Taking an international trip requires extensive planning. From saving up, to getting a passport and visa, to making the logistical travel arrangements, to packing, to getting the correct form of currency, there is a lot to do before you leave home! You have made sure that you have every last detail accounted for…but have you accounted for your health? Getting the right travel vaccinations and medications for your destination could save you thousands of dollars in unexpected medical costs and countless hours of medical care. And, that doesn’t even include the cost of missing out on an amazing vacation that you’ve planned and saved for.

 

Before you even start planning you’ve saved.  Maybe for years, maybe for your whole life you’ve waited for this opportunity to go to your dream destination, be it India, or South Africa, or Brazil.  To make your dream a reality you’ve lived off of Ramen noodles, passed on eating out and even given up your daily Starbucks.  It’s never easy.

 

Then you started your preparations.  You renewed your passport, obtained a visa and even started a travel blog. But, have you protected your health with travel vaccinations and medications?

 

Diseases that have been eradicated or are uncommon at home can be prevalent abroad. In fact, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, polio, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis are very real concerns for travelers. You should take the same care with your health as you have with all other aspects of your planning; a simple visit to a travel clinic for immunizations for travel before you depart will help you to prevent these diseases and mitigate other health issues abroad. Not only are immunizations for travel inexpensive when compared to the cost of medical care, they are your best guarantee of priceless memories created during your international excursions!

 

But, disease protection isn’t just for during your trip; it’s always invaluable after as well. Thousands of travelers each year return home feeling fine only to become ill within a few days or weeks of their return.  It is important to prevent this through vaccinations and other preventative care.

 

An added benefit of some vaccines is lifelong immunity.  Many vaccinations do not require periodic boosters meaning if you receive them you can take as many trips as you’d like without needing to worry about getting sick.  One vaccine can create peace of mind that lasts a lifetime.

 

Immunizations are just the start since travel consultations can help vacationers, business people and others recognize what they should do and what they should avoid as part of their travels.  Often, individuals are unaware of hidden risks, like cholera in Uganda or dengue fever in Malaysia, things that exist in the country they are traveling to but are not readily known.  A travel clinic consultation can help you learn the best ways to protect yourself.

 

It is highly recommended that travelers visit travel health clinics in order to receive vaccinations and advice.  One example is Passport Health, a company that has more than 250 travel health clinics throughout North America and offers immunizations and advice to travelers venturing to all parts of the world.  Above all, be sure that you are prepared before going out on your dream vacation as the old adage really is true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!