Two to Four Weeks Ahead

You're almost there. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Travelers' Health: Yellow Book for any new information about the area where you're traveling. During the next few weeks, you need to assemble the health-related papers and equipment that you'll take with you.

Health-related paperwork and identification

If you haven't already done so, make sure that vaccination certification documents are complete and that you have a personal health information summary ready for inclusion with your passport and other identification. If you have a disabling illness or chronic disease, you should wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace. Also, be sure to carry your health insurance policy information with you.

Emergency information

Compile a list of the names, locations and phone numbers of hospitals in the region where you're traveling, in case of emergency. Register with the State Department's travel registration Web site (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/), so the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you will be visiting can contact you in case of an emergency.

First aid kit and other equipment

In addition to carrying a more-than-adequate supply of any prescription medications, you should assemble a traveler's first aid kit. You may not be able to find the products you need at your destination or they may not meet the safety and quality standards we have here, so arrive prepared. A basic kit should include alcohol-based hand wash, medications for diarrhea, muscle soreness, headache and any other anticipated needs, as well as bandages and an anti-bacterial agent (such as Neosporin®). If you're taking the children, don't forget appropriate children's medications. You may want to speak with your pediatrician for recommendations. You may also want to discuss with your doctor any need for antibiotics to treat traveler's diarrhea.

Depending on your destination, you may also need to bring water purification tablets or filters, insect repellents and nets.

Related Articles Eight Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling Upon Returning Home Dealing With Jet Lag Healthy International Travel Two to Three Months Ahead (or as Soon as You Know Your International Destination) Six to Eight Weeks Ahead

External Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers' Health: Yellow Book. Accessed April 16, 2007. U.S. Department of State. Travel Registration. Accessed April 16, 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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