Summer is the perfect time to take a break from the everyday and travel to a new locale, but remember that you should never take a vacation from your health and safety.

When traveling during summer vacation, or any time, you should keep both your health and safety in mind. From securing your belongings to taking the proper medication and shoes with you, there are many ways you can protect yourself during travel.

Making Arrangements

· Planning—Research your destination and learn about local laws and customs as well as health or safety issues.

· Itinerary—Prepare an itinerary with all of your travel details and leave it with a family member or friend in case you need to be reached for an emergency.

· Property insurance—Check with your homeowners insurance to see if your personal property is covered for loss or theft abroad.

· Health insurance—Call your medical insurance company and find out if you are covered when you are out of state or out of the country. If you have an emergency, you want to be ready.

· Travel insurance—Check with your credit card company or airline carrier about travel insurance. This insurance will help cover expenses if you get sick, and it will reimburse trip costs if you have to cancel or change your plans.

· Spending—Plan to use credit cards or travelers checks instead of cash.

Packing

· Leave it behind—Don’t take valuable or expensive jewelry, irreplaceable family items, unnecessary credit/debit cards, Social Security card, or other items you might usually have on hand.

· Make copies—Make copies of your passport, identification, airline tickets, and credit cards you plan to use. Leave one copy of each with your family member and place the other copies separate from where you carry their originals. Also, contact your pharmacy and get copies of all your medical prescriptions. These will help if you are cared for by a new doctor or if lose your medications.

· Pack smart—Remember to pack for your destination(s). Bring proper shoes if you will be walking a lot; bring a hat and sunglasses if you will be in the sun, etc.

· Don’t forget— Pack the medications you usually take, along with over-the-counter ones you might need and your insurance card. Consider bringing a first-aid kit as well.

Precautions While Traveling

· Use the buddy system—If traveling in a group or with family, never let someone leave the group and sightsee alone.

· Beware of pickpockets—Keep money and other valuables tucked away. Use a cross-body bag instead of a shoulder bag or backpack.

· Take care outdoors—Remember to use sunscreen and insect repellant and drink plenty of water.

· Wash your hands—Travel can introduce you to many germs, and hand washing is invaluable. Also consider bringing a travel-size hand sanitizer.

· Eat and drink with caution—Don’t drink tap water in underdeveloped areas as it may be contaminated; instead, try to get bottled water. Do not eat food that is undercooked or has been left out.

· Practice good habits—Try to keep up with your regular exercise so returning to it once home is easy. If you are eating healthy or on a diet, vacation does have to ruin it—many restaurants offer healthy options. Excessive walking during travel can tire you out; make sure you have enough downtime built in to your vacation.

Wherever you travel this summer, make sure you make your health and safety a priority. If you have any other questions about vacation precautions, contact Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7692 for a physician referral.

Sources:

A Safe Trip Abroad (Travel.State.Gov)

7 Important Travel Safety Tips (VacationPackage.net)

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