Oftentimes when we travel, we are so caught up with the excitement and stress of travel preparation that we forget about one of the most important thing that should have been on our travel checklist – Good Health.

In the midst of the preparation stress and excitement during travel, your body is also trying to adjust to the new place, food, water, and air in the new environment. These circumstances make it more likely for you to fall sick while you are traveling. Neglect towards your health during travel can cause your travel experience to shift from enjoyable moments to medical emergencies.

Proper planning and preventive measures can ensure that your holiday is hassle-free and illness-free.

1. Vaccination. Make an appointment with your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before travel to discuss immunisation requirements depending on your destination.

2. Endemics. Find out about any endemic (such as malaria) at the destination you are heading to. Speak to your doctor about prophylactic treatment suitable for you. Note that some prophylactic regimes may require you to start treatment weeks before travel and continue the treatment for several weeks even after travel.

3. Traveling with a medical condition? Bring a medical letter from your doctor describing your medical condition and listing all medications. Discuss with your doctor if there is any special precaution you should take for your condition while on travel.

4. Medical Travel Kit. Include sufficient prescription medication (you might be taking) to last the whole trip, other medical supplies you use on a daily basis, and medicines for the common minor ailments of travel such as diarrhoea, constipation, travel sickness etc. These medicines might be hard to find in a foreign country. Find out the airline requirements for bringing on board medicines (e.g. medicines in liquid form), insulin needles and syringes.

5. Gynaecological (female) check ups are recommended prior to travel.

6. Medical insurance. Confirm that your medical insurance covers medical expenses abroad.

7. Safe foods and drinks. While you are traveling, consume foods and drinks that are prepared hygienically and cooked appropriately. Follow a healthy balance diet and drink sufficient water. BP Diagnostic Centre provides Free nutritional consultation.

8. Read up on your chosen destination. Familiarise yourself with the culture, food, weather and details on available health services.

9. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Immobility during long periods of travel by car, coach, train or plane can increase your risk of DVT. If your travel involves immobility for a long time, take breaks by moving around, stretching or walking. You can also buy stockings for DVT protection.

10. Be safe in the sun. Use appropriate sunscreen products, hats, clothing or shades. Avoid exposure to the midday sun where it is the hottest.

So, the next time you travel, pack up some good health!