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6 expert health tips to help you prepare for summer travel

Provided by: Brandpoint - July 06, 2026
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Are you gearing up for a summer vacation? Whether you're going to a family reunion, setting off on an international adventure or looking forward to a relaxing beach getaway, there is no shortage of tasks to do before you leave for your destination. In between checking the weather, buying last-minute apparel and packing your toiletries, make time to pack for your health, too.

Missing medications and other health issues can disrupt or even delay your trip. But with a little planning, you can keep your trip safe, stress-free and on track. To help families make the most of their vacation while also looking after their health, Dr. Amy Lynn Valentine, district leader for CVS Pharmacy, offers the following expert tips.

Fill your prescriptions early

Imagine arriving at your destination, unpacking and discovering you don't have enough prescription medication to get you through your trip. You can avoid this moment of panic and the hassle that is sure to follow by taking stock of your medicine cabinet, filling your prescriptions early and packing them as soon as possible.

"Managing your medications can be a challenge on a good day, and doing so while traveling can be even more complicated," said Valentine. "When you refill your prescriptions, make sure you have enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extras in case of delays. Keep your medications in your carry-on bag, purse or backpack, never in your checked bag, so you can access them quickly and easily."

If you need help refilling your prescriptions, head to your local CVS Pharmacy. They make it easy to manage, fill and transfer your medications before you leave and even while you're away, so you never miss a dose.

Build a simple travel health kit

If you're traveling with young children and/or older relatives, minor health issues like a scraped knee or persistent headaches can put a damper on your trip. Stay prepared for these and other minor health issues by building a simple travel health kit.

Valentine recommends starting with a few essentials, such as pain relievers, motion sickness medicine, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and first-aid supplies like bandages and antibiotic ointment.

You can also check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) list of recommended items to pack. You may not need all of them, but this list can provide extra guidance.

Check international travel health recommendations early

Traveling internationally? If your summer adventures take you abroad, you'll need a little more preparation than you would for a trip in the U.S.

When you travel to a different part of the world, you're entering a new environment. To help keep you safe and healthy, the CDC recommends international travelers consult with a health care provider at least four to six weeks before a trip. During your consultation, you can discuss destination-specific vaccines or health recommendations. A little planning now can help prevent unexpected health issues later.

Stay up to date with your immunizations

If your destination does call for specific travel vaccines, don't wait until the day before your flight. Schedule your vaccinations at least two weeks before your trip to give your body time to build up protection after getting a vaccine.

According to Valentine, depending on your destination, you may be eligible (or required) to receive vaccinations for one or more of the following:

  • Chikungunya
  • Cholera
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Rabies
  • Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
  • Typhoid

Double-check your health documentation

Valentine recommends that travelers keep physical and digital copies of important health and immunization records while abroad in case of a medical emergency. For example, make sure you have a list of your prescription medications and dosages, health insurance information and proof of vaccinations.

Pro tip: Health records aren't the only documents you should double-check before boarding. Make sure your passport is up to date. If you need a new passport photo, CVS Pharmacy offers fast, convenient passport photo services with photos guaranteed to meet government requirements.

Start your prep for a successful summer vacation

A little bit of planning can go a long way toward helping you stay healthy while you travel, so you can focus on what really matters — enjoying your summer trip with the ones you love. For seamless and convenient travel prep, head to your local CVS or visit CVS.com, where you can find support for your summer trip and beyond. Safe travels!

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