A member asked:

Please share a tip on some healthy do's and don'ts while traveling.

78 doctors weighed in across 75 answers

Include: Include plenty of physical exercise when making your vacation plans.

Answered 11/19/2014

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Schedule: Schedule a guided walking tour next time you're on vacation. It's great exercise and fun!

Answered 5/12/2016

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Do: Do stay well hydrated, don't forget sun protection.

Answered 7/9/2014

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Do: Do drink safe bottled beverages, don't drink tap water.

Answered 12/2/2015

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Dr. Suzanne Fiala answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Try: Try to change directly to the time change and sleep schedule. Melatonin 3 mg nightly is helpful.

Answered 8/10/2014

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Dr. Suzanne Fiala answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Take: Take your vitamins, drink lots of water, sleep regularly. Avoid close proximity with strangers.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Amy Friedman answered

Specializes in Transplant Surgery

Don't: Don't eat peeled fruit. Wash whole fruit off with bottled water and peel. Inside should be ok to eat.

Answered 7/27/2014

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Stay: Stay hydrated! Drink a lot of non-alcoholic, no-caffeine drinks while you travel—it really helps!

Answered 7/11/2018

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Prior: Prior to international trips, check to see if there are travel advisory warnings (travel.State.Gov).

Answered 9/29/2016

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Travel Tips: Wear a mask while flying to prevent picking up some illness from another traveler.

Answered 4/7/2014

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A: A surgical mask will keep other passengers away from you.

Answered 4/16/2016

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Mosquitoes,: Mosquitoes, ticks and flies can spread disease. Use of repellants and bed nets can decrease risks.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Don't: Don't travel without a list of your medications, and a copy of your medical problem list.

Answered 4/24/2014

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Dr. Wenjay Sung answered

Specializes in Podiatry

Washing: Washing your hands routinely. Soap and water go a long way, especially when traveling!

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

Make: Make sure you have documentation for your prescription drugs, especially narcotics.

Answered 1/30/2014

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Consider: Consider purchasing travel insurance that would allow you to medical transport back to the states.

Answered 5/11/2014

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Take: Take extra medication on your trip in case of delay.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Frequent: Frequent hand washing and avoid people who appear ill. Drink bottled drinks. Avoid buffets.

Answered 11/12/2014

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Sleep: Sleep well before you drive a long distance! don't try new meds!

Answered 4/27/2014

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

You: You don't have to touch everything around you on a plane. Washing hands isn't optional.

Answered 2/23/2015

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Check: Check travel security advisories before planning your trip (civil unrest or political instability).

Answered 4/14/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

When: When checking travel safety ; security - check by region - not just by country.

Answered 2/27/2014

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Ask: Ask your doctor if the antibiotic Cipro (ciprofloxacin) or zithromax is recommended to treat traveler's diarrhea.

Answered 6/24/2014

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Drink: Drink extra water on the airplane. The dry air may dehydrate you.

Answered 6/28/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

African: African sleeping sickness has no vaccine. So when in sub-saharan africa protect from tsetse flies.

Answered 6/24/2013

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Dr. Hashmat Rajput answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Take: Take an adult Aspirin before long drive, bus sitting or plane flight >3 hours to prevent clot.

Answered 6/24/2014

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Make: Make sure you're fully rested before you travel.

Answered 6/8/2014

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A: A few days before you travel, start getting up and going to bed earlier (if you're traveling east).

Answered 5/7/2015

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Experts: Experts advise preparing for a trip 4-6 weeks before you travel, especially if you need vaccines.

Answered 2/12/2014

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Don't: Don't drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth in countries with poor sanitation.

Answered 4/6/2014

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Don't: Don't eat salads, or uncooked fruits and vegetables, unless you washed and peeled them yourself.

Answered 5/1/2014

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Try: Try not to go to areas that are highly infested with biting insects.

Answered 2/6/2014

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Malaria: Malaria mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn, so being indoors during these hours can reduce risk.

Answered 6/3/2014

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Use: Use sunscreen and insect repellent as directed.

Answered 3/7/2014

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Wear: Wear protective gear when doing adventure activities.

Answered 4/11/2014

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Respect: Respect your host country and its people by following local laws and customs.

Answered 6/21/2014

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If: If you do become ill overseas, contact the U.S. Consulate for assistance in obtaining health care.

Answered 9/21/2015

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Upon: Upon arrival, check the local emergency number. Not all communities use 911.

Answered 4/5/2014

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Have: Have a good knowledge of the area you're going to. Make sure your vaccinations are uptodate.

Answered 3/19/2018

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Don't: Don't drink or ear from unreliable sources. Don't get engaged in potentially dangerous activities.

