A summer trip involves planning, packing, and preparing for new adventures. Whether traveling across the state or around the world, take time to prioritize your health. Getting healthy for travel, packing what you need to stay that way, and preparing for the unexpected will help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
It starts with wellness
Vacations take us out of our everyday routines and expose us to different locales, customs, and cuisines. They may also involve crowds, unfamiliar foods, and stress. Schedule a wellness visit with your Kinwell clinician to review your health and the specifics of your upcoming journey. Refill prescriptions so you have plenty on hand, and arrange any needed vaccinations based on your destination (more on that later).
Vacation training
Your vacation may involve lounging on a beach, walking through vast museum collections, or tackling adventurous hikes or other physical challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you assess the demands of your vacation and build strength and stamina to meet them. Try to get in good physical condition. Take walks or hikes to build endurance. Step up your pre-vacation preparations by breaking in comfortable footwear, trying out moisture-wicking clothes, and practicing healthy hydration.
Vaccinations
Many destinations around the world require vaccinations to protect against local illnesses. Your Kinwell clinician can review CDC-recommended vaccines, help you identify which vaccines you may need for your travels, and refer you to pharmacies and other resources for less-common vaccines.
Travelers should make sure they are up to date on routine vaccinations for chickenpox, flu, polio, COVID-19, and others. Receiving vaccinations means you’re not only protecting yourself but also your community. For example, measles cases in the U.S. are most often reintroduced by travelers returning from visits to countries where measles is circulating. Most transmission then occurs among people who are unvaccinated. The CDC recommends full vaccination against measles at least two weeks before travel abroad.
Packing for health
If your vacation is taking you to remote areas, you may find yourself far from a hospital or pharmacy. Pack the items you need to keep yourself healthy and feeling your best. This includes any medications you use regularly, such as over-the-counter pain medicines and prescription drugs. Don’t forget the occasional medications you might need such as antihistamines, antacids, or sleep aids. Some countries require documentation for prescription medications, so keep them in their original labeled containers and pack them in your carry-on luggage.
Prepare for the unexpected
Preparing for the unexpected while on vacation involves researching the healthcare services available at your destination and checking whether your health plan covers care in other countries.
Consider purchasing supplemental coverage or travel insurance specifically for health-related events. This could include a medical evacuation policy that covers transportation from remote locales to the nearest quality hospital.
Another sensible precaution is to prepare a card that notes your blood type and any chronic health conditions, ideally in the language of the nation you’re visiting. Consider a medical bracelet or other system that provides local healthcare providers with a link to your medical history.
Taking the time to consider the health challenges of travel will help ensure you have the safest trip possible. Schedule a pre-travel exam with your Kinwell clinician to review the specifics of your journey. Established patients can schedule through their MyChart account. New patients can schedule online or call 833-411-5469.
