Healthy Travel – Tips for Your Travel First Aid Kit and Vaccinations
Whether you're on a long-distance trip, city break or beach vacation – when you're on the go, you should also keep your health in mind. Minor ailments or infections occur more frequently while traveling.
What belongs in a travel first aid kit?
A well-stocked travel first aid kit is essential for safe travel. Its exact contents depend on your destination, duration of travel, pre-existing conditions, and planned activities. The basic kit should include the following:
- Pain and fever medication: e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Medication for gastrointestinal issues: electrolyte solutions, anti-diarrheal remedies, possibly probiotics
- Medication for nausea and vomiting: especially for longer trips or boat rides
- Wound and healing agents: disinfectants, bandages, sterile compresses, dressing materials
- Insect repellent: repellents with DEET or icaridin, possibly a mosquito net
- Sun and skin protection: sunscreen (at least SPF 30), lip balm with UV protection
- Allergy medication: antihistamines in tablet or ointment form
- Personal medication: sufficient supply of regularly needed medication, including a doctor's note for prescription drugs
- Thermometer: preferably a digital, contact thermometer
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ointments: e.g., for bruises or sprains
- Hand disinfectant and, if needed, disposable gloves
Relevant Travel Vaccinations by Destination
Depending on your travel destination and individual risk assessment, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended or even required. Ideally, travel health advice should take place 6–8 weeks before departure. The German Foreign Office provides reliable guidance on key travel vaccinations, including:
- Hepatitis A & B (important when traveling to countries with lower hygiene standards)
- Typhoid (for regions with poor sanitation)
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas in Asia)
- Rabies (for close contact with animals or travel to high-risk areas)
- Yellow Fever (e.g., for parts of Africa and South America – often mandatory)
- Meningococcal disease (in certain tropical and subtropical regions)
- Dengue Fever (for extended stays in tropical and subtropical areas, especially Asia and South America)
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) (relevant in parts of Europe)
Important: Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations upon entry (e.g., yellow fever vaccination for several African countries).
Tips for Healthy Habits While Traveling
Even while traveling, simple routines can do a lot for your health. Be sure to stay well hydrated — ideally drinking two to three liters of water or unsweetened tea daily, especially in hot regions. In countries with questionable water quality, drink only bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
Choose freshly prepared foods and stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself. Street food may be tempting, but only consume it if hygiene standards are clearly maintained. Also, eat regular, well-balanced meals to support your immune system. Quality sleep is equally important: try to maintain a stable sleep routine and aim to sleep at night, especially after long flights or when changing time zones.
Hand hygiene is essential. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer — especially before eating or after touching public surfaces. When outdoors, use sunscreen with a high SPF, avoid direct sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a hat. In hot, sunny destinations, this helps prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
A well-planned trip doesn’t start at the airport – it begins with taking care of your health in advance. My recommendation: Put together a personalized travel health kit, stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, and integrate small, healthy routines into your travel days. This way, you not only protect yourself from minor ailments, but also ensure your journey remains a positive experience from start to finish – and that you return home healthy and refreshed.
References
1. Auswärtiges Amt. (o. J.). Reisegesundheit und Impfempfehlungen weltweit. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/reiseundsicherheit/reise-gesundheit
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