Travel Tips
To help you keep healthy on the road
Find quick tips I’ve learned to keep you healthy as you travel. So whether you are already on the road or planning your next trip, you can ensure your health is taken care of. I’m constantly learning, so check back for more along the way.
Vaccinations: Prevention is always better than treatment, so you will want to be up to date on your vaccinations wherever you go. Visit your primary care doctor or check out a travel clinic to see what you need.
If you don’t entirely know where you are going, find a travel clinic along the way to get any extra coverage you need.
If you are looking to save money, you may benefit from getting vaccinations as you travel. I got my Japanese Encephalitis vaccine at the Thai Red Cross during a layover in Bangkok for 2% of what it would have cost me otherwise.
Take appropriate records of your vaccinations (I even received an “immunization passport” from a travel clinic). This information may sometimes be necessary when going through immigration services depending on where you are visiting and where you have been.
Prescriptions: Have copies of any prescription information you have. This goes for things like medications, as well as glasses or any other medical equipment. This way if you lose anything, you have access to this information quickly.
Travel Insurance: Ensure your health is covered should you need health services while travelling. Read more about what I recommend here.
Personal Protective Equipment: I have found it useful to have the following equipment:
Water treatment: water filter (I recommend the LifeStaw), iodine tablets, or UV purifier
Mosquito net: get one that has been treated with Permethrin
Shower shoes: even just a cheap pair of flip flops
Travel Sheets or Liner
Travel Medical Kit: make sure it has some basic medications included, such as antihistamines and analgesics, as well as dressing supplies
Medical Services: Know how to contact medical services in case the need arises. Keep this information and emergency contact information easily accessible, and ensure your emergency contact has a copy of your travel insurance documents. This way if you are in a situation where you cannot provide this, they may be able to.
Culture Shock: This is a very real thing that can take a toll on your mental health. Ensure you take time to identify areas of strain and actively engage in self-care by participating in activities or practices you enjoy. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust and consider talking to someone if you are really struggling.
Water safety: Often times in another country you run the risk of getting sick if you drink the local water. Utilize a form of water treatment such as a water filter to prevent this, or consider sticking to bottled water.
Hand hygiene: One of the most beneficial and simplest ways to stay healthy - practice good hygiene particularly after using the bathroom, after transportation, or before eating. When you are travelling you are usually going through places that receive a high volume of people, all touching the same things, and increasing your risk of getting sick - so keep your hands clean!
Health Check-up: If you have been travelling for a long time or gotten sick abroad, make an appointment to see your primary care doctor and ensure you have no undetected health issues. Consider seeing your dentist or any other medical service you may have neglected while travelling as well.
Reverse Culture Shock: You may not expect to experience culture shock in your own country, but particularly with longer term travel this is a definite possibility and self-care measures should be taken.