Prepare for your destination
Find out which health precautions apply, where medical help is available and what you should pack for the conditions you expect.
VIEW THE PREPARATION CHECKLIST →
The Responsible Traveller · Health & Wellbeing
Travel well. Feel better. Explore with confidence.
Good travel experiences begin before departure. Learn how to prepare for unfamiliar climates, protect your health, manage long journeys, make safer food and water choices, and recognise when you need help while away from home.
Whether you are planning a weekend break, an international holiday, a business trip or an extended adventure, this guide helps you make informed decisions that support your wellbeing throughout the journey.
General educational information. Individual health needs vary, and destination-specific advice should be checked before departure.
A little preparation can make a significant difference to how you feel on the road.
01
Prepare before departure
Review health advice, medication needs, insurance and emergency contacts.
02
Protect your daily wellbeing
Stay hydrated, rest when needed and take sensible food and water precautions.
03
Know when to get help
Recognise serious symptoms and know how to contact local emergency services.
A better way to travel
Your wellbeing belongs in the itinerary.
Start with what your trip requires.
A mountain trek, a tropical holiday, a long-haul flight and a city break create different demands. Consider your destination, activities, duration, existing health needs and access to medical care.
Travel exposes you to new environments, different routines and conditions you may not encounter at home. Changes in climate, sleep patterns, meal times, activity levels and access to familiar services can all affect how you feel.
Responsible travel health is not about avoiding every possible risk. It is about identifying the risks that matter to your journey, preparing for them sensibly and knowing what to do if circumstances change.
Begin by checking official health guidance for your destination. Depending on where you are going, this may include advice about vaccinations, mosquito-borne illnesses, altitude, extreme heat, local disease outbreaks and access to healthcare.
If you have a chronic condition, take prescription medication, are pregnant, are travelling with children, or have specific accessibility needs, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before departure.
Your practical travel guide
Six essentials for healthier travel
Use these practical starting points to prepare for common travel situations. The right precautions depend on your destination, personal circumstances and planned activities.
Stay comfortable in transit
Learn practical ways to manage long journeys, disrupted sleep, motion discomfort and extended periods of sitting.
READ THE TRANSIT GUIDANCE →
Food, water and hygiene
Understand sensible food and drinking-water precautions, hand hygiene and what to do if you develop symptoms during a trip.
EXPLORE EVERYDAY PRECAUTIONS →
Rest and mental wellbeing
Plan for sleep changes, travel stress, fatigue, unfamiliar surroundings and the need to maintain a manageable pace.
SUPPORT YOUR WELLBEING →
Medication and personal needs
Prepare your medicines, relevant medical information and a practical plan for accessing healthcare while away from home.
REVIEW MEDICATION PREPARATION →
Illness and emergency planning
Know which symptoms require urgent attention, how to find local medical services and how to contact someone for help.
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS →
Before you leave
Your pre-travel health checklist
Complete these checks early enough to deal with unexpected requirements. Some health precautions need advance planning, so do not leave everything until the day before departure.
Health and medical preparation
- Check official destination advice Look for current disease notices, environmental risks and health recommendations.
- Arrange professional advice if needed Discuss vaccinations, preventive medicines and personal risks with a qualified provider.
- Prepare prescription medicines Plan an adequate supply and check the destination's rules for carrying each medicine.
- Review your health coverage Understand what your travel insurance covers, including exclusions and emergency arrangements.
- Record important medical information Keep relevant allergies, conditions, prescriptions and emergency contacts accessible.
Practical travel preparation
- Pack a suitable personal health kit Include appropriate everyday supplies and any items recommended for your destination.
- Identify local medical services Know how to locate a clinic, hospital, pharmacy or emergency service where you will stay.
- Check climate and activity demands Prepare for heat, cold, altitude, humidity, walking distances or strenuous excursions.
- Plan for hydration and rest Consider the length of the journey, likely sleep disruption and access to drinking water.
- Share your itinerary appropriately Ensure a trusted person knows how to reach you and where to find relevant emergency details.
Your checklist should be tailored to your health needs and destination. Do not start, stop or change prescription medication based solely on a general travel article.
Airports, trains and road journeys
How to stay comfortable during long journeys
Long-distance travel can disrupt sleep, meal times, movement and hydration. A few sensible habits can help make the journey more manageable.
- Move when it is safe to do so On long journeys, change position and move your legs regularly. When safe and practical, stand or walk periodically. Travellers with an elevated risk of blood clots should seek individual medical advice.
- Drink fluids regularly Drink water according to your needs and the conditions. Avoid relying on thirst alone in situations where heat, exertion or illness may increase your fluid needs.
