Don’t Just Pack Your Bags—Pack Your Health Plan, Too! ✈️🌍
- Jul 12, 2025
- 4 min read
A Honey Health Guide to Staying Well While Exploring the World
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of stamping your passport and stepping into a new country. Whether you're dreaming of wandering the markets of Marrakech, going on safari in Kenya, or savoring street food in Thailand (note: I haven’t been to any of these spots… yet!), travel is one of life’s greatest joys. But something I’ve learned—both from experience and from watching others—is that being prepared health-wise can mean the difference between a total disaster and a minor hiccup.
That’s why I always recommend having a travel health plan in place before boarding your flight. Let’s talk about how to prepare, what to ask your doctor, and how to protect your health so that you can enjoy your adventure with a little more peace of mind.
🛡️ Vaccines: More Than Just a Childhood Thing
Before you travel, especially to parts of Africa, Asia, Central or South America, and even some areas of Eastern Europe, it’s essential to research which vaccines are recommended—or required.
Common travel-related vaccines include:
Yellow Fever – Required for travel to parts of Africa and South America
Typhoid – Especially important if you're traveling to areas with questionable sanitation
Hepatitis A and B – Recommended for many countries
Rabies – If you’ll be in remote areas or working with animals
Japanese Encephalitis – For extended stays in rural parts of Asia
Meningococcal – Especially during Hajj pilgrimages or for some regions in Africa
💡 Honey Note: Don’t guess—get guidance! I always suggest reaching out to Passport Health. They specialize in travel medicine and can walk you through what you’ll need based on your itinerary. They’ll even administer the vaccines and provide documentation required for entry.
💊 Medicine to Travel With – Just in Case
While I hope your travels are smooth sailing, I’ve learned that it’s wise to pack a small arsenal of medications—just in case. The goal isn’t to be your own doctor abroad, but to have what you need to manage symptoms or stabilize yourself until you can seek proper care.
Here are a few smart additions to your travel health kit (to discuss with your healthcare provider):
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic – For travelers’ diarrhea, ear infections, or other sudden bacterial issues
Paxlovid – If you’re at high risk for COVID complications, this can be a game-changer
Anti-nausea medication – Like ondansetron (Zofran)
Sleep aid – For long flights or jet lag (melatonin or prescription options)
Antidiarrheal – Like loperamide (Imodium), but use with care
Allergy meds – In case of new environmental exposures
Wound care – Antiseptic wipes, Band-Aids, and antibiotic ointment
🧳 Honey Tip: I always pack a small bag of “just in case” meds—organized, labeled, and separate from my regular suitcase. You never know when you’ll be grateful for that little blister pack of antibiotics or that antihistamine!
🌍 What If You Get Sick Abroad?
If you need medical attention in another country—go! Your health always comes first. That said, the cost and logistics can be intimidating if you haven’t prepared.
Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, such as:
SafetyWing (great for digital nomads and longer trips)
It’s particularly well-suited for people who:
Travel frequently or live abroad long-term
Work remotely from different countries (aka “digital nomads”)
May not have traditional travel dates, but instead bounce from country to country without returning home often.
🍯 Honey Tip: If you’re planning a more extended trip—or you travel often—SafetyWing might be your best travel buddy. Designed initially with digital nomads in mind (those lucky folks who work remotely while hopping from one dreamy destination to another), it offers flexible, month-to-month coverage that works in most countries around the world. Even if you’re not a full-time wanderer, it’s an excellent option for extended travel or for those who want simple, affordable protection without all the fine print headaches.
InsureMyTrip.com – A comparison site to evaluate options
And if you’re on Medicare—keep in mind that it generally does not cover care outside the U.S., so a supplemental travel policy is essential.
🌼 Honey Reminder: Make a copy of your health insurance card, passport, and any prescriptions you bring. Keep digital copies stored safely online, too.
📝 Before You Go, Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Just like you'd plan your outfits or excursions, a pre-travel consultation with your provider is one of the best things you can do. During your appointment, let them know where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and if you have any chronic conditions that could be impacted. They’ll help you make smart, proactive choices.
Because truly, the worst time to try to figure out how to get your hands on a nausea med, a sleep aid, or a tetanus booster... is when you're already halfway across the globe.
💛 Honey Says: It’s better to be over-prepared and not need a thing than to need something you didn’t pack.
Traveling is one of life’s great joys. And with a little forethought, you can set yourself up for not only a wonderful experience—but a safe and healthy one too. Your passport might get the stamps, but it’s your body that carries you through it all. Take care of it lovingly.
Bon voyage, y’all!
With love and preparation,
Honey
P.S. If you’ve got a trip on the books, don’t forget to check the CDC’s Travel Health Site or schedule a visit with Passport Health. They’re fabulous at helping with customized vaccine recommendations and travel plans.
