• Macalester Study Abroad
• Travel Health
• Harvard Study Travel
• Travel Insurance

11 Steps to Health-wise Travel

1. Learn about your destination - type of accomodations, food and water     preparation, type of geographical areas you'll visit, medical service     available.
2. Visit a travel clinic.
3. Get appropriate immunizations for your destination. Obtain an     International Certificate of Vaccination or Yellow Card and keep it with     your passport. Note that some shots must be taken 8 weeks or more     in advance. Travel clinics are busy and you should plan on a 4-6 week     wait for an appointment, so calling 3 months in advance will ensure     proper timing of vaccination.
4. Have a dental check-up and complete medical examination (especially     if traveling for 3 months or more). Note: if your study abroad program     requires a physical, you may find it to be less expensive if done within     your insurance network. Macalester Health & Wellness Center does not     offer physicalsCheck to make sure what your insurance covers before     deciding where you will have it done.
5. Arrange for an adequate supply of your prescription medication - bring     a copy of your prescription in case you lose your supply.
6. Obtain a medical alert bracelet for medical conditions such as diabetes     or drug allergies.
7. Purchase an extra pair of eye glasses or contact lenses and     sunglasses - bring a copy of your glasses prescription.
8. Obtain a directory of English-speaking physicians, particularly if you     have a chronic health concern. (See IAMAT link at left)
9. Prepare a first-aid travel kit (see list below) especially if traveling     long-term or off the usual tourist routes.
10. Check your health insurance for international coverage.
11. Buy additional health/accident travel insurance. Ensure you're     covered for any current health condition. Travel insurance and     assistance resource information may be found on our travel insurance     web page.

First Aid Kit for Travel
The contents of your first aid kit will depend upon:

     - the countries you plan to visit
     - the length of stay
     - the time of year
     - whether you are traveling alone or with family
     - your accomodation
     - whether you will be in rural or urban areas
     - your present state of health
     - access to medical facilities

    First Aid Items                                    Medications

Absorbent cotton	Antacid
Absorbent gauze	Antihistimines
Tape - hypoallergenic, waterproof	Anti-nausea/motion sickness
Alcohol wipes	Cough medicine
Antiseptic	Decongestant
Bandages, butterfly closures, steri-strips	Anti-diarrheal medication
Burn ointment	Eye wash/saline
Cotton swabs	Throat lozenges
Disinfectant & hand sanitizer gel	Asperin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen
Insect sting emergency kit (if allergic)	Skin-care meds: topical antibiotics, cream to relieve itching, anti-fungal, antiseptic creams
Moleskin for foot blisters	Laxative/fiber
Safety pins, scissors, tweezers	Pain reliever for oral care
Ace wrap bandage
Hot/cold packs
Small flashlights (to look at throat, etc.)
Latex or latex-free gloves
First aid booklet
Thermometer or temp strips

On the preventative side, don't forget sun screen, bug repellent, anti-bacterial soap.

Reducing your risk....
It's true - you may be more likely to be struck by lightening than to have a serious health issue while you are abroad. But the advice you have been given before is even more relevant when you are traveling.

- Personal safety - don't walk alone or give out personal information (e.g.   address, hotel room, etc.) Especially don't leave a bar or gathering with   someone you don't know or have just met. If you will be doing a lot of   traveling, try to have a friend go with you - traveling alone can be risky.

- Safer sex - Sex is NEVER 100% safe, even with the best of precautions.   If you are in an area of the world with a significant HIV or other   sexually transmitted diseases, your best course may be to abstain from   sexual activity. If you anticipate that you will be sexually active,   absolutely use safer sex practices and bring condoms, etc.

- Soap & hot water - These are your friends. Wash your hands in hot   water multiple times during the day. Use an antibacterial soap (e.g.   Dial) whenever possible. If you know you won't be near water, bring a   small bottle of hand disinfectant or wipes. And keep your fingers away   from your face - that action is the culprit, getting germs into your nose,   mouth, eyes.

- Keeping the bed bugs away - These can be picked up in the best of   hotels /residences but if you are traveling on the hostel/cheapest hotel   circuit, you will especially want to take precautions. Examples: bring   your own sheet sack and wash in hot water regularly, keep your   luggage and belongings off the floor.

- Alcohol - Cultures and countries have different norms and laws about   alcohol and drug use and public intoxication. Some students find that   they are of legal drinking age in their host country, or that enforcement   of laws regarding alcohol consumption are relaxed, enabling them to   consume alcohol more frequently and easily. Patterns of abuse might   develop if your consumption of alcohol increases greatly while abroad.   Seek help from program staff and local health services, if necessary.   Take the same precautions you would at home: use the buddy system,   don't walk home alone at night, and don't leave with strangers.   Because alcohol lowers your inhibitions and your ability to think clearly,   use of alcohol increases your risk of accident and injury.