Travel healthy, return happy

Arriving at your chosen destination in seemingly perfect health is an ideal that most travellers aspire to. Here are some tips on how to prepare, enjoy and return from your trip in good health.

Research

Healthy travellers are prepared travellers! From visa documentation to immunizations, a little preparation goes a long way when you plan a trip abroad. To get the most out of your time away, be it business or leisure, you owe it to your health to research your destination. If you happen to travel to a malaria-prone destination, make sure to visit your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance, so that you can start the appropriate medication. Some immunizations need to be started four to six weeks before the date of travel. Also, check that all of your routine immunizations are current. If you’re travelling with prescription medication, bring a supply of your medication that will last slightly longer than the duration of your trip in case of a travel delay, and if you wear glasses, bring a spare set. It's also a good idea to keep all of your medications in their original containers.

Develop a checklist

Creating your own healthy travel checklist is time well spent. From hand sanitizer and travel toilet wipes to anti-diarrheal medication, make a list of all necessary items to make your trip hassle-free, and then check them off as you pack.

Here's a sample of items you might want to bring with you:

• Sunscreen or sunblock
• Hand sanitizer
• Motion sickness medication
• Other medicines, such as allergy medication
• Travel-sized first aid kit
• Insect repellant
• Travel candle