Traveling abroad means planning in advance. Be sure you are able to communicate your needs effectively.

Daily Tips

Here are some tips to stay healthy and well supplied for your journey:

Get your shots. Before you go, make sure any required immunizations are up to date.

Learn the language. If you don’t speak the native tongue, make sure you have a guidebook to help you with basic medical phrases like “I need a doctor” and “I have diabetes.”

Have your papers in order. Keep your doctor’s name and phone number along with your written insulin schedule on you at all times and wear your medical identification.

Drink water. If the water is questionable, drink bottled (and hold the ice in any canned and bottled beverages you order) to avoid diarrhea or more serious illnesses.

Keep a food supply. Make sure you have a stash of nonperishable snacks like peanut butter and crackers, juice boxes, nutrition bars and other foods that keep well.

How low should your sunscreen go?

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08

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