit. Include a first aid kit, prescription medications and other medications for common illnesses.

6. Sign up for travel insurance. Travel agents and insurance companies provide travelers insurance. Look for a policy that covers medical emergencies and evacuations and take the policy with you as you travel.

While On Your Trip

7. Take a full day to recover from jet lag. Allow your body to adjust to the change in time zones. Follow local customs for meals and activities to keep jet lag from causing illness.

8. Nurture your body to avert dehydration. Apply sunscreen and limit direct exposure to the sun to keep from overheating. Replenish your body with water and ease into outdoor activities.

9. Protect yourself from insects. Mosquitoes carry Malaria and other harmful diseases. Use repellent on clothing and body. Remember to cover arms and legs as much as possible when outside.

10. Use safe drinking water. Boil or use sealed bottled water to ensure safety from various illnesses.

11. Make safe eating choices. Only eat cooked food items and peel any fruits and vegetables you consume. Stay away from products sold by street vendors or buffet style restaurants where the food is likely to sit out for hours before eating.

12. Handle illness when overseas. Call the number on your health insurance policy for assistance in receiving medical care.

13. Check in with your doctor. After your trip get a check up and review any health problems that occurred overseas.

Tips & Warnings

• Raw fruits and vegetables and those grown in contaminated soil are more likely to cause traveler's diarrhea.
• In remote rural areas you may have less control over your food and water choices and can increase your risk of illness.
• Avoid drinking or eating foods prepared with contaminated water and eating in unsanitary locations.

Resources

• Stay well as you travel with health information from the CDC.
• Find a travel specialist at the ASTMH.