Essential Last Minute Travel Tips

travel tips

Jet-Setting for Summer? Don’t Forget These Tips!

If you’re about to jet-set and head out on your summer vacation or next business trip, you will want to do a final check that you have everything in place. From your passport to your luggage, double-checking you have everything is definitely recommended. If you are traveling internationally, the importance of reviewing travel information before you head out the door becomes even more necessary. Here are some tips for last-minute travelers.

Pre-travel Care

Even if your departure date is right around the corner, it’s not too late to visit a travel medicine provider. Ideally, you should see a healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before your international trip to get needed vaccines or medicines. However, if you’re a last-minute traveler, there are still options that your travel consult can highlight.

Vaccines

The vaccines you may require will depend on your destination and planned activities. CDC lists necessary vaccines by destination so that you know what to expect. Some travel vaccines require multiple shots and can take time to become fully effective. If you are short on time, you can be given an ‘accelerated schedule,’ meaning that doses are given in a shorter period of time.

Anti-Malaria

If your destination of choice has a risk of malaria, your health care provider may prescribe medicine to prevent malaria. Some drugs must be started 1 to 2 weeks before you go, while others need to be started 1 to 2 days before you travel. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know when you are leaving so that he or she can prescribe the right course of medicine.

Prevent Illness and Injury

There are only a few things in life that are as disappointing as getting ill on vacation. Follow these simple precautions to keep illness and injury at bay while you are away:

  • Wear insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites
  • Reduce your exposure to germs by washing your hands with soap and clean water
  • Use hand sanitizer if washing your hands is not an option
  • Be cautious about what you eat and drink. Contaminated food and drink can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases
  • Avoid wild and frightened animals to avoid bites and possibly rabies
  • Pack a travel health kit complete with prescription and over-the-counter medicines

Talk with your healthcare provider about other precautions you should take when traveling abroad. Don’t put off making an appointment for a travel consult – visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. With facilities in Irvine and Stanton, we can address your healthcare needs quickly. We welcome walk-ins and have an expert team of medical professionals ready to help you.