Before you go
Seeing your doctor, talking about vaccinations, putting together a first-aid kit and gathering your paperwork are all easier to do early. A detailed plan, using a long flight as the example, is in Prevention.
health on the road: a guide to feeling well while you travel
Anna Med — a “health on the road” guide
A trip changes everything about your usual day at once: different air, a different time zone, different food and long hours in a seat. In plain, calm language, we explain how to prepare for the journey, how to look after yourself along the way, and what to do if you do end up feeling unwell.
The most useful part of any trip, health-wise, happens at home: an unhurried conversation with your doctor and packing without a rush.
Where to start
On the way
Motion sickness, stiff legs, dry cabin air and a disrupted sleep schedule. Simple habits that help while you travel are covered in Methods.
Heat, cold, altitude
An unfamiliar climate takes time to get used to. What sun, freezing weather and mountains ask of your body is explained in Topics.
If you get sick
What to bring when you see a doctor in an unfamiliar city, and when not to wait but call emergency services right away — see Questions.
Guide sections
- Topics
Motion sickness, time-zone changes, heat, cold, altitude and long flights, grouped by topic. Plus our article catalogue.
- Prevention
How to prepare for a long flight: what to do ahead of time, how to look after yourself in the cabin and how to recover after landing.
- Methods
Simple non-medication habits for the road: moving, water, sleep and light, dressing for the weather, clean hands and care with food.
- Research
How to read news about travelers' health and tell real science apart from a sales pitch.
- Questions
What to ask your doctor before a trip, when you live with a chronic condition, or before traveling with kids or older relatives.
- Glossary
Travel health terms in plain English, from motion sickness and jet lag to travel medical insurance and vaccination.
- Sources
What this guide is based on, what it does not do, and how to use it when you travel.
Before your trip: five steps
Book a doctor's visit early
It's best to do this several weeks before you leave, not the day before. Tell your doctor where you're going and for how long, how you'll get there and what you plan to do once you arrive.
Ask about vaccinations
Whether you need any for your route is for your doctor to decide, taking into account the country, the season, your age and your health. Some vaccinations have to be given well in advance, so don't put off the conversation.
Plan your first-aid kit with your doctor
We don't name any medicines: what goes into your travel first-aid kit is decided by your doctor, based on your health. Bring extra of any medicines you take regularly and keep them in your carry-on.
Think about travel insurance
For many trips abroad, travel medical insurance is a good idea, and sometimes it's required. Read what it covers, and save your insurer's contact details on your phone and on paper.
Write down emergency numbers
In Russia and the European Union, the single emergency number is 112; in Russia, you can also call an ambulance on 103. For other countries, look up the local number before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Are you a clinic or a doctor?
No. Anna Med is an independent guide. We don't see patients, give consultations or make diagnoses. If you have symptoms, see a doctor, and in a life-threatening emergency call 112 (or your local emergency number).
What should I pack in my first-aid kit?
Your doctor decides what goes in it, because they know your health and what you already take. We don't name medicines or how to take them; in Topics we only list categories worth asking about at your appointment.
How can I deal with motion sickness?
Simple things help many people: a seat near the middle or the front of the vehicle, keeping your eyes on the horizon, fresh air and a light meal before the trip. If motion sickness is severe or keeps you from traveling, talk to your doctor.
Who do I call when I'm abroad?
In European Union countries, the number is 112. Other countries have their own numbers, so write down the local emergency number and your insurer's phone number before you leave.
About us
This domain used to belong to a different website, and for a while afterward it hosted unrelated spam pages. None of that material remains; we don't reproduce it and have nothing to do with it. The name simply came with the domain.
Today Anna Med is an independent guide to staying well while traveling. We base our content on general WHO advice for travelers and guidance from the Russian Ministry of Health, we don't promote clinics, pharmacies or insurance companies, and we always recommend talking your trip over with your doctor.
Related reading
- Topics
Motion sickness, time-zone changes, heat, cold, altitude and long flights, grouped by topic. Plus our article catalogue.
- Prevention
How to prepare for a long flight: what to do ahead of time, how to look after yourself in the cabin and how to recover after landing.
- Methods
Simple non-medication habits for the road: moving, water, sleep and light, dressing for the weather, clean hands and care with food.
- Questions
What to ask your doctor before a trip, when you live with a chronic condition, or before traveling with kids or older relatives.
Sources
- WHO — travel health advice
- Russian Ministry of Health — general health guidance
This guide summarizes general information about staying well while traveling as of the date it was prepared. Advice for travelers is updated from time to time, and what is right for you personally is something to decide together with your doctor.