Vacation starts with preparation—especially when it comes to your health.
Whether you’re heading to Miami for a quick getaway or backpacking across Europe, travel can take a toll on your body if you’re not prepared. From unexpected illnesses to medication mishaps, even a dream trip can turn stressful fast.
We help patients travel with confidence—knowing they’ve covered the health basics before takeoff. With a little planning, you can spend more time exploring and less time worrying.
Here’s your pre-travel health checklist to keep you safe, energized, and ready for adventure.
🧳 Check in With Your Doctor Before You Check In Anywhere Else
A quick wellness visit can help catch any red flags—especially if you have chronic conditions, are recovering from illness, or haven’t had a checkup in a while.
👀 What to watch for: Skipping doctor visits because “it’s just a short trip” or relying on last-minute fixes if something goes wrong abroad.
💡 Pro tip: Book your travel checkup at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially if you need lab work, prescription refills, or vaccines.
💊 Refill and Pack Your Medications (Properly)
Running out of meds mid-trip is more common than you think—and depending on where you’re going, refills can be expensive or unavailable. Always carry medications in original packaging, with your name and prescription label clearly visible.
💬 Sound familiar? You’ve forgotten meds before or packed them in checked luggage by mistake.
💡 Pro tip: Bring extra doses in case of travel delays and keep them in your carry-on. Don’t forget any allergy medications, inhalers, or supplements you rely on.
🦟 Know What Vaccines or Travel Precautions You May Need
Different countries have different health risks—from mosquito-borne illnesses to foodborne bacteria. A travel medicine consultation can guide you through recommended vaccines, medications (like anti-malarials), and food/water safety tips.
👀 What to watch for: Traveling to areas with tropical diseases, rural conditions, or unfamiliar food handling practices.
💡 Pro tip: Even common destinations like Florida or Latin America may require updated vaccines or precautions depending on your activities.
🚰 Hydrate and Adjust Your Routine Early
Long flights, unfamiliar food, and time zone shifts can throw your body off. Staying hydrated, rested, and eating regular meals can reduce fatigue, constipation, and jet lag.
💡 Pro tip: Begin adjusting your sleep schedule 2–3 days before departure if traveling across time zones. Drink plenty of water on the plane—avoid excess caffeine or alcohol.
🧼 Pack a Mini Health Kit—Just in Case
A small travel kit with hand sanitizer, bandages, pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness meds can save you from a pharmacy scramble in a new country.
💬 Sound familiar? You’ve been caught without basics like headache meds, bug spray, or antiseptic cream.
💡 Pro tip: Add face masks, electrolyte packets, and any destination-specific items like water purification tablets if you’re going off the grid.
Peace of Mind Makes for a Better Trip
Travel should be fun—not frantic. With the right health prep, you can explore the world knowing you’re protected, prepared, and supported—wherever you go.
At Family Medicine Center, we offer pre-travel health checkups, vaccine consultations, prescription planning, and tailored health advice for wherever life takes you next.
📞 Call (242) 702-9310 to book your travel health consultation
📅 Schedule your appointment today and leave the island with confidence—and come home feeling just as good.