Healthy Travel After 50: A Pre-Trip Checklist From the CDC
A good trip starts before you leave home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a page of travel health advice for older adults, and its steps are simple and sensible. Here is a plain-English checklist based on it.
Four to Six Weeks Before You Go
- Look up your destination on the CDC Travelers’ Health website for vaccine and health information.
- Book a visit with your doctor or a travel health specialist at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave.
- Tell them about your health conditions, all your destinations, where you will stay, how long you will be gone, your planned activities and every medicine you take.
- Ask whether any vaccines are recommended for your trip. The CDC also reminds older adults to stay current on routine shots such as pneumococcal, shingles and the yearly flu vaccine.
Medicines and Records
- Take your medicines as directed before, during and after the trip.
- Pack enough for the whole trip plus extra in case of delays.
- Bring all your medicine from home. The CDC notes counterfeit drugs are common in some countries.
- Carry a copy of your immunization records and a short summary of your medical history, on paper or on your phone.
For airport screening tips, see our guide below on traveling with medications and medical devices.
Insurance and Staying Connected
The CDC advises checking whether your health insurance covers care abroad, since travelers often pay medical costs out of pocket. Regular Medicare generally does not cover care outside the United States, as our guide explains. Ask about trip cancellation, travel health and medical evacuation coverage, especially for remote places. The CDC also suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so you can get travel advisories and your family can reach you in an emergency.
On a Cruise
Illnesses like norovirus, flu and COVID-19 can spread easily on ships. The CDC suggests washing your hands often, especially before eating, after using the restroom and before touching your face. If you feel sick before you sail, consider rescheduling. If you become ill on board, tell the ship’s medical staff.
Safety Note
Go at a pace that feels comfortable, build in rest time, and keep your medicines and documents in your carry-on bag. Learn the local emergency number for where you are going. If you feel unwell after your trip, especially with a fever, see a health care provider and tell them where you traveled.
This article is general information. Talk to your doctor about your own travel health needs.
More on Seniors Tips
- Does Medicare Cover You When You Travel Abroad?
- Airport Security With Medications and Medical Devices: A Calm Guide
- Travel Insurance Basics: What It Covers and Questions to Ask
