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Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
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Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

May 09, 2025
A woman with a suitcase stands in front of large windows watching a plane takeoff at an airport.

Traveling can be one of life's greatest adventures, but being prepared is crucial, especially when it comes to your health.

Whether journeying to a bustling city abroad or exploring remote wilderness closer to home, prioritizing your health ensures you enjoy a safe and worry-free experience.

At Pomona Valley Health Centers, we’re dedicated to helping you stay healthy and secure on every adventure.

Below, we’ve outlined essential travel health tips to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next trip away from home.

Pre-Travel Health Planning: Your Foundation for a Safe Journey

Preparation is key to successful travel. Taking proactive health measures before you depart can prevent many common travel-related issues for the entire family.

Essential Travel Vaccinations and Immunizations

Certain vaccinations and immunizations might be necessary, or even mandatory, depending on your destination. Standard travel vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Tetanus.

At PVHC, our family medicine specialists can advise you on recommended immunizations based on your travel itinerary and personal health history.

Before you head out, we encourage you to schedule a pre-travel medical consultation early to ensure sufficient time for immunizations

Managing Pre-Existing Health Conditions While Traveling

Traveling with pre-existing health conditions requires special considerations.

Always bring adequate medication supplies and medical documentation and discuss your travel plans with your primary care provider.

Planning your travel safety guide ahead of time ensures chronic conditions remain well-managed during your travels.

Building Your Personalized Travel Health Kit

A well-stocked travel health kit is your first line of defense against minor health problems and emergencies abroad.

Essential Medications for International Travel

Pack prescriptions in their original containers, and always carry extra medication in case of travel delays.

Commonly recommended medications include:

  • Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions.
  • Anti-diarrheal medicines.
  • Antihistamines for allergies.
  • Pain relievers and fever reducers.
  • Motion sickness medication.

First Aid Supplies for Common Travel Emergencies

No travel health kit is complete without basic first aid supplies.

Your travel first aid kit should include:

  • Adhesive bandages and gauze.
  • Antibacterial ointments.
  • Alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Disposable gloves.
  • Thermometer.
  • Tweezers and scissors.

Digital Health Resources and Emergency Contact Information

You should save digital copies of essential health documents, medical histories, and emergency contact information to your mobile device or cloud storage.

Additionally, consider purchasing reliable travel health insurance to cover unforeseen medical expenses abroad.

Staying Safe and Healthy During Your Journey

Maintaining your health on the road involves making informed choices about food, water, and daily safety practices.

Food and Water Safety Strategies

Prevent illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea by:

  • Drinking only bottled, purified, or boiled water.
  • Avoiding ice cubes made with tap water.
  • Eating thoroughly cooked meals and avoiding raw produce if uncertain about hygiene standards.

Preventing Insect-Borne and Environmental Illnesses

Protect yourself from diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus by:

  • Using an insect repellent containing DEET.
  • Wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and pants, especially at dusk and dawn.
  • Sleeping under mosquito nets when necessary.

Travel Safety Beyond Health: Security Considerations

Research your destination to understand local security risks and cultural norms.

Register your trip with your embassy, keep emergency contacts handy, and familiarize yourself with basic safety measures specific to your location.

Handling Health Emergencies Abroad

Knowing how to respond to health emergencies can save lives and minimize risks when visiting a foreign country.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as:

  • Persistent high fever.
  • Intense pain.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Heatstroke signs.

Early intervention often reduces the risk of complications.

Accessing Quality Healthcare Internationally

Identify reliable healthcare facilities in advance. Utilize resources from your travel health insurance provider or international health directories, and ensure you understand how your coverage works abroad.

Post-Travel Health Considerations

Monitor your health after returning home. If you develop symptoms like fever, gastrointestinal issues, or unusual fatigue within weeks of traveling, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Special Travel Health Considerations for Different Travelers

Every traveler has unique health considerations. Here’s what different groups should know.

Family Travel: Keeping Children Safe and Healthy

Traveling with children involves extra preparation.

Pack child-specific medications, familiarize yourself with pediatric care options at your destination, and practice rigorous hygiene routines to protect young immune systems.

Senior Travelers: Addressing Unique Health Needs

Older adults should prioritize comfortable travel, manage chronic conditions meticulously, and stay hydrated.

Carry a complete list of medications, and consider additional precautions based on physical limitations or medical history.

Adventure and Remote Destination Travel

If your travel involves adventure activities or remote destinations, take specialized precautions.

Inform someone of your itinerary, carry satellite communication devices if necessary, and ensure your travel first aid kit is robust enough for wilderness settings.

How Pomona Valley Health Centers Can Support Your Travel Health Needs

Pomona Valley Health Centers is your trusted partner for comprehensive travel health.

Our family medicine and urgent care providers are ready to support you with:

  • Pre-travel medical consultations and personalized advice.
  • Travel vaccinations and immunizations.
  • Management of chronic health conditions before travel.
  • Post-travel medical care and evaluation.

Whether preparing for an international adventure or returning home with health concerns, PVHC offers convenient, compassionate, and comprehensive care to protect your well-being wherever your journeys take you.

Ready to travel confidently? Learn more about our family medicine and urgent care services, or request an appointment today.

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