Summer Trip Safety Tips
Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning your vacation! No matter where you go— beautiful beaches, majestic mountains or scintillating cities—kick off your travel adventure by getting prepared with our summer vacation tips.
Before You Head Out:
- Check your destination for travel restrictions. Even if you’re familiar with the place, there may be new and important regulations you should be aware of.
- Dedicate time to research and planning. Take time during your planning stage to find lodging, restaurants and locally run attractions. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
- Make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist or your regular healthcare provider to get important advice, vaccines, and medicine at least one month before your trip.
- Pack a travel health kit with your prescription and over-the-counter medicines (enough to last your whole trip, plus a little extra), first aid supplies, your health insurance card and more.
- Remember to pack your mask and sanitizer. No matter where you are headed it’s important to clean surfaces and hands as much as possible. Now that TSA allows larger quantities of hand sanitizer on the plane, you’ll be able to protect yourself throughout your travels.
- Don’t get bugged if your vacation plans are taking you to the great outdoors. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray so your trip isn’t ruined by uncomfortable and awful looking bites.
- Enroll in the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get the latest safety updates and help in an emergency.
- Bring your vaccination card if you have one. As destinations reopen to travelers, they may require proof of vaccination for entry.
- Find out if your health insurance covers medical care in other states—many plans don’t!
- Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care in emergencies, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas or other countries.