Answered 11/18/2014

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Avoid: Avoid big crowds. Bring hand sanitizers or alcohol pads. Practice good hand washing

Answered 5/8/2016

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Avoid: Avoid ice and tap water to limit the chances on getting an infection that can cause diarrhea/vomitus.

Answered 5/30/2015

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Wear: Wear shoes to cover your feet completely when on soil that might have traces of human/animal waste.

Answered 5/30/2015

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Don't: Don't rent a car in a country with corrupt police, poorly constructed roads, or without insurance.

Answered 6/4/2015

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Dr. Robert Kent answered

Specializes in Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine

During: During long flights/drives, take multiple walks about two hours apart to lower chance of dvts.

Answered 9/15/2013

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

When: When you travel, be sure to take all your dental hygiene gear, but you may need to use bottled water.

Answered 12/10/2013

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Dr. Steven Chmielewski answered

Specializes in Diagnostic Radiology

Bring: Bring twice the amount of prescription meds you'll need on a trip in case you get stranded.

Answered 9/17/2013

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Dr. Steven Chmielewski answered

Specializes in Diagnostic Radiology

Wash: Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Stick with bottled water if you're unsure.

Answered 12/17/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Steven Chmielewski answered

Specializes in Diagnostic Radiology

Do: Do keep well hydrated, it's easy to fall behind on fluids when enthralled with a new place.

Answered 9/18/2013

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Use: Use a camping water filter to purify the tap water in a guest house and you save on bottled water.

Answered 9/20/2013

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When: When driving for long distances, always take breaks to rest and eat.

Answered 9/28/2013

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When: When compared with most other forms of transportation, travel by motorcycle leads to more deaths.

Answered 9/28/2013

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Do: Do not become distracted when driving. This includes reading maps or using mobile devices.

Answered 9/28/2013

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Dr. Mohammed Parvez answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Avoid: Avoid cell phone while driving. Do not put your life at risk of involving in road traffic accident.

Answered 5/1/2014

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Do: Do take bendryl, antibiotic ointment, bandages, an antibiotic, and insect repellent in a travel bag.

Answered 10/1/2013

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Eat: Eat healthy , rest and take your medications if taking any on time.

Answered 11/20/2014

4.8k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Do: Do you need supplemental medical insurance when you are traveling overseas? Ask insurance company.

Answered 10/6/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

NEVER: Never leave your luggage unattended in public places while traveling.

Answered 10/6/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

When: When traveling abroad ensure you know the generic names for all of your medications.

Answered 10/6/2013

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Do stay hydrated , besides coffe or soda, stretch often, and get enough sleep. Try to stick routines.

Answered 11/23/2013

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Try to stay on your normal diet, sleep enough and get some exercise. But don't overdo it.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Bradford Romans answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Hand washing is one way to reduce exposure to germs.

Answered 12/13/2013

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Ignore: Know the risks, stay immunized, avoid questionable water and food, use insect repellents.

Answered 12/17/2013

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

There: There are doctors that specialize in travel medicine. They should be consulted before traveling afar.

Answered 1/3/2014

4.6k views

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Travel: Travel your country ; visit another country once per year. Plan your trip one year in advance.

Answered 1/3/2014

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Ignore: In areas with unsure water remember to use bottled water to brush teeth.

Answered 1/7/2014

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Save: Save 1 dollar per day/person x 1yr. For long weekend trip. For week long trip, save $3/person/day.

Answered 1/11/2014

4.6k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Singing: Singing with kids makes long car trips fun memorable family experiences that will last a lifetime.

Answered 1/28/2014

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Dr. Peter Ihle answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

Ignore: Know what's endemic in the area u will be traveling 2.Visit the travel clinic ; get the proper shots.

Answered 2/5/2014

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Always: Always check if you need to get vaccinations to the area in which you are traveling.

Answered 2/11/2014

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Do: Do be aware of all your surroundings when traveling and dont leave anything unattended.

Answered 2/11/2014

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Ignore: Beware ice. Many travelers wisely avoid local water but forget about the risk of infection from ice.

Answered 1/16/2019

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Dr. William m Simpson answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Ignore: If you're in an area without good sanitation facilities, at least carry hand sanitizer with you!

Answered 1/16/2019

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Dr. Girish Kalva answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Less luggage,eat less.eat hot foods.avoid alcohol while flying/ driving.sleep 6-7 hrs. money/CC safe.

Answered 1/16/2015

3.3k views

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Dr. answered

Ignore: DO wash hands. DON'T eat fruit or salads. DO eat cooked food. DON'T drink tap water. DO boil water.

Answered 11/10/2019

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