Travel June 4, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock the Hidden Travel Health Secrets Every Smart Globetrotter Swears By—Are You Ready to Travel Safer Than Ever?

Ever wondered what’s more likely to crash your dream vacation: a sudden rainstorm or an unexpected rendezvous with a bout of illness? While it might sound less dramatic than a shipwreck, getting sick on a trip—though not a common guest—can throw a serious wrench into your plans, or worse, derail your entire getaway. Sometimes, keeping healthy abroad is as straightforward as slathering on extra sunscreen. Other times, it’s about outsmarting stealthy viruses, bacteria, and the labyrinthine medication regulations that certain countries impose before you even set foot in them. Navigating this maze isn’t just about dodging trouble; it’s about ensuring that your focus stays firmly on the memories you’re crafting, not hospital visits or red tape. Ready to outwit the unforeseen and travel smart? This checklist is your compass.

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Getting sick on a trip, while relatively uncommon, has the potential to ruin your vacation — or worse.

For some trips, staying healthy might be as simple as packing extra sunscreen. In other places, hidden threats like viruses and bacteria could make you seriously ill if you come unprepared. Plus, some countries have additional steps you must take to enter with medications.

This checklist will help you stay safe and well on your travels — and to avoid unexpected snags so you can focus on the important stuff: making memories.

Research your destination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health site is a great place to start. Look up the country you’re visiting for an overview of health concerns, vaccine recommendations and other guidelines. You might be surprised by what you find.

For instance, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for travel pretty much anywhere. Measles is on the rise globally, according to the CDC site, which states the following: “Most people who bring measles into the United States are unvaccinated U.S. residents who get infected during international travel.”

Staying up-to-date on vaccines like MMR is the first step to healthy travel, but some places — even popular, well-touristed destinations — may have additional, destination-specific risks. For example, you may need a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine if you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors in certain parts of Austria, and pregnant women should avoid Costa Rica due to the risk of Zika virus.

Get a travel health consultation

Woman speaking to a doctor — MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES

It’s a good idea to consult a travel health specialist before any trip, but especially if you are visiting an area with elevated health risks, remote areas or if you have underlying health conditions.

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The doctor will brief you on health risks in your destination(s) and share what you should (and shouldn’t) do to protect yourself. This may involve recommended vaccinations as well as other guidance — from what mosquito repellent to use to how to prevent blood clots on long flights. They can also give you advice on current health concerns, like the 2026 DRC Ebola outbreak, as well as review applicable documentation requirements.

At a recent consultation for an upcoming safari in Tanzania, my doctor recommended a tetanus booster shot (I had already gotten the other required vaccines for my dream trip to Madagascar). She also advised me to avoid tap water and uncooked foods, gave me a prescription for an antimalarial drug to take during my trip, and told me to bring proof of my yellow fever vaccine, which is often required when traveling through Africa.

You’ll want to visit a clinic that specializes in travel, as primary care providers may not be up-to-date on the latest health concerns around the world and they may not stock all the vaccines you might need. The International Society of Travel Medicine’s clinic directory can help you find a provider near you.

Make your appointment a month or two before departure, as some vaccinations require multiple doses over a few weeks. Keep in mind that your health insurance may not cover travel-related preventive care, but you can use HSA funds for these expenses.

Prepare medications and documentation

Customer paying cashless in a pharmacy — WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

For any medications you take, you’ll need to pack sufficient quantities to last the length of your trip — and preferably a little longer in case you get delayed coming home. This may require getting permission from your doctor to refill a prescription early.

While in line at the pharmacy recently, I overheard a fellow customer trying to refill a prescription a couple of days early because he was about to leave for vacation. Due to those extra days, his insurance wouldn’t cover the cost. The pharmacist couldn’t help him; he needed to contact his doctor — and he had a very limited time to do so. The lesson? Save yourself this type of stress by checking your prescription dates well in advance.

Also, depending on where you’re going, you may want to pack over-the-counter meds as well. For instance, some European countries require a prescription for certain painkillers and antacids that we are used to getting over the counter in the U.S.

When it comes to medication paperwork, requirements vary from country to country. It’s always a good idea to bring copies of your prescriptions for any medicines you’ll be traveling with. In some countries, you may need to apply for a permit or get a letter from your doctor for certain substances (even over-the-counter ones).

Take care of yourself while traveling

A man sleeps onboard the Mayan Train in Mexico, on April 18, 2024. — CARL DE SOUZA/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

It’s hard to make the most of your vacation when you’re feeling run-down, so pack anything you need to help you sleep. For me, this means eye masks, ear plugs, melatonin supplements and my comfiest jammies. (What can I say, hotel beds don’t agree with me.) You may also consider trying one of these apps to help you beat jet lag.

If you’re prone to catching viruses on flights like I am, you may want to keep some zinc in your carry-on to help you fight off a cold before it starts. Plus, check out our tips to reduce your risk of getting sick on a plane.

Depending on your travel plans, you may also need bug spray, motion-sickness medications or band-aids in case you get blisters while sightseeing. I keep a customized first-aid kit packed with mini versions of the essentials; I can tweak its contents based on where I’m headed, and then I’m ready to go.

Hope for the best, plan for the worst

Woman writing notes at computer — HALFPOINT IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

As we saw during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the global health situation can change in the blink of an eye. You can’t predict the future, but there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected.

The U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a great resource. Join once, and you can enroll every trip you take to stay up-to-the-minute on relevant safety concerns in your destination. You’ll get updates from the nearest U.S. Consulate on issues related to health, security, weather and more.

Another smart step is protecting your trip with travel insurance. Some travel credit cards have trip insurance built in, but you may want additional coverage, such as a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) clause. Look into this early, as most CFAR policies must be purchased within a short time frame — anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks — after you make your first trip payment.

I got CFAR insurance for my safari this summer, and now, with the Ebola outbreak threatening to spread to Tanzania, I’m glad I did. While many policies will cover medical expenses if you contract Ebola on a trip, they may not cover cancellation out of fear due to an outbreak.

Best-case scenario, you won’t need to use these tools, but they’ll give you added peace of mind while abroad. Worst-case scenario, you’ll be glad you had them.

Bottom line

Pulling off the trip of your dreams isn’t just about planning an epic itinerary, booking unforgettable activities and maximizing your points — it’s also about staying safe and healthy while abroad.

While health risks exist around the globe, many are mitigable and should not deter you from traveling. Do your research and pack accordingly, and you’ll be ready to explore the world safely and responsibly.