An Infectious Disease Doctor's Essential Guide to Staying Healthy Abroad

Your Health Prep Begins Long Before You Board the Plane

Most travelers spend weeks planning their itinerary, booking hotels, and comparing flight prices — but far fewer put the same energy into protecting their health. That's a costly mistake, according to infectious disease specialists who say the groundwork for a healthy trip must be laid well before departure day.

The medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases recommends scheduling a pre-travel doctor's visit four to six weeks before you jet off. That visit should ensure your vaccines are up to date, provide destination-specific health advice, and cover any prescriptions you might need — including medications for malaria, altitude sickness, and antibiotics. As one doctor put it simply: "Healthy travel starts before you leave home."

Experts agree that learning as much as you can about your destination is a critical part of the planning process. "If you're going to a foreign country, make sure to do your research. Find out what infections are common, how they are transmitted and how you can protect yourself," says one board-certified emergency physician. The CDC's travelers' website offers country-specific health advisories, including notices of any outbreaks and recommended vaccinations for the region.

What Actually Gets Travelers Sick — It May Surprise You

Exotic diseases grab headlines, but the reality of travel illness is often more mundane. According to one infectious disease and travel medicine specialist, "The most common sicknesses are not tremendously exotic. They include diarrhea, typhoid and dengue fever." The good news is you can radically cut down your risk of all three by watching what you eat and drink, getting vaccinated, and using a good insect repellent.

But there's a bigger, less-discussed threat. According to WakeMed infectious disease physician Dr. Christopher Ingram, the concerns travelers typically worry about aren't what send most people to the doctor. "The number one thing that goes wrong medically when people travel is the exacerbation of their underlying disease," he says. His observation: "The vacation mindset makes people think normal rules don't apply. But your chronic illness doesn't take a vacation." His advice is simple — pack enough medication, take it consistently, and continue managing your condition just as you would at home.

Simple Habits That Make a Real Difference In Transit

Once you're on the move, hygiene becomes your most powerful tool. Dr. Suraj Saggar, Chief of Infectious Disease at Holy Name Medical Center, puts it bluntly: "Washing your hands is one of the best, if not the best, way of not getting sick when you're traveling. So making sure that you're super vigilant about washing your hands at all times is important." Frequent handwashing helps prevent the spread of germs — wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public places. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

For extra precaution, wipe down your seat and armrest when you board, and wear a face mask during the trip. Pack medications in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag is delayed. Catching flights and keeping up with a packed itinerary often cause significant disruption to your circadian rhythms. "Getting 7–9 hours of sleep is arguably the most important thing you can do to prevent sickness," says one holistic physician.

Don't Ignore Symptoms — and Plan for the Unexpected

Your usual health insurance most likely won't cover you while you're abroad. Consider getting travel health insurance in case you have a medical emergency in another country. That small investment can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a financial catastrophe thousands of miles from home.

If you've been healthy during your trip and feel well when you return home, you likely don't need to see a doctor. But if you've been ill, especially while traveling to areas where disease is a risk, you need to see a doctor. A travel medicine specialist can conduct a comprehensive post-travel evaluation of any illnesses you may have picked up while away, including parasitic infections and other tropical diseases. The more global travel expands, the more essential this kind of preparation becomes — not just for individual travelers, but for the communities they return home to.