Summer is peak travel season, with millions of Americans heading to beaches, mountains, camps, and cruises. Whether you are planning a weekend road trip or an overseas adventure, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your health and keep your travel plans on track.
“Healthy travel starts before you leave home,” says Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). He recommends scheduling a pre-travel visit with a healthcare professional at least 4-6 weeks before departure (especially if you are traveling out of the country or to a new destination) to ensure vaccinations are up to date, discuss destination-specific health risks, and obtain any medications you may need while traveling.
1. Schedule a Pre-Travel Health Visit
A pre-travel visit can help you prepare for health risks before they become problems. Depending on your destination, planned activities, and health history, your healthcare professional may recommend vaccines or other preventive measures.
Ask about:
- Recommended and required travel vaccines
- Protection against measles, COVID-19, and other vaccine-preventable diseases
- Malaria prevention, if applicable
- Altitude sickness prevention for high-elevation destinations
- Food, water, insect, and other destination-specific health risks
Consider wearing a face mask while traveling or indoors, particularly if you or someone you live with has a medical condition or is at high risk for severe disease.
2. Make Sure You’re Up to Date on Measles Vaccines
While travelers often worry about rare diseases that make headlines, public health experts say measles remains a risk this summer because of ongoing outbreaks. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and can spread easily in airports, airplanes, hotels, tourist attractions, camps, and other crowded settings. Travelers who are not protected are at risk of infection and can unknowingly bring the virus home to their communities.
Before traveling, make sure you and your family are protected against measles. Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide strong protection. Parents of infants and young children should talk with a healthcare professional about any additional precautions that may be needed before travel.
3. Wash Your Hands Often
Handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the restroom. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes and Ticks
Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases that may be more common during summer months and in certain travel destinations. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing when appropriate, and perform tick checks after spending time outdoors. If traveling internationally, learn about any mosquito-borne disease risks at your destination.
5. Practice Food and Water Safety
Foodborne illnesses can quickly ruin a vacation. Wash your hands before eating, choose foods that are properly cooked, keep perishable foods refrigerated, and follow local guidance regarding drinking water safety when traveling internationally.
6. Prepare for Extreme Heat
Many parts of the US and the world are experiencing longer and more intense periods of hot weather. Stay hydrated, take breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Pay special attention to young children, older adults, and others who may be at higher risk of heat-related illness.
7. Pack a Travel Health Kit
A basic travel health kit can help you manage minor illnesses and injuries while away from home. Consider packing prescription medications, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, sunscreen, adhesive bandages, and other supplies you may need based on your destination and planned activities.
A little preparation before you leave can help ensure your summer memories are filled with adventure—not illness.
To review current travel recommendations, healthcare professionals can join the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) for a webinar on Strategies for Protecting Patients Before Travel. Register to view it live on June 24, 2026, or watch the recording.
To join the conversation and get the latest news on infectious diseases:
- Like and follow NFID on social media
- Listen and subscribe to the Infectious IDeas podcast
- Subscribe to receive future NFID Updates
