Travel health advice: Staying healthy when travelling abroad

Good travel health preparation helps you avoid preventable illness, manage destination risks and enjoy your trip with more confidence. This guide explains the key steps to take before and during international travel, including vaccinations, food and water safety, mosquito protection, travel insurance, medical kits and health advice for different environments.

Table of Contents

Travel health quick summary

Travel health starts before departure. Check your destination’s health risks, book vaccination advice early, pack essential medicines and buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad. During your trip, drink safe water, choose food carefully, prevent insect bites, protect your skin and seek medical help quickly if symptoms become serious.

Essential travel health checklist

• Check destination-specific health risks before booking or departure.
• Speak to a GP, pharmacist or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel where possible.
• Review routine vaccinations, travel vaccines and malaria prevention advice.
• Pack prescription medicines in original packaging with copies of prescriptions.
• Buy travel insurance with suitable emergency medical cover.
• Carry a basic first aid kit, hand sanitiser and oral rehydration salts.
• Use insect repellent, sunscreen and safe drinking water practices.
• Save local emergency numbers and embassy or consulate contact details.

Before you travel: research health risks early

Start with your destination, route, activities and personal health needs. A city break in Europe, a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, a safari in East Africa and a trek in the Andes all create different risks. Therefore, your travel health plan should match where you are going, how long you will stay and what you will do.

Check official destination advice before departure. In particular, review vaccination recommendations, malaria risk, disease outbreaks, local healthcare standards and entry rules for yellow fever certificates. Also check whether your medication is legal in the country you plan to visit.

Book a travel health appointment early. Some vaccines need more than one dose, while others take time to build protection. However, last-minute advice still helps if your departure date is close.

What to check before departure

• Required and recommended travel vaccinations
• Malaria tablets or mosquito-bite prevention measures
• Food and water safety risks
• Altitude, heat, cold, pollution or remote travel risks
• Local medical care and emergency numbers
• Travel insurance exclusions and emergency assistance numbers
• Rules for carrying prescription medicines across borders

Travel vaccinations

Travel vaccinations protect you against diseases that may occur at your destination. Some vaccines protect against food and waterborne infections, while others protect against insect-borne diseases, animal-bite infections or diseases spread through close contact.

Before you travel, check that your routine vaccinations are up to date. These may include measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and seasonal flu. In addition, your destination may require or recommend vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, hepatitis B or hepatitis C

Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk. As a result, you should confirm the latest entry requirements before travelling, especially if your route includes more than one country.

Recommended article: World vaccination chart

Common travel vaccines

Food and water safety abroad

Food and water safety is one of the most important parts of travel health. Contaminated food and drink can cause traveller’s diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and other infections. However, simple habits can reduce your risk significantly.

Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot. Also, eat fruit that you can peel yourself and avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood and eggs in higher-risk settings. Street food can be safe when vendors cook food thoroughly in front of you, but avoid food that has been sitting uncovered for a long time.

Drinking water safety varies widely. In some destinations, tap water is safe. In others, you should use sealed bottled water, boiled water, filtered water or treated water. In addition, use safe water for brushing your teeth if local tap water is not suitable for drinking.

Recommended article: Diseases and parasites spread through ingestion

Safer food and drink choices

• Eat food that is cooked thoroughly and served hot.
• Choose busy food stalls with high turnover.
• Peel fruit yourself where food hygiene is uncertain.
• Avoid unpasteurised dairy products unless you know they are safe.
• Use sealed bottled water or treated water in higher-risk areas.
• Avoid ice unless you know it came from safe water.
• Wash your hands before eating or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Traveller’s diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most common illnesses abroad. Most cases improve with fluids, rest and oral rehydration salts. However, seek medical help if you have blood in your stool, a high fever, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting or symptoms that last more than a few days.

Recommended article: Preventing stomach problems when travelling abroad

Mosquito and insect protection

Mosquitoes and other insects can spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and leishmaniasis. Therefore, bite prevention matters even when you have had recommended vaccinations or malaria tablets.

Use insect repellent on exposed skin, especially during peak biting times. Also, wear long sleeves, long trousers and closed shoes in areas with high insect activity. In rural, jungle or tropical regions, sleep in screened rooms, use air conditioning where available or sleep under a mosquito net.

