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Summer travel can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the season, but changes in routine can make it harder to stay healthy while you're away from home.
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Learn practical ways to manage medications, stay hydrated, make nutritious food choices, protect yourself from sun exposure and insect bites, and prepare for common travel health concerns.
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A PacMed primary care physician has some recommendations for your summer travels to help you prevent illness, reduce stress and keep you feeling your best throughout your journey.
Summer is a popular time for vacations, family visits, road trips and outdoor adventures. While travel offers opportunities to relax and recharge, it can also disrupt routines that help keep you healthy. Long travel days, crowded airports, changes to your diet and meal schedule and unfamiliar environments can all affect your well-being if you're not prepared.
Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed), part of the Providence family of organizations, encourages patients to take a few simple steps before and during their travels to stay healthy, safe and energized all summer long.
Plan ahead before you go
A little preparation before your trip can help prevent common travel-related illnesses and reduce the likelihood of unexpected health concerns while you're away.
"Seeing your primary care provider or a travel clinic before international travel can be very helpful," says Jonah Talavera-Paragas, M.D., a primary care physician at PacMed Primary Care Totem Lake. "Depending on your destination, recommended vaccines or preventive medications may need to be given several weeks before your trip—sometimes as much as six weeks in advance."
If you're traveling internationally, Dr. Talavera-Paragas recommends reviewing destination-specific health recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before departure and giving yourself plenty of time to obtain any needed vaccinations or medications.
Manage medications wisely
One of the most important items on any travel checklist is your medication supply.
"Make sure you have enough of your prescription medications while you go on an extended trip," says Dr. Talavera-Paragas. "Request refills before a planned trip."
Bring enough medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep medications in their original labeled containers and pack them in your carry-on bag when flying.
"If you need a doctor's note to bring certain medications into another country, make sure you obtain this ahead of time as well," she advises.
It's also helpful to carry a list of your medications, allergies and emergency contacts while traveling.
Make smart food and hydration choices
Trying local cuisine is often one of the highlights of travel, but food safety should remain a priority — especially when traveling internationally.
"When eating street food, please be mindful of the vendor's water supply," Dr. Talavera-Paragas advises. "You can contract food poisoning, parasites or even hepatitis from improperly prepared food."
To lower your risk of illness, choose foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot, and avoid raw or undercooked items and unpasteurized dairy products. She also recommends staying hydrated throughout your trip.
"Drink bottled water whenever possible during international travel," she says. "And always hydrate."
Protect yourself outdoors
Depending on your destination, insect bites can be more than just an itchy annoyance. According to the CDC some 30 to 40 species of the insect can carry malaria
"To help prevent insect bites, you can use citronella-infused wristbands or apply insect repellents containing DEET 30–35% or picaridin 20% to exposed skin," says Dr. Talavera-Paragas.
She also emphasizes another summer essential: "Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Make sure to reapply every two hours for continued protection. UV-protective clothing can be helpful as well."
Pack a travel health kit
Unexpected health issues can happen anywhere, so it pays to be prepared.
"I recommend bringing a travel kit that includes acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Dramamine and a small first-aid kit," says Dr. Talavera-Paragas.
She also recommends packing hand sanitizer and washing your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of illness while traveling.
A little planning can go a long way toward helping you stay healthy and enjoy your trip.
Learn more: Find a PacMed physician or Advanced Practice Clinician (APC)
Like Providence Swedish, Pacific Medical Centers is part of the Providence family of organizations and offers a full range of primary and specialty care services. You can feel confident in your care team. We are committed to providing you with extraordinary care so you can achieve your best health. Visit our provider directory to find a PacMed physician or APC near you. You can also call PacMed's New Patient Information Line at 1.888.4PACMED (1.888.472.2633).
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