Traveling Abroad: How To Stay Healthy & Safe

by Kierstyn Pryor, BlackDoctor.org

Several opportunities present themselves to us at our universities. From internships to jobs and even courses that are a huge deal, there is always something to be involved in. Therefore, traveling abroad is one of those things!

You never know when this opportunity may find you. Whether you are in a club, traveling for a class, or receiving a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it is a huge deal, and you should be prepared for it if you are afforded the opportunity. Here are a few tips for staying healthy, safe, and prepared when traveling abroad.

Research Where You’re Traveling Abroad

The first thing you should do before traveling abroad is research where you will be traveling. This is a new area away from your family and friends and a place that is new to you.

Therefore, you must research what you may need to take with you. Essentials may vary slightly from your home country, so this is the most important step.

You will want to know what health is like at this location, what items you may need, and any documents you may need as well.

Create A Pre-Travel Checklist

Creating a pre-travel checklist is next on your preparation list for traveling abroad. This will help you stay organized and stay on top of what you may need to buy for your upcoming trip. This checklist might include sanitation and hygiene items and even the type of clothing you may need to pack. With that being said, the weather may also be something you should take into consideration and research before traveling.

Health Shots Or Vaccines

Health is very important regardless of where you are in the world. At times traveling can come with health risks. We all know that location changes can lead to sinus problems and more.

Therefore, you must consider taking medication with you and getting any vaccinations that will keep you healthy throughout the duration of your trip and even afterward. Asking a doctor for assistance before you travel would also be very helpful.

Prepare Documents

When traveling out of the country, certain documents are needed to complete your travel. For example, a passport, an ID, and medical records are all necessary documents to travel.

Of course, a passport is needed to travel out of the country, and you will need to get it months in advance if you don’t have one already, as a passport can take a while to come in.

Immunization records are also needed for your travel. These records may include past shot records and more. You can find out what other documents may be needed through more research or from your home doctor.

Phone Plans For Traveling Abroad

Depending on where you travel, you may need to consider a specific phone plan for your vacation. Some locations and countries only allow a certain amount of communication between themselves and other countries.

Also, service could be an issue depending on where you’re traveling to. Therefore, you might have to consider getting a burner phone or a different phone plan that allows you to talk to family in friends back home.

We hope that as you embark on your journey of traveling abroad, you consider each of the things we’ve listed.

Lee Rubin, MD