Summer travel can increase the risk of heat-related illness, insect-borne disease and vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in unfamiliar climates or crowded settings. Understanding common symptoms, prevention steps and how to prepare ahead of time can help travelers protect themselves while they’re away.
As summer travel picks up, healthcare experts are advising travelers to take a more proactive approach to protecting their health — from staying up to date on vaccines to preparing for risks like extreme heat and illness while away. A little preparation before you leave can go a long way in helping your trip go smoothly. Health experts, including the CDC, recommend preparing for your health needs before you travel — from medications to vaccines and other support products.
“Many travelers focus on what to pack, but not always on how to prepare from a health perspective,” said Dr. Amy Lynn Valentine, Pharmacy District Leader at CVS Health. “Taking time before your trip to make sure you have enough of your medications, check local vaccine requirements, and plan for potential risks can help prevent disruptions once you’re away.”
At CVS Pharmacy, we make it easy to get ready for travel with the prescriptions, guidance and services you may need — and if you get sick while you’re away, MinuteClinic offers convenient access to care, including virtual visits and in-person appointments, with services varying by location.
Before you go: plan ahead to avoid disruptions
Preparing ahead of time can help reduce the risk of common issues like heat exhaustion, and vaccine-preventable illness. Health experts, including the CDC, recommend preparing ahead of travel — including making sure you’re up to date on routine vaccines, have enough medication, and understand any destination-specific risks.
- Pack enough medication for your entire trip — plus extra in case of delays. If traveling internationally, check with your destination’s embassy, and embassies of countries that you have layovers in, to ensure your medicines are permitted. Interrupted access to medications is one of the most preventable travel health issues.
- Keep medications easily accessible, especially when flying or taking long car rides.
- Check expiration dates on medications and everyday essentials.
- Know where you can go for support if you need help while traveling, whether that’s a local provider, a nearby CVS Pharmacy, or a MinuteClinic offering in-person visits or virtual care options.
- Close vaccine gaps including routine vaccines and other travel vaccines.
If you have questions, your local CVS pharmacist may be able to help you plan ahead and feel confident you have what you need before you go.
Pack a simple travel health kit
Think of this as your go-to set of items to help handle minor issues before they become bigger disruptions. Many travelers are also choosing travel-size or mini products to save space and simplify their routines on the go. You may need other products as well, so ensure this kit is customized to your needs.
What to consider packing in a travel health kit:
- Pain and fever relievers
- Motion sickness support
- Allergy relief products
- Vitamins or supplements you take regularly
- Sun and bug protection: sunscreen (SPF 30+) and insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- First-aid supplies like bandages and antibiotic ointment
CVS Pharmacy carries travel-size options for many of these items — making it easy to pack light and stay prepared. You can also find on-the-go beauty minis, including trending brands and everyday favorites, offering an easy way to try new products while you travel.
Common summer travel risks: symptoms and what to watch for
Heat exhaustion: symptoms and prevention
Hot weather and increased outdoor activity can raise the risk of heat exhaustion. Common heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache and muscle cramps. If not addressed, it can progress to more serious heat-related illness.
To help prevent heat exhaustion, stay hydrated, take breaks from the sun and wear lightweight clothing. If symptoms develop, move to a cooler environment, drink fluids and rest. Seek medical attention or call 911 (or country’s emergency line if traveling internationally) if medical care is unavailable.
Mosquito and tick bites: symptoms to watch for
Insect bites are another common concern during summer travel, especially in warmer or wooded areas. Using proper prevention methods such as EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can help reduce risk, but it’s also important to know what symptoms to watch for.
Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue or Zika may cause fever, a rash or joint pain. Many tickborne diseases have similar symptoms including fever, aches and pains, and a rash. Lyme disease symptoms can develop days or weeks after a bite and often include a rash and flu-like symptoms.
What healthcare providers want travelers to keep in mind this summer
Summer travel comes with a few common health concerns that are easy to overlook without proper preparation:
- Exposure to infection during travel and large gatherings: Travel, especially through airports or international destinations, can increase exposure to illness.
- Routine and travel-related vaccines: Staying up to date on routine vaccines and checking destination-specific recommendations is one of the most effective ways to help protect your health.
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration risk: High temperatures, sun exposure, and dehydration can quickly lead to heat-related illness if not managed early.
- Medication access and continuity of care: Running out of medication or not having it easily accessible can disrupt treatment and cause avoidable issues while away.
How CVS helps you get travel-ready
CVS Pharmacy helps you prepare for travel from prescription support and select vaccines and services (where available) to travel essentials. With thousands of locations across the country, it’s easy to find a CVS Pharmacy when you need one. And if you need care while you’re away, MinuteClinic offers convenient access to virtual visits or in-person care, so you can spend less time worrying about the “what ifs” and more time enjoying where you are.
Visit your local CVS Pharmacy, check out MinuteClinic.com, or talk to a pharmacist to help make this your best summer trip yet.
