Initial preparation Plan your trip/holiday carefully:
Prepare a detailed itinerary
Check your health issues:
- general check with your GP (6-8 weeks before departure)
- do you need a letter from your doctor? A letter detailing your medical history and prescribed medications is always helpful.
- what vaccinations, medications will you need?
- dental and optometrical check up.
Arrange for the necessary passport and visas
Research and acquire adequate travel insurance
Ensure the availability of cash (credit cards, traveller’s cheques, etc.)
Consider medical and first aid requirements. ? kits
Will you need a doctor while travelling abroad? See below.
Carrying prescribed medicines
Most travellers carry some form of medication, prescribed or otherwise.
As a rule, all medications should:
- be carried in their original packaging and
- include the name of the traveller to whom the medicines were dispensed.
Never carry unlabelled or loose tablets.
Most problems arise with travellers carrying narcotics, psychotropics and/or retrovirals. Guidelines for those travellers receiving treatment with controlled drugs are available at the International Narcotics Control Board, but each country legislates as it pleases. If in doubt, travellers may:
- discuss with their travel doctor,
- speak directly to the embassy, consulate or high commission, or - make direct contact with the relevant authorities in their destination country.
Travellers with HIV are warned of 'travel bans' imposed by some countries such as Armenia, Brunei, China, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the Russian Federation and the United States. The US ban, effective since 1987, may be soon modified to permit temporary waivers. Contact relevant embassies before travel.
Packing your bags Selecting your luggage
Suitcases with hard casings are preferable for prolonged trips.
Your suitcases should have built-in locks, in preference to ad hoc devices.
Hand-held luggage should also be lockable.
The fewer external pockets and zippers, the better.
Suitcases should have attached wheels and an extendable handle. Preparing your luggage Always pack your own luggage.
Take valuables in hand-held luggage.
Mark each item of luggage with a distinctive colour marker, for easy identification. Caring for your luggage
Never leave your luggage unattended.
Never carry luggage for an unknown companion.
Consider increased security with plastic wrapping or outer plastic bag.
Make sure your insurance covers lost luggage.
Medical assistance while travelling abroad IAMAT is a non-profit international network of doctors who advise and assist travellers with their health needs.
These doctors have agreed to treat IAMAT card-carrying members in need of medical care during their journey at a charge of no more than US $80.00 for an office call, $100.00 for house or hotel call, and $120.00 night or holiday call.
These fees are for the first visit only, and do not include any test, medications, extra services, etc. All additional visits are charged accordingly to the clinics regular fee schedule.
Visit the IAMAT web site and become a member before you travel.
Duty-Free goods
A brief guide to allowances in selected countries is available at the Mediscon Worldwide site.
Ready to go
Prepare a detailed itinerary to be left with a friend or family member.
Check on insurance details. Record policy details and leave copy with friends or family. Do you need emergency evacuation cover?
Check adequacy of cash or credit cards.
Pick up your tickets.
Arrange for the necessary passport and visas
These doctors have agreed to treat IAMAT card-carrying members in need of medical care during their journey at a charge of no more than US $80.00 for an office call, $100.00 for house or hotel call, and $120.00 night or holiday call.