Summer Travel Health Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Whether you're flying overseas, road-tripping with kids, or headed to the beach, summer travel comes with health risks. Crowded spaces, unfamiliar food, heat exposure, and travel stress can all impact your well-being.

Before you go, take a moment to prepare. This guide from BASS Medical Group covers the top travel health tips for a safer, healthier summer vacation.

1. Don’t Bring Illness Home

Travel increases your exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other contagious illnesses—especially in airports, hotels, and tour groups.

Talk to your Primary Care Provider before you travel to:

• Schedule a routine physical or checkup
• Refill essential medications
• Get personalized advice for your destination
• Discuss chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure

Need a travel checkup?
Find a Primary Care Doctor or Request an Appointment

2. Review Your Travel Vaccine Checklist

Some international destinations require or recommend vaccines like:

• Hepatitis A or B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Japanese encephalitis (for specific regions)

Tip: Visit your doctor at least 2–4 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccines to take effect.

What about the COVID-19 vaccine?
The FDA now recommends COVID-19 boosters only for adults at high risk (e.g., seniors or those with chronic illness).
Read our update on the FDA’s COVID vaccine policy

3. Should You Wear a Mask on a Plane?

Thanks to HEPA filters and rapid air circulation, the air on airplanes is lower-risk than you may think. According to the IATA, cabin air is refreshed every 2–3 minutes and flows vertically, reducing transmission of airborne illness.

But what about surfaces?

Tray tables, armrests, and seat pockets may not be sanitized between flights. If you’re immunocompromised or just cautious, wearing a mask or using hand sanitizer can offer extra protection.

4. Watch for Heat Exhaustion in Kids

Hot summer days can be dangerous—especially for children who may not recognize the signs of dehydration or overheating.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive sweating or sudden lack of sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Headache or confusion

Prevention tips:

• Keep water bottles on hand
• Avoid peak sun hours (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors
• Apply sunscreen and wear hats/sunglasses

Travel Safe with BASS Medical Group

Staying healthy while traveling doesn’t require a lot of effort—but it does take preparation. Whether you need travel vaccines, a quick checkup, or guidance for managing a chronic condition on the go, BASS Medical Group is here to help.

Find a Primary Care Provider
Schedule Your Appointment