How to reduce insect bites

• Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin.
• Reapply repellent after swimming, sweating or washing.
• Wear long, loose clothing at dawn, dusk and night.
• Choose accommodation with window screens or air conditioning.
• Sleep under a mosquito net where recommended.
• Avoid stagnant water near accommodation where possible.

Malaria

Malaria risk depends on destination, season, altitude and itinerary. If you visit a malaria-risk area, a travel health professional may recommend malaria tablets alongside bite prevention. Because malaria can become serious quickly, seek urgent medical advice if you develop fever during or after travel to a risk area.

Recommended article: Health guide to Malaria: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Dengue fever

Dengue occurs in many tropical and subtropical areas. Unlike malaria, dengue mosquitoes often bite during the day. As a result, you should use insect repellent from morning to evening in areas with dengue risk.

Recommended article: Health guide to dengue fever: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Ticks and other biting insects

Ticks can spread infections in forests, grassland and rural areas. After hiking or camping, check your skin and clothing carefully. In addition, remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and monitor the bite site for a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect travellers anywhere in the world. To reduce your risk, practise safer sex by using condoms, avoid sharing needles and seek medical advice if you think you have been exposed to an infection. In addition, remember that alcohol and drugs can affect judgement and increase risky behaviour. If you develop symptoms such as unusual discharge, sores, pain when urinating or a rash during or after your trip, arrange a medical check-up as soon as possible.

Recommended article: Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Health risks by travel environment

Different travel styles create different health risks. A strong pillar page should help travellers quickly understand the main risks for cities, treks, jungles, deserts, beaches, cruises and cold-weather destinations.

Staying healthy in cities

City travel often involves crowds, public transport, air pollution, late nights and frequent restaurant meals. Therefore, prioritise hand hygiene, safe food choices, hydration and rest. If pollution is high, walk through parks or quieter streets where possible and reduce heavy outdoor exercise during poor air-quality periods.

Also, protect yourself from theft and injury. Use safe transport at night, keep emergency contacts accessible and know where to find medical help near your accommodation.

Staying healthy when trekking abroad

Trekking requires preparation, pacing and suitable equipment. Wear broken-in footwear, carry enough water and pack energy-rich snacks. In addition, check weather, route difficulty, altitude and rescue options before setting off.

Altitude sickness can affect travellers at high elevation, even if they are fit. Ascend gradually, rest if symptoms appear and seek urgent help for severe headache, confusion, breathlessness at rest or loss of coordination.

Staying healthy in jungles and rainforests

Jungle travel increases exposure to insects, humidity, heat, muddy terrain, wildlife and untreated water sources. As a result, you should use insect protection consistently, keep cuts clean and dry, and drink purified water. Also, wear long clothing and sturdy footwear to reduce bites, scratches and leech exposure.

Staying healthy in deserts

Desert travel demands careful hydration and sun protection. Drink regularly, cover your skin, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid heavy exertion during the hottest part of the day. However, desert nights can become cold, so pack layers if you will camp or travel after sunset.

Staying healthy at the beach

Beach destinations bring sun, heat, water and marine risks. Use sunscreen, avoid midday sun where possible and swim only where conditions are safe. In addition, watch for strong currents, jellyfish warnings, coral cuts and dehydration after alcohol or long sun exposure.

Staying healthy in cold climates

Cold-weather travel can cause hypothermia, frostbite and slips on ice. Wear warm layers, keep hands and feet dry, and protect exposed skin in freezing conditions. Also, take extra care during winter driving or remote outdoor activities.

Cruise health

Cruises can involve close contact with many travellers, buffet dining and changing climates. Therefore, wash your hands frequently, report vomiting or diarrhoea quickly and follow ship health guidance. Also, check whether your travel insurance covers cruise travel and medical evacuation.

Prescription medicines and existing health conditions

If you take regular medication, plan carefully before travelling. Carry enough medicine for the whole trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medicine in original packaging, and take a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter where appropriate.

Some countries restrict common medicines, including strong painkillers, ADHD medication, sleeping tablets and some anxiety medicines. Therefore, check rules before you travel and contact the destination’s embassy if you need confirmation.

Travelling with a medical condition

People with diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, allergies, immune conditions or pregnancy may need tailored travel health advice. In addition, they may need extra documentation, supplies, specialist insurance or a plan for accessing medical care abroad.