- Make rest part of the plan Allow time to sleep and recover, particularly after overnight journeys, major time-zone changes or demanding travel days.
- Manage motion discomfort carefully If you experience motion sickness, ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about appropriate options, especially if you take other medicines or have underlying conditions.
- Keep essential items accessible Carry necessary medication, relevant medical information, drinking water where permitted and important contact details in an accessible place.
Everyday protection
Food, drinking water and personal hygiene
Exploring local cuisine is part of the pleasure of travel. However, food and water safety can vary by destination, supplier and local conditions. Use current destination guidance rather than assuming that the same precautions apply everywhere.
- Choose food handled safely Prefer food that is freshly prepared and served at an appropriate temperature.
- Check local drinking-water advice Where tap water is not considered safe, follow official guidance on sealed, treated or otherwise safe water.
- Wash your hands Use soap and safe water when available, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Take care with raw foods Understand destination-specific advice about raw seafood, unwashed produce and foods that require refrigeration.
- Act promptly if you become unwell Seek appropriate advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by warning signs.
Physical and mental wellbeing
Enjoy the journey without exhausting yourself
A full itinerary can look exciting on paper and still leave you exhausted in practice. A more sustainable trip allows room for rest, flexibility and the occasional change of plan.
Protect your sleep
Allow time to adjust after overnight journeys or crossing time zones. A realistic first-day schedule may help you recover before more demanding activities.
Keep your routine manageable
Make time for meals, movement, rest and any personal health routines that help you feel well. Avoid planning every hour without allowing for delays or recovery.
Respond to stress early
Unfamiliar places, crowded transport and changing plans can be stressful. Pause, seek reliable information and contact someone you trust if you need support.
If travel-related anxiety, low mood or other mental health symptoms become intense or interfere with your ability to function, consider contacting a qualified healthcare professional. If you are in immediate danger or may harm yourself, contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service.
Personal medical needs
Travelling with medicines or an existing condition
Travellers who rely on regular medication or ongoing care should plan for continuity before leaving home. Do not assume that a familiar medicine, brand or medical service will be available in the same form at the destination.
- Check medicine restrictions Confirm the destination's official rules for every medicine you intend to carry, including controlled medicines.
- Keep medicines appropriately labelled Retain original packaging where possible and carry prescriptions or supporting documentation when appropriate.
- Plan for delays Discuss an appropriate supply and contingency plan with your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Check storage requirements Ask how temperature, light or other conditions may affect medicines that need special storage.
- Prepare accessible medical information Keep essential details about your condition, allergies and treatment available in a form you can access during an emergency.
Requirements differ between countries and medicines. Verify current rules with the relevant official authorities before departure.
When plans change
When should a traveller seek medical help?
Not every travel illness is an emergency, but some symptoms should never be ignored. Your destination may have different emergency numbers, healthcare arrangements and access to treatment than you are used to at home.
Recognise emergency warning signs
Seek emergency medical assistance immediately for symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, persistent or severe chest pain, sudden confusion, fainting with ongoing symptoms, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, a severe allergic reaction, or a serious injury. Do not delay emergency care to continue reading this guide.
Severe dehydration, a high or persistent fever, worsening abdominal pain, or illness after visiting a region with a serious infectious disease risk also warrants prompt medical assessment. The urgency depends on the symptoms and the person's circumstances.
What to do if you become ill
- Assess the urgency For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, contact local emergency services immediately.
- Find appropriate medical care Ask your accommodation, insurer or an official local health service for help locating suitable care.
- Share relevant medical details Explain your symptoms, existing conditions, medicines, allergies and recent travel history.
- Contact your insurer when practical Follow your policy's emergency procedures, but never delay urgent care while seeking approval.
Prepare emergency information in advance
- Local emergency number Confirm the correct number for the country or territory you are visiting.
- Nearest suitable medical facility Identify realistic options near your accommodation or planned activities.
- Travel insurance assistance details Save your insurer's emergency contact information and policy reference securely.
- Trusted contact Keep a way to reach someone who can assist with communication and practical arrangements.
Learn before you leave
Common travel health mistakes and how to avoid them
Small oversights can become inconvenient when you are far from familiar services. These are common planning mistakes worth avoiding.
1. Waiting until the last minute
Some destination-specific precautions require advance planning. Check official advice early and arrange professional guidance when necessary.
2. Assuming tap water is safe everywhere
Drinking-water standards and local conditions differ. Check reliable destination guidance and follow the recommended precautions.
