Pack an Ounce of Prevention

More older adults are hitting the road or the skies for trips this year. In a poll of more than 2,000 adults age 50 and over, conducted in March, 2025, 70% were planning a trip, up from 65% in 2024.

If you’re one of them, we’ve rounded up a pre-vacation travel checklist…but not to tell you what kind of shoes are best to walk Portugal’s Camino or the best sunscreen to stay sunburn-free at the Italian Riviera (but sunscreen is important!).  This checklist helps make sure you’ve checked off everything you need to get yourself moving in the best health possible—and with enough medications, immunizations and first aid supplies to stay that way for the trip’s duration.

Vicki Sowards, RN, BSN, a nurse and director of clinical compliance for Passport Health USA, a travel consultation and immunization service, has these conversations all day long. We asked her and other reliable sources what we need to know.

Immunizations

“First is to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date,” Sowards points out. That includes an updated tetanus, she says, as well as making sure your shingles vaccine is up to date. Your flu shot and COVID shot may need updating. “The CDC also recommends an MMR booster if you have no proof of immunity.” (Birth before 1957 is considered proof of immunity.) The CDC also says those who plan to travel internationally should be sure they’re fully immunized against polio.

Check Yourself

Be honest about your state of health, she adds. Are you up for a lot of walking, with the right shoes? Do you honestly feel up to the trip? If you are feeling run down, “the stress of travel could exacerbate your stress,” Sowards says. Schedule a quick check up with your primary doctor to be sure…and maybe a quick trip to the dentist, as well.

A pre-trip checkup is an especially smart idea if you have chronic conditions. Your doctor can check your blood pressure and adjust your anti-hypertensive medications if necessary. The same goes for your blood sugar and adjusting your medications if you have diabetes.

CDC’s Travel Health Information allows you to plug in your destination and see tailored information. The site also has information finding a travel clinic, answers common FAQs and links travelers to the Yelllow Book, with a wealth of information on how to stay safe wherever you are headed.

First Aid Kits

When you’re organizing your medical supplies, keep them in the original container, Sowards says. That’s especially good advice for any controlled substances such as narcotics or stimulants. And if you’re taking cannabis be aware of the laws where you’re going. Here’s an update of where it’s OK. If it’s prescribed for medical reasons, get a doctor’s note. It might not be needed, but it might not hurt. If you use injectable medications, triple check your local and your destination’s policies.

Also assemble (or buy) a travel first aid kit. Her kit would include Motrin, Tylenol, throat lozenges, bandages, insect repellent, cortisone cream, diarrhea remedy, rehydration solution.  Glasses and contacts lens wearers need spares. Hearing aid users need extra batteries.

At Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived, healthy and fit, Sowards offers ideas on how to stay that way. One way: bottled water, if you’re at all unsure. Here are the CDC tips about safe water. Enjoy that street food, but take a look at it—and the line. “Go to the vendor with the longest line,” Sowards  says. The wait may be worth it, insuring the food is fresh, not stale or spoiled.

YOUR TURN

What precautions do you take before you go on a trip?  Share your tips in the comments!

 

 

Kathleen Doheny is a Los Angeles-based independent journalist, specializing in health, behavior, fitness and lifestyle stories. Besides writing for Senior Planet, she reports for WebMD, Medscape, MedCentral and other sites.  She is a mom, mother-in-law and proud and happy Mimi who likes to hike, jog and shop.

 

Photo of Kathy Doheny: Shaun Newton

 

This article offered by Senior Planet and Older Adults Technology Services is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call 911 immediately.