Do you like to plan carefully or just "wing it"? 

Regardless of your system, there is a happy medium. When you travel, new experiences, different cultures, or just being far from home can be very stressful and can keep you from getting the most out of your trip. With a little forethought you can keep your adventures from being interrupted or cut short by illness, and more importantly prevent long term consequences.

Make sure you are:

Adequately immunized

Prepared for insects

Protected against malaria

Aware of food and water borne illness

Supplied with sunscreen

Prepared for sexual encounters

Aware of megacity issues

Traveling with Medication

Whatever medication you need, it can take some of the fun out of your trip and even cause serious medical problems if you run out, lose your medication, or take it improperly. To avoid mishaps and have a more relaxed trip consider the following tips:

• Take medications in your carry-on luggage.
• Keep medicine in the original bottle and/or a copy of your prescription identifying the medication is yours.
• Keep a list of your medications along with dosage, instructions and prescriber's phone number separate from the medication in case it needs to be replaced.
• Know the generic names--brand names vary internationally.
• Bring more than enough medicine to last the entire trip.
• Maintain your medication schedule while traveling. Ask for help ahead of time if you are unsure of how to handle time zone changes.
• Use a safe water source when taking medications. If you need to take your medication with food bring a snack for doses in-transit.
• Keep medicines in a cool, dry place if possible.