3. Forgetting essential medication
Check your supply, storage needs and destination restrictions before travelling. Do not assume replacements will be easy to obtain.
4. Ignoring fatigue and dehydration
A demanding itinerary can leave little room for recovery. Schedule breaks and respond to your body's needs.
5. Relying on outdated health advice
Disease outbreaks, entry health requirements and local conditions can change. Recheck official sources close to departure.
6. Not knowing how to get help
Find out how local emergency services work and how to contact your insurer or a suitable medical provider before you need assistance.
Health depends on where you go
Research your destination, not just your itinerary.
Health considerations can differ significantly between destinations. Climate, altitude, local disease risks, available medical facilities, transport and planned activities should all inform your preparation.
Use official destination-specific information and review it again shortly before travelling. If your plans include remote areas or strenuous activities, consider how you would access help if needed.
The complete travel picture
Health is one part of travelling responsibly
A good trip depends on more than personal wellbeing. Understanding local procedures, respecting communities, protecting natural places and planning for unexpected events all contribute to a more informed travel experience.
Pillar guide 01
Before You Travel
Prepare your documents, organise essential arrangements, research your destination and create a practical pre-departure checklist.
READ THE GUIDE →
Pillar guide 02
Airport Procedures, Delays & Disruptions
Understand airport processes, prepare for unexpected delays and learn practical steps for handling travel disruption.
READ THE GUIDE →
Pillar guide 03
Travel Safety, Scams & Emergencies
Learn to recognise common travel risks, protect your belongings and prepare for emergencies away from home.
READ THE GUIDE →
Pillar guide 04
Responsible Travel, Local Laws & Etiquette
Understand local expectations, respect cultural differences and make more informed choices around communities and protected places.
READ THE GUIDE →
Common traveller questions
Travel health and wellbeing FAQs
Straightforward answers to common preparation questions. Always check current advice relevant to your destination and personal needs.
How should I prepare my health before travelling abroad?
Research your destination's health risks, arrange a pre-travel consultation when appropriate, review vaccination advice, organise medicines and insurance, and identify how to access medical assistance at your destination. Start early because some preparations may take time.
What should I pack in a travel health kit?
Consider your personal medicines, basic first-aid supplies, any destination-recommended protective items and relevant medical information. The appropriate contents depend on your health, activities, trip duration and access to local services. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional for individual advice.
How can I reduce the risk of becoming ill while travelling?
Follow destination-specific health advice, practise good hand hygiene, take appropriate food and water precautions, protect yourself from relevant environmental and insect-related risks, rest adequately and seek advice promptly if concerning symptoms develop.
How can I manage fatigue during a long journey?
Allow enough time for sleep, drink fluids regularly, move periodically when safe, eat according to your needs and avoid scheduling demanding activities immediately after a tiring journey. Seek medical advice if fatigue is unusual, severe or persistent.
Can I travel if I have an existing medical condition?
Many people travel with ongoing medical conditions, but the suitability of a particular trip depends on the condition, its stability, the activities planned and the healthcare available at the destination. Discuss your itinerary and contingency plans with your treating healthcare professional.
What should I do if I become seriously ill in another country?
Contact the local emergency service immediately if symptoms are severe or life-threatening. For other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical assessment as soon as possible. Share relevant medical information and contact your insurer when practical, without delaying urgent treatment.
Where can I find reliable health advice for a specific destination?
Start with official public-health agencies and government travel-advice services. The CDC, WHO and TravelHealthPro provide destination-related health information. Check when information was updated and consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.
Does travel insurance cover every medical emergency?
No. Coverage depends on the policy, exclusions, declared medical conditions, activities and circumstances of the incident. Read the policy carefully, check emergency assistance procedures and confirm whether your planned activities are covered.
Continue your research
Reliable travel health resources
Health advice and destination risks can change. These established resources are useful starting points for checking official recommendations and current information.
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World Health Organization: Travel and Health
General travel-health information and public-health guidance. -
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Travelers' Health
Destination health notices, travel preparation and health recommendations. -
TravelHealthPro
Travel-health information and country-specific guidance. -
UK Government Foreign Travel Advice
Country-specific advice, including local conditions and emergency information.
Best Guide House provides general educational information, not individual medical diagnosis or treatment. External recommendations may change. Confirm current information with the relevant authority and seek professional medical advice for personal health decisions.
Travel with greater confidence
Prepare well. Look after yourself. Make room for discovery.
A thoughtful travel plan considers your health, your destination, the people you meet and the unexpected situations that may arise. Use reliable information to make decisions that support a better journey.
Start with the pre-travel guide
