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Travel Health Tips

BEFORE YOU GO

  • Research basic health information about your destination
  • If you have any chronic health condition or special health needs, such as diabetes, allergies, asthma, or heart disease, ask your doctor for any travel health advice about your condition, and if you should avoid or limit certain activities
  • If you are not feeling well, talk to your doctor before you travel
  • Make sure routine immunizations are up to date for you and your kids
  • Make a brief medical history form that includes your doctor's contact information, your blood type, any allergies, health conditions, prescription medications, immunizations, and other important health information.

International Travel Health Tips

  • Be sure to check on any travel health requirements for the countries you plan to visit, such as necessary immunizations or tests. Check the Centers for Disease Control Travelers' Health page for specific details.
  • If you need any special immunizations, get them at least 4-6 weeks before you leave
  • Your health and accident insurance may not be valid outside of the U.S. Check with your insurance provider to see if you need additional travel health/accident insurance.
  • To find recommended doctors, clinics, and hospitals for travelers, check with a travel medicine clinic. Also, check with your host your host country or countries' tourism or foreign affairs offices.
  • When purchasing additional travel health/accident insurance, consider medical evacuation insurance to cover the cost of transporting you out of the country for medical care
  • Some doctors, clinics, and hospitals outside of the U.S. may require you to pay them before you are treated, even though you have insurance
  • In some countries, you may need to be especially careful about what you eat and drink
    • The safest foods are those that are well-cooked and factory-packaged, as well as those served in major hotels and restaurants
    • The safest drinks are factory-sealed beverages, such as bottled water or soda, or hot beverages such as tea and coffee
  • If you get sick in another country, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Also, contact your travel health insurance provider
  • Some medications available overseas may be different than similar medications in the U.S. Also, some medications may not be available outside of the U.S. Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns
  • Bring proof of any required immunizations

GETTING PACKED

  • If you need any prescription medication, bring enough to last you the duration of your trip. Also, if you wear glasses, bring an extra pair. Keep any essential medications in your carry-on luggage.
  • Keep medicines in their original containers. You may also need a letter from your doctor explaining why you need certain medicines.
  • If you have any chronic health condition or special needs, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace
  • Here are a few essential travel health supplies to bring with you:
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellant
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Diarrhea/upset stomach medication
    • Pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Allergy medication
    • Cold/flu remedies
    • Antacids
    • Motion sickness medication

EN ROUTE

  • To reduce jet lag symptoms, drink plenty of water, avoid eating too much, and readjust your schedule to the local time as soon as possible
  • During long plane, train, bus and car rides, your risk of deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in your legs from sitting too long, increases. To reduce your risk, move about and stretch as frequently as possible, drink plenty of water, and ask your doctor if you have any special concerns.
  • If you get earaches when you fly, chew gum or take a decongestant
  • Feeling seasick, airsick, or carsick? Motion sickness medication may help.
  • If you suddenly feel sick on a plane or cruise ship, tell a crew member

OUT AND ABOUT

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom. Use a hand sanitizer if you are far away from soap and running water.
  • Wear sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Re-apply it after swimming or if you've been sweating a lot.
  • Use insect repellant to keep harmful insects away. Repellents containing DEET work best.
  • Avoid any strange animals
  • If you are traveling to high-elevation areas, such as mountainous areas, you may be at risk of altitude sickness
  • Don't have too much alcohol to drink
  • If you feel sick after coming back from your trip, tell your doctor.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY HABITS WHEN YOU TRAVEL

  • Traveling can make it harder to eat right, get regular exercise, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Don't take a vacation from healthy habits!
  • Some Best Western locations offer access to an on-site or nearby fitness center, so you can stick to your exercise regimen, or just release stress
  • Don't skip breakfast! Some Best Western locations, such as our Business Plus hotels, offer a complimentary breakfast.
  • Make regular "downtime" part of your travel plans
  • Whenever possible, walk instead of drive
  • Choose whole grains, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables when eating out
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