Anyone who has traveled knows the mental health benefits of a change of scenery. But what about before you get on the plane and depart? If you’ve never traveled and want to ensure you get the best experience, you shouldn’t ignore some essential health factors that could impact your trip. Besides packing and arranging visas, these health points are some of the most important issues to consider, so what should you focus on?
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are some of the most important things to do before you travel since some countries may not even admit entry if you cannot prove you have specific shots. Once you have booked your flights, you need to arrange vaccinations that are recommended for your destination. If you’re visiting Thailand, rabies, Hepatitis, and Diphtheria are all recommended, while Colombia may require Yellow Fever vaccines. Some vaccines require multiple sessions, so don’t drag your feet.
Medication
If you take medication, you need to stock up on your pills to ensure you have enough for your trip. However, your doctor may not be able to prescribe too much, so it’s worth researching whether you can access this medication abroad and if you can, you need to know how to do it. It might also be worth checking whether you will be stopped at immigration. A doctor’s note could prevent delays if you’re stopped coming into a country with bottles of meds.
Pre-Trip Checkups
If you’re traveling for a long time (or even aren’t sure when you’re coming home), it’s worth getting a pre-trip checkup because you don’t know when you’ll be able to speak to a doctor again. These checkups can include a physical, dental checkup, and speaking to an audiologist. You will benefit from identifying potential health issues now rather than later, especially since a specialist’s role in hearing management at home can be much more effective than abroad.
Your Ability And Conditioning
It’s possible you do a lot of walking when traveling, especially if you’re visiting Peru and intend to do the Inca Trail for Machu Picchu. Anyone who’s done the trek before knows how strenuous it can be, especially mixed with the altitude, so training for this is essential to ensure you don’t experience any health problems. You don’t need to hit the treadmill every day until you leave, but improving your conditioning can work wonders for getting the most from your trip.
Travel Insurance
While you hope that nothing goes wrong while traveling, you never know when you might get food poisoning or suffer an injury. Overseas medical expenses can be pricey, especially if you need to spend a few days in a hospital, which is why investing in affordable health insurance is so beneficial. You might still need to pay out of pocket initially, but you will get this money back after filing a claim.
Trip Of a Lifetime
You want your adventure to be the trip of a lifetime. These tips will help you prepare for your vacation, whether you’re going for a few weeks or planning on a long-term experience. You should always be aware of your health and well-being when traveling anywhere, so book checkups and appointments as soon as possible to ensure you’re ready.