Medical documents to carry

• Travel insurance policy and emergency assistance number
• Copies of prescriptions
• Doctor’s letter for controlled or injectable medicines
• Allergy information
• Blood group, emergency contact and medical condition summary
• Vaccination record or yellow fever certificate where required

What to pack in a travel health kit

A basic travel health kit helps you manage minor problems without searching for supplies in an unfamiliar place. However, your kit should match your destination, activities and personal health needs.

Basic travel health kit checklist

• Plasters, dressings and blister pads
• Antiseptic wipes or wound cleanser
• Pain relief suitable for you
• Oral rehydration salts
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine where appropriate
• Antihistamines for mild allergic reactions
• Insect repellent and bite relief
• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
• Hand sanitiser
• Water purification tablets or filter for remote travel
• Any personal prescription medicines

For remote trips, treks or long journeys, consider adding sterile dressings, a thermometer, tweezers, safety pins, gloves and any medicines recommended by a travel health professional.

Staying healthy on flights and long journeys

Long journeys can cause dehydration, stiffness, disrupted sleep and jet lag. In addition, sitting still for long periods can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis for some travellers.

During long flights, drink water regularly, limit alcohol, walk when safe and do simple leg exercises in your seat. Also, consider compression socks if a healthcare professional recommends them, especially if you have risk factors for blood clots.

Jet lag

Jet lag can affect sleep, concentration, digestion and mood. To reduce the impact, adjust gradually to local time, get daylight exposure after arrival and avoid long naps late in the day. However, allow recovery time after crossing several time zones.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that can develop after long periods of sitting still, such as on long-haul flights or extended coach and train journeys. To help reduce your risk, stay hydrated, move around regularly, stretch your legs while seated and avoid sitting in the same position for too long. If you have risk factors such as previous blood clots, recent surgery or pregnancy, speak to your doctor before travelling. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop leg swelling, pain, chest pain or sudden shortness of breath during or after your trip.

Recommended article: Health guide to Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Motion sickness

Motion sickness can occur on planes, boats, buses and winding roads. Sit where movement feels least intense, look at the horizon where possible and avoid heavy meals before travel. If you often get motion sickness, ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable prevention.

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Travel medical insurance

Travel medical insurance protects you from potentially high costs if you need treatment abroad. It can also cover emergency assistance, hospital care, repatriation and medical evacuation, depending on the policy.

Choose cover that matches your trip. For example, trekking, skiing, diving, cruises, long-term backpacking and working abroad may need specialist cover. In addition, declare pre-existing medical conditions accurately, because undeclared conditions can affect claims.

Check these policy details

• Emergency medical treatment limit
• Medical evacuation and repatriation cover
• Cover for pre-existing medical conditions
• Adventure activity exclusions
• Alcohol and drug exclusions
• Trip length and destination restrictions
• Emergency assistance contact process

What to do if you get sick abroad

If you become unwell overseas, act early. Mild symptoms may improve with rest, fluids and basic medicines. However, serious symptoms need medical help quickly, especially in remote areas or destinations with limited healthcare access.

Seek medical help urgently for

• Fever after visiting a malaria-risk area
• Blood in stool or severe diarrhoea
• Signs of dehydration
• Chest pain, severe breathlessness or confusion
• Animal bites or scratches
• Severe allergic reaction
• Head injury or serious accident
• Severe altitude sickness symptoms

Contact your travel insurer as soon as possible if you need hospital care. Also, contact your embassy or consulate if you need emergency support, replacement documents or help after a serious incident.

Destination health advice

Africa

Asia

Caribbean

Central America

Europe

Middle East

North America

Oceania

South America

Official travel health resources

Use official sources alongside anothertravel.com’s practical travel guides. TravelHealthPro country pages can help with pre-travel preparation. In addition, the World Health Organization and CDC provide international travel health information, outbreak updates and disease-specific guidance.

Travel health rules can change, especially during outbreaks. Therefore, check official advice before departure and again shortly before you travel.

FAQs: About travel health advice

Summary

Healthy travel comes from preparation, awareness and quick action when something feels wrong. Before you go, check destination health advice, review vaccinations, arrange insurance and pack essential medicines. Then, during your trip, stay hydrated, eat carefully, prevent insect bites, protect your skin and seek medical help early if symptoms become serious.

Next, explore the health section for detailed guides on travel vaccinations, country-specific health advice, mosquito-borne diseases, food and water safety, DVT, travel medical insurance and common travel illnesses.